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Hock Injuries 


How to assess: 

There are several ways to assess hock injuries. Here, we provide 2 scoring systems that are commonly used in the dairy industry. You can choose a system that fits your interests and test your repeatability using the associated scoring system. 

Dairy Well: hock injury scoring 
​Score and count only the WORST hock of each cow.

Which animals to assess:

  • Lactating cows
  • Dry cows
    • The number of dry and lactating cows assessed is determined by the sample size calculator
  • All cows in hospital pen 
    • ​If there is a designated lame cow or chronic pen it must be scored and cows currently in the hospital pen will be evaluated for presence of score 3 lesions to ensure treatment

When to assess:

  • Take hock injury scores while lactating cows are being milked in the parlor
  • If there is only one group of cows, score the entire group if possible before or after milking if lock-ups are available
  • Cows kept in tie stall barns and not normally released after milking will be scored standing in the tie stalls​​

Goal:

To assess the softness of the resting area.

​≤1% of the herd should have severe hock scores (score 3).
Picture
Score 1 - Normal​
  • Minimal complete hair loss
    • < 1" in length or width
    • < 25 mm
    • < size of a quarter
  • ​No swelling OR mild (≤ 10 mm in height) swelling
    • Approximately the width of a dime
Picture
Score 2 - Moderate
  • Complete hair loss >25mm​ (1") in length or width
    • Approximately the size of a quarter
  • OR dried scabs
  • OR moderate swelling (11mm - 25mm in height)​
Picture
Score 3 - Severe
  • Any open wound or abrasion as evidenced by ulceration, blood, or serous discharge (may be superficial, partial, or full thickness 
  • OR swelling > 25mm (1") in height
Take repeatability test

National Dairy Farm Program: hock injury scoring
​Score and count only the WORST hock of each cow.

​Which animals to assess:

  • ​Lactating cows
  • Dry cows

The number of animals assessed is determined by the sample size calculator using the total number of animals on the farm.

When to assess:

  • Hock lesions can be assessed at any time

Goal:

<5% should score a 3 when hock and knee scores are combined (the most severe score becomes the overall score). 

The tests on this website score hocks and knees separately for more practice.
Picture
Score 1
  • Hair loss less than the size of a quarter (1" or 25mm), with no lesion or swelling
Picture
Score 2
  • Hair loss at least the size of a quarter; no swelling
Picture
Score 3
  • Visible swelling and/or abrasion through the hide
  • Lesion may be purulent or bleeding
Take repeatability test

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  • Home
  • Training & Homework
  • Learn how to assess
  • Test your repeatability
  • Thank You
  • Contact