Prevalence of lameness and hoof lesions in all year-round grazing cattle in Brazil

Global losses due to dairy cattle diseases: A comorbidity-adjusted economic analysis

An economic simulation was carried out over 183 milk-producing countries to estimate the global economic impacts of 12 dairy cattle diseases and health conditions: mastitis (subclinical and clinical), lameness, paratuberculosis (Johne's disease), displaced abomasum, dystocia, metritis, milk fever, ovarian cysts, retained placenta, and ketosis (subclinical and clinical). Estimates of disease impacts on milk yield, fertility, and culling were collected from the literature, standardized, meta-analyzed using a variety of methods ranging from simple averaging to random-effects models, and adjusted for comorbidities to prevent overestimation. These comorbidity-adjusted disease impacts were then combined with a set of country-level lactational incidence and/or prevalence estimates, herd characteristics, and price estimates within a series of Monte Carlo simulations that estimated and valued the economic losses due to these diseases. It was estimated that total annual global losses are USD 65 billion (B). Subclinical ketosis, clinical mastitis, and subclinical mastitis were the costliest diseases modeled, resulting in mean annual global losses of approximately USD 18B, USD 13B, and USD 9B, respectively. Estimated global annual losses due to clinical ketosis, displaced abomasum, dystocia, lameness, metritis, milk fever, ovarian cysts, paratuberculosis, and retained placenta were estimated to be USD 0.2B, 0.6B, 0.6B, 6B, 5B, 0.6B, 4B, 4B, and 3B, respectively. Without adjustment for comorbidities, when statistical associations between diseases were disregarded, mean aggregate global losses would have been overestimated by 45%. Although annual losses were greatest in India (USD 12B), the USA (USD 8B), and China (USD 5B), depending on the measure of losses used (losses as a percent of GDP, losses per capita, losses as a percent of gross milk revenue), the relative economic burden of these dairy cattle diseases across countries varied markedly.

The Risk Factors of Dewclaw Dermatitis in Beef Cattle in the Amazon Biome

Bovine Dewclaw Dermatitis (BDCD) is a hoof disease characterized by inflammation of the second and fifth accessory digits and the skin in this region. This pathology is poorly described in the literature; however, it has recently been observed in beef cattle in the Amazon Biome, Brazil. The objective of this study was to perform a clinical diagnosis and identify the risk factors associated with BDCD onset in cattle in the studied biome. Samples were collected from eight farms with extensive breeding systems located in Xinguara, Rondon do Pará, Curionópolis, and Ipixuna do Pará in the state of Pará, Brazil. A total of 706 Nellore and Nellore crossbred with taurine bovine of both sexes were evaluated, with males aged between 2 and 4 years and a mean weight of 650 kg, and females aged between 2 and 11 years and a mean weight of 400 kg. Distal extremities were inspected during cattle management, and in cases of dewclaw lesions, a specific examination was carried out after proper restraint. Cattle were diagnosed with BDCD on all farms analyzed. Of the 706 cattle inspected, 49 (6.94%) showed BDCD, of which 19 (38.77%) were Nellore and 30 (61.22%) were crossbred. This was the first study to determine BDCD's occurrence in extensive farming systems in the Amazon region, also showing that pastures with large amounts of stumps and stones, the physical structure of pens, and trauma and injury incidence during animal management are the most important predisposing factors for the onset of BDCD.

Evaluation of Claw Lesions in Beef Cattle Slaughtered in Northern Portugal: A Preliminary Study

Claw diseases have a profound impact on cattle welfare, affecting behaviors such as grazing, rumination, rest, decubitus, and water consumption. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of claw lesions and classify them according to the ICAR Claw Health Atlas (International Committee of Animal Recording) in two slaughterhouses. The influence of claw lesions on carcass weight, classification, and fat deposition was also examined. Involving 343 crossbreed cattle from 103 different extensive or semi-intensive farms, this study found an animal prevalence of claw disorders at 65.8%, with a higher incidence in females (n = 207, 60.35%) compared to males (n = 136, 39.65%). Despite the observed prevalence, claw lesions were not influenced by age or sex (p > 0.05). The main claw lesions identified, including heel horn erosion, double sole, and asymmetric claw, were consistent with the cattle management practices in the study area. These cattle were raised in small, rustic premises with uneven floors, utilizing a mix of manure and plant material as bedding and lacking access to pasture. Also, no negative economic impact was detected concerning carcass weight, classification, or fat deposition. Consequently, it was concluded that the presence of claw lesions in beef cattle raised under the characteristic management of this geographical area does not adversely affect animal health or farm economics.

