Mobility scoring: how to score your cows

Regularly scoring your cows for mobility is the first step towards reducing lameness in your herd.

Mobility scoring is based on a scale from 0 to 3, with 0 being good mobility and 3 being severely impaired mobility. 

Description of cow behaviour 

• Walks with even weight-bearing and rhythm on all four feet, with a flat back
• Long, fluid strides possible

Suggested actions

• Routine (preventative) foot-trimming when/if required
• Record mobility at next scoring session

Description of cow behaviour

• Steps uneven (rhythm or weight-bearing) or strides shortened; affected limb or limbs not immediately identifiable

Suggested actions

• Would benefit from routine (preventative) foot-trimming when/if required
• Further observation recommended

Description of cow behaviour

• Uneven weight-bearing on a limb that is immediately identifiable and/or obviously shortened strides (usually with an arch to the centre of the back)

Suggested actions

• Lame and requires prompt treatment
• Foot should be lifted to establish the cause of lameness before treatment
• Should be attended to as soon as practically possible

Description of cow behaviour

• Unable to walk as fast as a brisk human pace (cannot keep up with the healthy herd)
• Lame leg easy to identify – limping; may barely stand on lame leg(s); back arched when standing and walking
• Very lame

Suggested actions

• This cow is very lame and requires urgent attention, nursing and further professional advice
• Examine as soon as possible
• Cow will benefit from treatment
• Cow should not be made to walk far and kept on a straw yard or at grass
• In the most severe cases, culling may be the only possible solution

If you would like to order a hard copy of the Mobility score sheet or Mobility score pad, please contact publications@ahdb.org.uk or call 0247 799 0069.