Can Hock Injuries and Lameness During the Early Postpartum Period Predict Repeat Breeding Syndrome in Bovine Dairy Farms?

Hock injuries, lameness, and repeat breeding syndrome are significant concerns in bovine dairy farming. This study evaluated the predictive value of moderate-to-severe hock injuries and lameness, measured during the first two months postpartum, for repeat breeding syndrome in dairy cows. Data were collected on 2044 calvings across 11 Danish dairy farms between 2024 and 2025. The incidence of repeat breeding syndrome was 14.2% (n = 291). The prevalence of hock injuries and lameness was 2.0% (n = 41) and 20.5% (n = 419), respectively. There was weak agreement between hock injuries and lameness (Kendall’s τ = .15; p < .001). In a binomial logistic generalized linear mixed model, lameness (p < .05), hock injuries (p < .01), and parity (p < .001), were associated with repeat breeding syndrome incidence, whereas ketosis, body condition score, and vaginal discharge were not (p > .05). Cows with hock injuries had 2.8-fold higher odds (95% CI odds ratio= 1.4–5.6; p = .005) of developing repeat breeding syndrome than cows without hock injuries. Lame cows had 40% higher odds of developing repeat breeding syndrome (odds ratio = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–2.0; p = .04) than non-lame cows. Multiparous cows had high likelihood of repeat breeding syndrome (odds ratio = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3–2.6; p < .001) than primiparous cows. Dairy cows with hock injuries, which indicates longer-term welfare impairment, and lameness evaluated during the early postpartum period were more prone to developing repeat breeding syndrome. Cite this article as: Lopes, P., & Simões, J. (2026). Can hock injuries and lameness during the early postpartum period predict repeat breeding syndrome in bovine dairy farms?. Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 52, 0140, doi: 10.5152/actavet.2026.26140.