Local and Systemic Inflammation in Finnish Dairy Cows with Digital Dermatitis

Digital dermatitis is a disease of the digital skin and causes lameness and welfare problems in dairy cattle. This study assessed the local and systemic inflammatory responses of cows with different digital dermatitis lesions and compared macroscopical and histological findings. Cow feet (n = 104) were evaluated macroscopically and skin biopsies histologically. Serum samples were analyzed for acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A and haptoglobin) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Cows with macroscopically graded active lesions (p = 0.028) and non-active lesions (p = 0.008) had higher interleukin-1 beta levels in their serum compared to healthy cows. Interleukin-1 beta serum concentrations were also higher (p = 0.042) when comparing lesions with necrosis to lesions without necrosis. There was no difference when other cytokine or acute phase protein concentrations in healthy cows were compared to those in cows with different digital dermatitis lesions. A novel histopathological grading was developed based on the chronicity of the lesions and presence of necrosis and ulceration. The presence and number of spirochetes were graded separately. In the most severe chronic lesions, there was marked epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis with necrosis, deep ulceration, and suppurative inflammation. Spirochetes were found only in samples from necrotic lesions. This study established that digital dermatitis activates proinflammatory cytokines. However, this did not initiate the release of acute phase proteins from the liver. A histopathological grading that takes into account the age and severity of the lesions and presence of spirochetes was developed to better understand the progression of the disease. It is proposed that necrosis of the skin is a result of ischemic necrosis following reduced blood flow in the dermal papillae due to pressure and shear stress caused by thickened epidermis, and that the spirochetes are secondary invaders following tissue necrosis.

Prevalence of lameness in dairy cows: A literature review

Lameness in dairy cows has major negative impacts on animal welfare and production economy. While previous studies have evaluated the prevalence of lameness in single countries, the present literature review is the first overview of the prevalence of lameness in dairy cows globally. This literature review identified 53 studies reporting prevalence of lameness among representative samples of dairy cows and fulfilling a number of specified inclusion criteria (e.g., at least 10 herds and 200 cows, and locomotion scoring by trained observers). A total of 414,950 cows from 3945 herds were included in these 53 studies, which spanned a 30-year period (1989-2020) and included herds from six continents, with the majority from Europe and North America. Across the studies, the mean prevalence of lameness (typically defined as score 3-5 on a 1-5 scale) was 22.8% with a median of 22.0% and a range between studies from 5.1% to 45%, and a within herd range from 0% to 88%. The mean prevalence of severely lame cows (typically defined as score 4-5 on a 1-5 scale) was 7.0% with a median of 6.5% and a range between studies from 1.8% to 21.2%, and a within herd range from 0% to 65%. Over time, it appears that the prevalence of lameness has changed very little. Several different locomotion scoring systems and definitions of (severe) lameness were used across the 53 studies, and this may have affected the reported lameness prevalence. Sampling of herds and cows, inclusion criteria and representativeness also differed between studies. This review offers recommendations for the future capture of information on lameness in dairy cows and identifies potential knowledge gaps.

Occurrence of foot diseases in cattle attended at the Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns: Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and economic aspects

Abstract The objective was to study the occurrence of foot disorders in cattle treated at the Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns, campus of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco from 1999 to 2021. A retrospective study of the medical records was carried out, with a total of 334 cases, in which 613 lesions were diagnosed. A frequency distribution, with simple mean and standard deviation was performed to evaluate the data. Interdigital dermatitis was more frequent in 12.4% (76/613), double sole in 9.79% (60/613), chronic laminitis in 8.81% (54/613), sole ulcer in 7.83% (48 /613), and interdigital hyperplasia in 7.24% (45/613). Laminitis and its consequences accounted for 45% of the total injuries identified, followed by 36% of injuries of secondary or uncertain cause, and 19% from infectious diseases. The distribution of lesions between the limbs was 68% in the pelvic and 32% in the thoracic limbs. Females, raised in a semi-intensive system, Holstein, with a body score of III, and large size were more affected. Lameness was present in 78% (260/334), while 10% (33/334) did not present lameness. The case fatality and recovery rates were 9% (31/334) and 73% (243/334), respectively. In total, 51% of cases occurred in the rainy season and 49% in the dry season. The main cities of origin were Bom Conselho 22.75% (76/334), Garanhuns 18.86% (63/334), and Brejão 12.57% (42/334). The estimated cost of treatment was US$ 150.13/case. Diseases are probably directly linked to management failure on the property due to the nature of the diagnosed diseases, in addition to the significant cost of the treatment of these animals, with the need for prophylactic measures in order to avoid the economic losses associated with foot diseases.

