The Evaluation of Lameness on 3 Dairy Units in Gloucestershire using the StepMetrix Automated Lameness Detection & Management System

The BouMatic’s StepMetrix Automated Lameness Detection and Management System (SALDMS) have been installed at three dairy farms in UK. The goal is to ascertain if by only utilising the StepMetrix Reports, the prevalence of lameness can be reduced with its associated financial benefits and to determine if SALDMS picks up lame cows earlier than traditional visual assessments.
All the units operate varying lameness management protocols. All data on lameness events such as incidence and treatment are recorded using the NMR Interherd programme (IH). IH is a dairy management database that records data on the performance and treatment of specific events relating to individual cows and specific supplies to the farm. The SALDMS records an SMX score for each cow that passes through the unit after each milking. SMX score is a calibrated value that if it is >38 indicates a potential lameness problem with that particular limb.
This study will use historical farm IH data as a comparison with the same data from the StepMetrix Unit for the trial period. The project will address whether early detection improves the success of applied ...