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Griffiths BE, Barden M, Anagnostopoulos A, Wilson JP, Lamprou E, Tulley W, Bedford C, Psifidi A, Banos G, Oikonomou G. A prospective cohort study of factors associated with the digital cushion thickness in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:7230-7244. [PMID: 38788843 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Key factors such as stage of lactation, parity, and body fat reserves have been associated with the digital cushion thickness (DCT), however, there are discrepancies between the results of previously published studies. The objective of this study was to examine the association of stage of lactation, body fat reserves, parity, and lesion incidence with DCT in a large cohort of intensively monitored cows. Across 4 UK farms, 2,352 cows were prospectively enrolled and assessed at 4 time points: before calving (T1-Precalving), immediately after calving (T2-Calving), in early lactation (T3-Early), and in late lactation (T4-Late). At each time point, BCS was recorded, the presence of sole lesions (sole ulcers and sole hemorrhage) and white line lesions was assessed by veterinarians, and an ultrasound image was taken to retrospectively measure the backfat thickness (BFT) in the pelvic region and the digital cushion on the hind left lateral claw. Mixed effects multivariable linear regression models, with the cow as a random effect, were fit to examine the association between the explanatory variables and DCT. The explanatory variables tested were farm, parity, stage of lactation, BCS, BFT, height, the presence of a lesion at the time of measurement, the chronicity of a lesion during early lactation, the predicted maximum daily milk yield, and the rate of milk production rise in early lactation. Stage of lactation and farm were both associated with DCT; however, an interaction was present, and this DCT pattern of change was farm-dependent. Two distinct patterns emerged; one indicated the nadir to occur shortly after calving, the other indicated the nadir to occur during early lactation. Neither BFT nor BCS were significantly associated with DCT. Heifers displayed thinner digital cushions compared with multiparous cows; however, this effect was dependent on the stage of lactation, with heifers having a thinner digital cushion up until late lactation, by which time DCT was commensurate with multiparous animals. Sole lesions and white line lesions at the time of measurement were associated with DCT (sole lesion: estimate = -0.07 mm, 95% CI = -0.14-0.00; white line lesion: estimate = 0.28 mm, 95% CI = 0.15-0.42).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
| | - Matthew Barden
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Alkiviadis Anagnostopoulos
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - James P Wilson
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelos Lamprou
- Department of Animal Production, School of Animal Bioscience, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens 11855, Greece
| | - William Tulley
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Cherrill Bedford
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Androniki Psifidi
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Banos
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
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Griffiths BE, Barden M, Anagnostopoulos A, Bedford C, Higgins H, Psifidi A, Banos G, Oikonomou G. A prospective cohort study examining the association of claw anatomy and sole temperature with the development of claw horn disruption lesions in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:2483-2498. [PMID: 37949408 PMCID: PMC10982437 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Foot characteristics have been linked to the development of sole lesions (sole hemorrhage and sole ulcers) and white line lesions, also known as claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL). The objective of this study was to examine the association of claw anatomy and sole temperature with the development of CHDL. A cohort of 2,352 cows was prospectively enrolled from 4 UK farms and assessed at 3 time points: before calving (T1-precalving), immediately after calving (T2-calving), and in early lactation. At each time point body condition score was recorded, a thermography image of each foot was taken for sole temperature measurement, the presence of CHDL was assessed by veterinary surgeons, and an ultrasound image was taken to retrospectively measure the digital cushion and sole horn thickness. Additionally, at the postcalving time point, foot angle and heel depth were recorded. Four multivariable logistic regression models were fit to separately examine the relationship of precalving and postcalving explanatory variables with the development of either white line lesions or sole lesions. Explanatory variables tested included digital cushion thickness, sole horn thickness, sole temperature, foot angle, and heel depth. Farm, parity, body condition score, and presence of lesion at the time of measurement were also included in the models. A thicker digital cushion shortly after calving was associated with decreased odds of cows developing sole lesions during early lactation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.84). No association was found between digital cushion thickness and development of white line lesions. Sole temperature after calving was associated with increased odds of the development of sole lesions (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05), and sole