Evaluation of a gait scoring system for cattle by using cluster analysis and Krippendorff's α reliability

Abstract

The aim of the presented study was to validate a three-point locomotion score (LS) classifying lameness in dairy cows. Therefore, locomotion of 144 cows was scored and data on claw lesions were collected during hoof trimming. Based on latter data a cluster analysis was performed to objectively classify cows into three groups (Cluster 1–3). Finally, the congruence between scoring system and clustering was tested using Krippendorff’s α reliability. In total, 63 cows (43.7 per cent) were classified as non-lame (LS1), 38 (26.4 per cent) were rated as LS2 with an uneven gait and 43 (29.9 per cent) cows were ranked as clearly lame (LS3). In comparison, hoof-trimming data revealed 64 cows (44.4 per cent) to show no diagnosis, 37 (25.7 per cent) one diagnosis, 33 animals (22.9 per cent) two diagnoses and 10 (7.0 per cent) more than two. Comparing the respective categorisation received by either the cluster analysis or LS in between groups, a high correspondence (79.4 per cent and 83.7 per cent) could be found for LS1 and cluster 1 as well as for LS3 and cluster 3. Only LS2 had partial agreement (21.1 per cent) to cluster 2. However, Krippendorff’s α was 0.75 (95 per cent CI 0.68 to 0.81), indicating a good degree of reliability. Therefore, the results of this study suggested that the presented LS is suitable for classifying the cows’ state of lameness representing their claw diseases.

Using cluster analysis to differentiate degrees of lameness in cattle

“…In agreement with Cramer and colleagues, 5 but in contrast to Armbrecht and colleagues 4 and Manske and colleagues, 10 who found heel horn erosion as the most prevalent disorder, Volkmann and colleagues 15 recorded digital dermatitis (42.2 per cent), sole haemorrhages (19.3 per cent) and sole ulcers (15.6 per cent) most frequently.…”

“…In agreement with Cramer and colleagues, 5 but in contrast to Armbrecht and colleagues 4 and Manske and colleagues, 10 who found heel horn erosion as the most prevalent disorder, Volkmann and colleagues 15 In accordance with indings of Somers and colleagues, 1 animals kept on a slatted loor showed a higher disease prevalence (80 per cent), particularly of digital dermatitis, than those animals in the deep straw barn (38.1 per cent). The advantages of the latter system in terms of claw health can be associated with better hygienic conditions, underlining the importance of sot, dry and clean walking surfaces.…”

“…In a recent study, 15 which is summarised on p 220 of this issue of Vet Record , Volkmann and colleagues evaluated the objectivity of a practical and easy‐to‐learn gait scoring system. In a novel approach for this kind of dataset, evaluation of the system was based on a cluster analysis of the number and severity of claw lesions.…”

“…Volkmann and colleagues 15 scored the locomotion of 144 lactating cows, where the animals were either kept on a slatted floor (n=60) or in a deep straw barn (n=84). As subjective gait scoring is often inconsistent, a simplistic system is needed for on‐farm use to increase agreement between observers 9,16,17 .…”

Using the Footfall Sound of Dairy Cows for Detecting Claw Lesions

“…They were filmed laterally by video (Camcorder GC-PX100BE, JVC KENWOOD Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan). Simultaneously to these recordings the animals were rated by a trained observer with a previously validated three-stage locomotion scoring system [15]. Animals with a confident walk and a perfect gait pattern were rated with score 1 (LS1).…”