Many cubicles have inadequate bedding, resulting in abrasions and swellings on the cow's hocks. This can have knock-on effects on her feet. Return to table of contents Mastitis Click to enlarge Sadly, it's not just lameness which causes so much pain for cows. Mastitis, a bacterial infection of the udder, is also a big problem - with around 35 cases per 100 cows per annum being the average. Poorly designed and maintained milking machines don't help.
Dirty housing is another contributory factor .
Mastitis costs to farmers are running at 93 million per annum. The cost to cows in term of pain and suffering are much harder to quantify. Interestingly, a study of organic dairy farms where antibiotics are not routinely used, and where welfare is a priority, shows lower levels of lameness and higher profit margins for the farmer. Cows are now commonly impregnated by artificial insemination. An increasing number are being bred using embryo transfer, a procedure so painful the law requires use of an epidural anaesthetic.