temperature before and after calving was associated with the development of white line lesions (T1-precalving OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07; T2-calving OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99). Neither foot angle nor heel depth was associated with the development of either lesion type. However, an increased sole horn thickness after calving reduced the odds of cows developing sole lesions during early lactation (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83-0.93), highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate sole horn when foot trimming. Before calving, animals with a lesion at the time of measurement and a thicker sole were more likely to develop a sole lesion (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.09-1.40), compared with those without a sole lesion. The results presented here suggest that white line and sole lesions may have differing etiopathogenesis. Results also confirm the association between the thickness of the digital cushion and the development of sole lesions, highlight the association between sole horn thickness and sole lesions, and challenge the potential importance of foot angle and heel depth in the development of CHDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Barden
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Alkiviadis Anagnostopoulos
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Cherry Bedford
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Higgins
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Androniki Psifidi
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Banos
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
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Salem SE, Refaai W, Abd El Raouf M, Hamed MA, Ezzeldein SA, Eisa EF, Mesalam A, Maddox TW, Monir A. An abattoir study of the prevalence of foot lesions and claw measurements in water buffalo in Egypt. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:29. [PMID: 38245728 PMCID: PMC10799483 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03877-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lameness has been associated with compromised animal welfare and reduced productivity in dairy cattle herds worldwide. However, little is known about the prevalence of claw lesions in the dairy buffalo population in Egypt. Furthermore, the optimum measurements for claw trimming in buffalo are unknown. A cross-sectional cadaver study was conducted where 135 pair buffalo hind feet were collected from 4 slaughterhouses and examined for the presence of claw lesions. The proportion and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) of each type of lesion were calculated. A separate set of healthy claws (n = 26) underwent ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). The agreement between US and CT measurements was assessed using Passing-Bablok regression and intraclass correlation coefficient. The CT measurements were used to calculate trimming recommendations. RESULTS At least one lesion was identified in 242 claws (89.6%, 95% CI = 85.4-93.0). In healthy claws, poor to moderate agreement was identified between US and CT measurements which could be due a sample size of the study. The average ± standard deviation (SD) minimum recommended external wall length of the lateral and medial claws in heifers was 7.1 ± 0.36 cm and 7.5 ± 0.35 cm, respectively. The average ± SD minimum recommended external wall length in buffaloes over five years of age was 8.2 ± 0.27 cm and 8.4 ± 0.39 cm for the lateral and medial claws, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The study found a high prevalence of claw lesions in buffalo in Egypt, the clinical significance of which requires further elucidation. Recommended measurements will help guide claw trimming in buffalo to minimise lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shebl E Salem
- Department of Surgery, Anaesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
| | - Walid Refaai
- Department of Surgery, Anaesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Mustafa Abd El Raouf
- Department of Surgery, Anaesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Hamed
- Department of Surgery, Anaesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, 81528, Egypt
| | - Shimaa A Ezzeldein
- Department of Surgery, Anaesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Eslam F Eisa
- Department of Surgery, Anaesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Ayman Mesalam
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Thomas W Maddox
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
| | - Ahmed Monir
- Department of Surgery, Anaesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
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Werema CW, Laven LJ, Mueller KR, Laven RA. Evaluating the Effect of Preventative Trimming on Distance from the Sole Surface to the Distal Phalanx Using Ultrasonography for Lameness Prevention in Pasture-Based Dairy Cows. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020077. [PMID: 36851381 PMCID: PMC9965892 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
