The hygiene scoring system used was devised by Cook (2002) and divided the body in udder, lower and
upper leg and flank. Each zone was scored from 1‐4, 1 meaning clean, little or no evidence of manure; 2
= clean, only slight manure splashing; 3= dirty, distinct demarcated plaques of manure; and 4= filthy,
confluent plaques of manure. For example pictures see appendix. After scoring 25% of the cows in a
herd, the proportion of score 3 and 4 was calculated.
It was also noted if the cows had hocks with hairlessness, swelling or ulceration. Cows were scored with
0 if no injuries; 1 if hairlessness on one hook; and 2 if hairlessness on both hooks. Swelling and
ulceration were noted if seen but not evaluated in the results.