bovis - Articles
Mobility scoring
Synonym(s): Locomotion scoring, Lameness scoring, Gait scoring, Locomotor scoring
Introduction
- Locomotion scoring is a term applied to a wide range of scoring systems developed primarily for research but also used for conformation assessment (HUK locomotion score). Mobility scoring is a specific form of the locomotion score, intended to identify cows likely to benefit from a more detailed examination.
- Using a mobility score circumvents some of the emotiveness and preconceptions associated with the term lameness which can in turn influence their response to acting on lameness.
- Early detection and prompt effective treatment of lameness has a significant effect on the success rates of managing and preventing severe lameness.
- Mobility scoring can raise farmer awareness to the prevalence and risk factors of lameness in their herd.
- The AHDB Mobility Score is designed for use by dairy farmers and independent scorers. It has four levels of severity recorded on a scale of 0-3.
- Each level indicates a degree of behavioral abnormality, recorded by an observer using combinations of behaviors, which when combined are predictive of painful disorders and foot lesions.
- Each score level can correspond to an actionable, farm-specific protocol, involving foot checks, treatment and aftercare.
- Repeated scoring can be used for individual cow screening (surveillance), monitoring herd trends and evaluating performance, eg benchmarking.
- In dairy cattle, pain associated with foot lesions is the most common cause of lameness contributing to raised mobility scores at cow and herd level.
- Mobility scoring is often a requirement quality assurance schemes in the UK.
Behaviors predictive of pain and lesions
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The AHDB mobility score
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Managing foot-check lists/trim lists
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Prompt, effective treatment
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Monitoring herd-level mobility scores
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Evaluating and benchmarking herd performance at a review
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Summary
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Further reading
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