The effects of lameness on reproductive performance, milk production and culling in Dutch dairy farms

A retrospective cohort study design was used to investigate the effect of lameness on reproductive performance on 13 commercial Dutch dairy farms. The data were collected during a routine herd health and production control program.

The cumulative 100-DIM (days in milkl) production in the previous lactation of lame cows was higher and the culling rate lower than that of the controls. The 100- and 270-DIM production of the cows with a sole ulcer was higher than that of the control cows. There was no difference in 100- and 270-DIM production between cows with a lameness diagnosis other than sole ulcer and the controls.

Lameness prolonged the interval from calving to first service and the interval from first service to conception. The pregnancy rate at first service was not affected by lameness.