By Bottcher, R. W. and Hoff, S. J. and Jm, O. Connell and Kj, O. Farrell and Leonard, F. C., ,
Description
The effect of housing conditions on behaviour and foot lesions in first-calved heifers was investigated in 4 trials comprised of 2 groups, respectively, of 43 and 40 spring-calving and 2 groups of 35 and 28 autumn-calving heifers. The behaviour and foot lesions of the heifers were monitored under different housing conditions including housing in cramped, poorly designed cubicles, in well designed cubicles and in conditions of 50% overcrowding. There was a relationship between housing conditions and claw lesion development which was partially mediated through lying time. Only severe reductions in lying time (5 h lying time per 24 h) were associated with increased clinical lameness. It is concluded that reduced lying time acts as an exacerbating factor in the development of claw lesions
The effect of housing conditions on behaviour and foot lesions in first-calved heifers was investigated in 4 trials comprised of 2 groups, respectively, of 43 and 40 spring-calving and 2 groups of 35 and 28 autumn-calving heifers. The behaviour and foot lesions of the heifers were monitored under different housing conditions including housing in cramped, poorly designed cubicles, in well designed cubicles and in conditions of 50% overcrowding. There was a relationship between housing conditions and claw lesion development which was partially mediated through lying time. Only severe reductions in lying time (5 h lying time per 24 h) were associated with increased clinical lameness. It is concluded that reduced lying time acts as an exacerbating factor in the development of claw lesions
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