One common management strategy used to reduce the risk of lameness is prophylactic claw trimming. However, in pasture-based cattle, there is a concern that the immediate reduction in sole thickness resulting from sole trimming will lead to medium-to-long-term reductions in sole thickness, which may increase the risk of lameness. Nevertheless, there is a lack of data on sole thickness and trimming in pasture-based cows. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of trimming on sole thickness over the medium-to-long term, as estimated using the ultrasound-measured distance from the external claw sole surface to the distal phalanx (DDP) and of DDP on the interval between calving and increased locomotion scores. A total of 38 cows were randomly selected from a 940-cow spring calving dairy farm in the North Island of New Zealand; 18 were allocated to the ultrasound hoof-trimming group and 20 were allocated to the ultrasound non-trimming group. Starting in May 2018, at the end of the 2017/18 lactation, ultrasound measurements of DDP of the right hind hoof were made on all 38 cows, and the hindlimbs of the trimming group cows were trimmed by an experienced professional hoof trimmer using the five-step Dutch method. This was repeated in October 2018 (early lactation) and May 2019 (late lactation). After calving, the cows were locomotion scored fortnightly until the end of lactation using the 4-point (0-3) scale DairyNZ system. The effect of DDP on the interval between calving and the first locomotion scores ≥1 and ≥2 was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models, and the association between trimming and DDP was explored using linear mixed models. The results suggest that DDP has no effect on the time to locomotion scores ≥1 or ≥2, although the wide confidence intervals of the latter suggest that more data are needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. The study failed to find any clinically important impact of prophylactic trimming on DDP. This is likely related to the finding that cows with the highest DDP at the first trimming were identified by the hoof trimmer as those needing the most trimming. The results of this study thus suggest that if the Dutch five-step method is properly applied, it is unlikely to affect sole thickness over the short-to-medium term in pasture-based cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chacha W. Werema
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro 67115, Tanzania
- Correspondence:
| | - Linda J. Laven
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Kristina R. Mueller
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Richard A. Laven
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Bach K, Nielsen SS, Capion N. Changes in the soft-tissue thickness of the claw sole in Holstein heifers around calving. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:4837-4846. [PMID: 33612216 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Claw horn disruption lesions are a common cause of lameness in dairy cattle. It is commonly agreed that they develop due to excessive pressure from the distal phalanx on the horn-producing tissue in the sole. The distal phalanx is supported by the suspensory apparatus, a large proportion of which is made up of connective tissue. It has been hypothesized that increased laxity of the connective tissue due to hormonal changes around calving may lead to decreased support of the distal phalanx, resulting in a sinking of the bone and increased pressure on the horn-producing tissue. In this longitudinal study, our first objective was to determine whether the thickness of the soft tissue related to the claw sole (the combined depth of the digital cushion and corium; soft-tissue thickness, STT) in the weight-bearing hind claws of live heifers changed around calving (the period from approximately 3 wk before calving to 2 wk after calving). Our second objective was to evaluate the relationship between the body condition score (BCS) of recruited heifers and the STT estimates we obtained. We measured STT (defined as the distance between the distal phalanx and the sole horn) in the apex and the posterior part of the sole of the hind claws of 34 Holstein heifers 4 times over 3 to 4 wk around calving. We determined STT by ultrasonographic measurements through the sole horn on weight-bearing claws. The overall mean STT at site 1 was 3.3 mm [minimum-maximum (min-max): 1.8 to 5.2 mm], and the mean at site 2 was 3.7 mm (min-max: 2.2 to 5.8). The overall mean STT was thickest in the first examination before calving [site 1: 3.4 mm (min-max: 1.9 to 4.7); site 2: 4.1 mm (min-max: 2.7 to 5.8)] and thinnest at site 1 in the second examination after calving (3.2 mm, min-max: 1.8 to 5.2) and at site 2 at the first examination after calving (3.5 mm, min-max: 2.2 to 5.0). We observed an average reduction in STT of -0.2 mm (min-max: 0.8 to -0.9 mm) at site 1 during the study period, but we did not observe this reduction in all animals. At site 2, we found an average reduction in STT of -0.6 mm (min-max: 0.8 to -1.3 mm) from 10 d before calving to 5 d after calving, corresponding to a decrease of approximately 15% (min-max: 0 to 31%). We suggest that this reduction was caused by a rotation of the distal phalanx toward the posterior part of the sole horn in the weeks around calving. During the same period, heifer BCS decreased between 0.25 and 0.5 increments in the BCS scale, but we found no correlation between BCS and STT. However, the heifers experienced many changes related to management, feeding, and time budget during the study period, and the rotation of the distal phalanx and reduction of the STT might be explained not only by calving but also by other factors that affect heifers and their claws during the transition period.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bach
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, H⊘jbakkegård Allé 5, Building 8-64, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark.
