THE IMPACT OF LAMENESS ON BODY CONDITION SCORE, MILK YIELD AND SOMATIC CELL COUNT IN A DAIRY CATTLE FARM

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of lameness on BCS and SCC and milk yield during the lactation. The ANOVA method was used to investigate the relationship between lameness and BCS and SCC. A linear regression analysis was conducted between BCS and SCC and between BCS and Daily Milk Yield in different parity. Pearson correlations were calculated between the parameters in the groups of lame and not lame cows and in the whole herd. There were moderate correlations between milk yield and BCS (r_{all cases}=-0,38, r_{not lame}= -0,43 and r_{lame animals} =-0,33). Also it was negatively moderate correlation between milk yield and SCC (r_{all cases} =-0,32, r_{not lame} =-0,29, r_{lame animals}= -0,37) and a low correlation between the BCS and SCC (r_{all cases} =0,13, r_{not lame} =^, 0,15, r_{lame animals}=^, 0,15). During the lactation the increased BCS was associated with an increased SCC but this tendency was stronger for not lame cows.