Working towards a reduction in cattle lameness: 1. Understanding barriers to lameness control on dairy farms

摘要: On 222 dairy farms, the farmer's perception of scale herd lameness problem was compared with prevalence detected by observation milking herd, and a questionnaire explored barriers to reduction. Ninety percent farmers did not perceive be major on their farm, although average 36%. For 62% sample, top priority for efforts made improve health. Time labour were important limiting factors control activities financial constraints prevented taking action advice in 30% cases. Farmers' understanding implications farm business limited. Lameness reduction is restricted farmers' lameness, but also time, finance; these issues need addressed at industry level support animal welfare improvement.