Cow based assessments Part 2: Rising restrictions and injuries associated with the lying surface

Cow-based assessments can be used to identify problems and thus allow the implementation of herd management changes in an attempt to improve animal health and welfare and farm profitability.The first article in this series described the use of cowbased assessments to evaluate nutritional status, cleanliness and coat condition. In this, the second of three articles the authors will discuss the evaluation of health and welfare problems associated with rising restrictions and injuries acquired from contact with the lying surface. The article will go on to discuss how animals can be selected for assessment.