Applications of Technology to Record Locomotion Measurements in Dairy Cows: A Systematic Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Lameness in cows is a major problem within the dairy industry that concerns both economics and animal welfare. The assigning of locomotion quality “scores” by human observers watching cows walk is a commonly used method for identifying lameness in dairy cows. However, automated gait assessment technologies have been developed as an alternative, and these can provide more detailed and objective data regarding locomotion. The three primary types of technology used for this purpose are kinetic, kinematic, and accelerometric, which involve looking at movement regarding space and time, forces associated with motion, and acceleration, respectively. We conducted a systematic literature review to determine measurements, and relationships between them, that have been recorded using these technologies, as well as through other methods. Within the 37 articles that were included, measurements recorded using these different technologies often overlapped. However, inconsistencies regarding details of the technologies and the approaches used made it difficult to compare specific locomotion measurements across studies. More research is needed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of how factors regarding the health, environment, and management of dairy cows affect locomotion, as recorded through the detailed, objective outcome measurements provided by these technologies. ABSTRACT: Lameness within the dairy industry is a concern because of its associated costs and welfare implications. Visual locomotion scoring has been commonly used for assessing cows’ locomotion quality, but it can have low reliability and is relatively subjective compared to automated methods of assessing locomotion. Kinematic, kinetic, and accelerometric technologies can provide a greater number of more detailed outcome measurements than visual scoring. The objective of this systematic review was to determine outcome measurements, and the relationships between them, that have been recorded using kinematic, kinetic, and accelerometric technologies, as well as other approaches to evaluating cow locomotion. Following PRISMA guidelines, two databases were searched for studies published from January 2000 to June 2022. Thirty-seven articles were retained after undergoing a screening process involving a title and abstract evaluation, followed by a full-text assessment. Locomotion measurements recorded using these technologies often overlapped, but inconsistencies in the types of technology, the arrangement of equipment, the terminology, and the measurement-recording approaches made it difficult to compare locomotion measurements across studies. Additional research would contribute to a better understanding of how factors regarding the health, environment, and management of dairy cows affect aspects of locomotion, as recorded through the detailed, objective outcome measurements provided by these technologies.