Metabolic imbalances, hoof injuries, and metabolic profile of high-producing Holstein × Gir cowsshowing lameness

ABSTRACT: This study attempted to determine the associations between metabolic imbalances and lameness or hoof injuries in high-producing Holstein × Gir cows, and to determine whether the metabolic profile affects the occurrence of lameness. Eighty cows were followed from -60 to 60 days relative to calving and hoof injuries were reported on days -60, 7 and 60. Locomotion score (LS), body condition score (BCS), the concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase were determined at days -42, -21, -7, 0, 7, 21 and 42. The McNemar and Chi-square tests were used to compare frequencies of lameness and hoof injuries over time and to verify the associations between lameness, BCS, hoof injuries, and metabolic disorders. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used considering groups (non-lame × lame cows) and variations of BCS and metabolites over time. Lameness and hoof injuries increased between days -60 (20% and 66.3%) and 60 (44.7% and 98.6%). Excessive postpartum loss of BCS (P=0.017) and subclinical hypocalcemia (P=0.012) were associated with lameness on day 60. In general, the metabolic profile did not differ between lame and non-lame cows but cholesterol, albumin, BUN and magnesium concentrations were higher in non-lame cows. The postpartum decrease in BCS can affect the occurrence of lameness, and the metabolic profile of lame cows shows little difference from that of non-lame cows.

Ocorrência de afecções podais em bovinos atendidos pela Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, terapêuticos e econômicos

Resumo Objetivou-se estudar a ocorrência das afecções podais em bovinos atendidos na Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns, Campus da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, no intervalo de 1999 a 2021. Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários, com total 334 casos, dos quais foram diagnosticadas 613 lesões digitais. Foi realizada a distribuição de frequência, média simples e desvio padrão para avaliação dos dados. A dermatite interdigital foi a mais frequente, sendo observada em 12,4% (76/613) dos casos, seguida por sola dupla 9,79% (60/613), laminite crônica 8,81% (54/613), úlcera de sola 7,83% (48/613) e a hiperplasia interdigital 7,24% (45/613). A laminite e suas consequências representaram 45% do total de lesões identificadas, acompanhadas por 36% das injúrias de causa secundárias ou incertas e de doenças infecciosas com 19%. A distribuição das lesões entre os membros foi de 68% nos pélvicos e 32% nos torácicos. As fêmeas criadas em sistema semi-intensivo, holandesas, com escore corporal III e porte grande eram mais acometidas. A claudicação estava presente em 78% dos animais, enquanto 10% não claudicavam. As taxas de letalidade e recuperação foram de 9% (31/334) e 73 % (243/334), respectivamente. No período chuvoso foram 51% dos casos e 49% na época seca. Os principais municípios de origem foram Bom Conselho 22,75% (76/334), Garanhuns 18, 86% (63/334) e Brejão 12,57% (42/334). O custo estimado com tratamento foi de US$ 150,13/caso. Provavelmente falhas de manejo nas propriedades foram importantes fatores de risco para as doenças. Sugere-se a implementação de medidas profiláticas para evitar as perdas econômicas associadas às enfermidades podais.

Review of guidelines for functional claw trimming and therapeutic approach to claw horn lesions in cattle

Lameness is one of the most pressing health and welfare problems in cattle, especially on dairy farms. The most common cause of lameness is claw pathology, often due to lack of appropriate functional claw trimming. Functional claw trimming restores the physiological shape of the claws and distributes weight properly between the claws and over the claw weight-bearing surface. It also allows closer examination of the claws for early signs of pathology. The methods of functional claw trimming described in the previous century are still applicable today, considering some recent findings on the subject. It is essential not to over-trim the claws and to maintain strict hygiene of the trimming tools. Claw horn pathology in the early stages is usually treated effectively by therapeutic claw trimming alone. The stoic nature of cattle and their natural tendency to hide pain often result in delayed treatment of claw diseases, leading to more advanced stages of disease/pathology associated with higher-grade lameness. This situation often leads to the development of neuropathic pain and hyperalgesia requiring multimodal treatment. Because claw horn diseases are multifactorial, veterinarians and others involved in animal management must be familiar with the preventive measures available to improve claw health in a cattle herd. Further research to improve claw horn quality and effectively control/prevent claw infections without polluting the environment or negatively affecting worker and animal health is still needed. This article reviews the latest knowledge on functional claw trimming and treatment of the most common claw horn diseases in cattle.

