Considerations for Minimizing Lameness in Automated Milking Systems (AMS)

The popularity of AMS in the Midwest has increased substantially due to a variety of perceived advantages. The impact of lameness on productivity is still a concern in AMS. A recent survey observed that lame cows had 0.3 fewer milkings per day (2.72 vs. 3.08, for lame vs. non-lame), were 2.2 times more likely to be fetched more than 1 time within a 6-d period and produced 1.6 kg/d less milk. Reducing lameness starts by maintaining comfortable freestalls. Many AMS farms opt for mattresses vs. deep-bedded surfaces because it requires less labor to maintain and interferes less with daily cow activity. However, mattress covered stall surfaces has been shown to reduce lying time and increase hock lesions compared to deep-bedded surfaces. Manure handling options also need to be taken into account when implementing AMS farms in relation to hoof lesions. Often slatted floors are installed to allow for efficient manure removal and these facilities tend to have good foot hygiene. However, the size of the slots in slatted floors tend to be much wider than the 8-cm groove size recommended in concrete flooring, increasing risk of trauma on the claw and skin. Field experience has also shown that higher ammonia levels are often found near the slats. Ammonia can be irritating to the skin and may have a negative impact in interdigital skin integrity, thus increasing risk of infectious claw lesions. Another common feature for handling manure is floor scrapers but often times these systems can lead to inferior foot hygiene as manure accumulates near the scraper, especially in high traffic areas. Footbath protocol and placement has been a major challenge on many AMS farms. Placement of footbaths at the entry or exit of the robot is common but may impair visits, can be difficult to maintain efficacy, and the space available often lead to undersized footbaths. Setting up a footbathing station in a side location or a cross-over alley and manually running cows through periodically many be a good way to overcome these challenges but will also require more labor. Design a hoof trimming station away from the pens so cows are not disturbed during hoof trimming events. In conclusion, minimizing lameness in AMS farms is critical just as in conventional systems, yet the type of system may alter the strategy.