| | - S S Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Gr⊘nnegårdsvej 8, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - N Capion
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, H⊘jbakkegård Allé 5, Building 8-64, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark
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Laschinger J, Kofler J, Schieder K, Tichy A, Hund A. Ultrasonographic diagnosis of closed pedal bone fractures in bovine claws: An ex-vivo study in slaughterhouse specimens. Vet J 2020; 268:105591. [PMID: 33468302 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pedal bone fractures are one of the most common fracture locations in adult cattle and can be diagnosed by radiographs in two planes. Most bovine practitioners do not have access to such X-ray machines, but many use ultrasound units on a daily basis, primarily for reproductive medicine. For this reason, in this double-masked, randomized controlled study, we aimed to investigate the suitability of ultrasonographic examination using a 5 MHz linear transducer for diagnosing closed fractures of the pedal bone in cattle. A total of 54 hindlimb claws from slaughtered cattle were prepared and approximately 50% of the claws were artificially fractured. All claws were ultrasonographically examined twice by two examiners to determine the presence or absence of fractures and their locations. Ultrasound results were confirmed using radiographs of the claws as the reference standard method. All fracture locations as determined by ultrasonography were situated within ±2 mm of the radiographically-determined fracture zone. Ultrasound examination yielded a calculated sensitivity of 93%, a specificity of 91% and an inter-rater reliability of 0.77. The intra-rater reliability for the examiners were 0.96 and 0.88. Examiner experience with ultrasound examination and using ultrasound images for diagnosis could have influenced diagnostic accuracy. We conclude that artificially-created pedal bone fractures in ex-vivo bovine claws can be diagnosed using ultrasonography; similar results are expected in live animals. These results should encourage veterinarians to use ultrasonography for diagnosing pedal bone fractures in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Laschinger
- University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - J Kofler
- University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - K Schieder
- Diagnostic Imaging, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - A Tichy
- Platform for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - A Hund
- University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Griffiths BE, Mahen PJ, Hall R, Kakatsidis N, Britten N, Long K, Robinson L, Tatham H, Jenkin R, Oikonomou G. A Prospective Cohort Study on the Development of Claw Horn Disruption Lesions in Dairy Cattle; Furthering our Understanding of the Role of the Digital Cushion. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:440. [PMID: 32851023 PMCID: PMC7399069 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Claw horn disruption lesion (CHDL) is the collective term used to describe non-infectious foot lesions such as sole ulcers (SU), sole hemorrhage (SH), and white line disease (WLD) that commonly affect dairy cattle. The potential role of the bovine digital cushion, an anatomical structure located under the pedal bone and composed mostly of adipose and connective tissue, in the aetiopathogenesis of CHDL has recently been the subject of several studies. The aim of this prospective cohort study is to identify risk factors associated with the development of CHDL and to add further evidence regarding the role of the digital cushion. In order to achieve that we collected data from 500 lactations; 455 dairy cows from 3 farms were enrolled in this study. Data were collected from each animal on three occasions: 3–4 weeks before expected calving date, 1 week post calving, and 8–10 weeks post-calving. At each occasion, sole soft tissue thickness (the combined depth of the digital cushion and corium, SSTT) was measured using B-mode ultrasonography. At 8–10 weeks post-calving foot trimming was undertaken and the presence of CHDLs was recorded. Univariable analysis was undertaken between variables of interest, before multivariable regression models were constructed. Mixed effects multivariable linear regression models were created to describe the changes in SSTT and associations with various explanatory variables. Multivariable logistic regression models with the presence of SU, SH, or WLD as an outcome were also built. SSTT was shown to decrease from calving to early lactation (EL). Primiparous animals were found to have smaller SSTT, than multiparous animals. Animals with greater BCS had greater SSTT. Cows with a SU in early lactation had lower SSTT both at pre-calving and calving inspections comparing to cows without a SU. Cows that developed mastitis within 30 days of calving had approximately four times higher odds of developing SU compared to cows that did not develop mastitis. Our study advances our understanding of animal level risk factors associated with the development of CHDL and highlights the importance of the periparturient period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa J Mahen
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Hall
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolaos Kakatsidis
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Britten
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kerry Long
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lara Robinson
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Tatham
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Jenkin
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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8
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Prevalence of thin soles in the hind limbs of dairy cows housed on fully-floored vs. partially-floored mastic asphalt areas in Austria. Vet J 2019; 254:105409. [PMID: 31836170 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.105409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Excessive sole horn wear in cattle due to abrasive floors, such as new concrete and mastic asphalt, and excessive sole trimming, are the leading causes of thin soles. This study compared prevalence of thin soles in Austrian dairy cows in six herds housed on fully-floored mastic asphalt (FMA) or partially-floored mastic asphalt (PMA). All cows had last received hoof trimming at least 5 months before the study commenced. Sole horn thickness of the hind claws was measured ultrasonographically in 97 cows at two points on each claw: (1) point 1 exactly at the tip of the pedal bone surface; and (2) point 2 approximately 3cm caudally. Locomotion was scored in all cows and claw lesions were categorised using a computerized claw trimming database program and evaluated at cow- and claw-level. An ANCOVA-model was applied to calculate the effects of different factors (breed, age, farm, days in milk) and covariates on sole horn thickness. The cut-off measurement for thin soles was defined as ≤4.5mm, in accordance with a recent study. Regarding claw health, FMA areas were inferior to PMA areas in barn installations. In cows on FMA, the prevalence of thin soles was significantly higher (P=0.01) and mean sole horn thickness at point 1 was significantly lower (P=0.01) than cows on PMA (59.7% vs. 12.5%; 5.35 mm vs. 6.63 mm, respectively). There were also significantly more lame cows on FMA than on PMA (P=0.01). The FMA group had higher prevalences of white-line disease (59.6% vs. 25%; P=0.01) and toe ulcers (12.3% vs. 0%; P=0.02) than the PMA group.
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