The Effect of Lameness on Milk Production on a Holstein-Friesian Farm

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of lameness on daily milk yield, milk fat and protein. 3378 data of 978 animals were monitored for all conditions (locomotion, milk production and milk content) during two years, monthly. The prevalence of lameness was different in several parity and stage of lactation. The effect of lameness on daily milk yield was complex and interacted with the stage of lactation. In the first stage of lactation the lame cows produced more milk than the not lame. The milk yield in the next period was almost equal, after the 120th day the milk production of not lame cows was higher than that of the lame cows. We conclude that lameness reduced milk production and milk protein content during the lactation. This same relation was not found in case of milk fat percentage.