Short communication: Claw block application improves locomotion and weight-bearing characteristics in cattle with foot diseases

In cattle with foot diseases, application of a block on the healthy partner claw is a common method of pain relief. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of wooden claw blocks on locomotion characteristics and weight distribution in healthy (group C; n = 17) versus lame (group L; n = 17) cattle. Group L was further subdivided into group L1 (lameness score ≤3; n = 7) and group L2 (lameness score >3; n = 10). We performed lameness scoring using a numeric rating system and measured locomotion characteristics using 2 accelerometers (400 Hz; kinematic outcome = stance phase duration; kinetic outcomes = foot load and toe-off) and a 4-scale weighing platform (difference of mean weight distribution across the limbs; ∆_weight) before and after application of a claw block. We applied claw blocks to a randomly assigned lateral or medial claw of the fore or hindlimb in group C cows, and on the healthy partner claw in group L cows. Variables were expressed as differences across limbs. We used 1-way ANOVA to determine the differences between groups C and L and between groups L1 and L2 for ∆_weight after application of the claw block. We performed paired t tests to compare variables before and after application of the claw block in groups C and L. Group L scored higher on the numeric rating system than group C (mean ± SD, 3.40 ± 0.62 vs. 1.87 ± 0.28) and showed greater differences in relative stance phase duration (16.34 ± 10.78% vs. 2.13 ± 1.94%), foot load (9.68 ± 8.06 g vs. 3.26 ± 3.69 g), toe-off (3.91 ± 3.14 g vs. 0.78 ± 0.66 g), and ∆_weight (53.62 ± 28.85% vs. 8.52 ± 6.19%). In group C, we observed an increase of 12.17 percentage points in ∆_weight after block application, from 8.52 ± 6.19% to 20.69 ± 17.01%. Compared with the baseline, group L showed a decrease in numeric rating system score (2.88 ± 0.49 vs. 3.40 ± 0.62) and a decrease in differences between the limbs in relative stance phase duration (7.66 ± 9.96% vs. 16.34 ± 10.78%) and foot load (4.26 ± 4.14 g vs. 9.68 ± 8.06 g) after application of a claw block. Group L2 showed smaller ∆_weight after application of a claw block than group L1 (-7.8 ± 8.7% vs. 10.4 ± 7.6%). After block application in group L, we observed smaller differences across the limbs in variables measured to describe gait-cycle characteristics while walking, but no significant improvement while standing. We concluded that application of a claw block must be combined with other methods of pain relief, such as analgesic medication.

Risk factors associated with lameness and hoof lesions in pasture-based dairy cattle systems in southeast Brazil

Cattle lameness is an important welfare concern that also has an economic impact on the dairy industry. It can be a significant problem among pasture-based herds. Our objectives were to identify cow- and herd-level factors related to lameness and hoof lesions in dairy cows grazing year-round in Minas Gerais, Brazil. We performed a cross-sectional study in 48 pasture-based dairy herds, visiting each farm in a single visit. We evaluated 2,262 cows for mobility score (0-3) and 392 cows for hoof lesions. We used a questionnaire and checklist to capture herd management data. All information obtained was used to build multivariable models. The factors associated with lameness were low body condition score, longer time spent in the corral, being kept in paddocks during the drought period, and poor hygiene. For hoof lesions, track features were the most significant factor in determining the likelihood of heel horn erosion, white line fissure, and sole hemorrhage-by more than 3 times. Different factors related to unhygienic conditions such as leg cleanliness, frequency of cleaning, and longer time spent in the corral were associated with infectious hoof lesions. Poor human-animal relationship was related to sole hemorrhage, but patient handling of cows on the track was a protective factor against interdigital hyperplasia. The results of this study suggest that improving hygiene conditions, track features, and cow handling can improve dairy cattle mobility scores in pasture-based farms under tropical conditions. These findings also represent a first step toward planning actions aimed at decreasing lameness and hoof lesions in the studied region.