Dairy farmworkers’ knowledge of causes, risk factors, and clinical signs of bovine lameness in South Africa

Abstract

Abstract Lameness has been identified as the most serious welfare issue in dairy cows, and its observation is the most representative animal-based indicator of dairy cattle well-being. The data was conducted to 11 dairy farms, with a questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into five sections, the first of which contained demographic information (age, gender, experience, level of study), and the second of which contained farm information such as farm size and grazing method. However, section C discusses farm workers knowledge on lameness and risk factors, Section D discusses clinical signs of lameness, and Section E discusses treatment and management of lameness The study aimed to assess the dairy farmworkers’ knowledge of causes, risk factors, and clinical signs of bovine lameness in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, South Africa. The highest prevalence of lameness (85.5%) occurs in summer compared to other seasons such as Autumn (15%). Furthermore, the results for seasons were significant (P < 0.05). Respondents reported that a decrease in appetite (93%), reduced milk yield (94%), increase lying time (90%) are the most common sings of lameness... Nevertheless, the results also demonstrate a significant (P < 0.05) correlation between knowledge of clinical signs of lameness and localities. The movement problem was related to age, gender, and occupation level (P < 0.05). Furthermore, training is required in the dairy industry to improve farm workers' knowledge. In addition, the training and retraining of farm workers is necessary to management and mitigation of bovine lameness.