Automated detection of lameness in cattle: an update

Abstract

Lameness is common in the dairy industry, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 30%. Performing regular mobility scoring is recommended on farms to monitor the prevalence of herd lameness and identify (and subsequently treat) lame cows promptly, but mobility scoring can be subjective and may be difficult to regularly implement on farm. Accordingly, there is increasing interest in the automation of lameness detection with direct and indirect methods described. This article provides an overview of automated detection of lameness with a focus on direct methods.