Examinations on the relationship between claw health and the assessment of housing conditions based on a welfare index and critical checkpoints

Abstract. Aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between the herd status for claw health and herd parameters. Herd parameters were derived from an assessment of the housing conditions and were based on a welfare index and critical checkpoints. Data has been collected on four conventional large dairy farms in northeast Germany. All farms have free-stall systems with cubicles offering a lying area. During the period from 2005 to 2008 on each farm claw disorders were recorded at time of regular hoof trimming, i.e. two or three times a year. Data was augmented by data on veterinary treatments of feet and legs. The Data comprises 18 119 observations of 3 690 cows. Housing conditions were assessed in the year 2008. The results show that a consequent and determined management of herd health is necessary to substantially improve the status of claw health. Housing and management confirming the rules of animal welfare will contribute to the well-being of dairy cows.