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Deeming LE, Beausoleil NJ, Stafford KJ, Webster JR, Cox N, Zobel G. Evaluating the immediate effects of hoof trimming on dairy goat hoof conformation and joint positions. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1073-1082. [PMID: 38103118 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10273-0] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Hoof overgrowth in commercial housed dairy goats is a major health and welfare concern; thus, it is important to better understand hoof trimming, a priority practice which addresses hoof growth. We evaluated the immediate effects of trimming on external conformation, internal joint positions, and hoof wall overgrowth of front and hind hooves. Eighty female goats were enrolled. Pre and post hoof trimming data were collected at 13, 17, 21 and 25 months of age. Overall, before trimming, a high percentage of hooves were scored as overgrown (77.8%). Trimming decreased the percentage of overgrown hooves (17.6%: P < 0.001) and other moderate/severe conformational issues: dipped heels (49.3% vs. 26.7; P < 0.001), misshaped claws (37.0% vs. 17.6%; P < 0.001), splayed claws (73.7% vs. 56.7%; P < 0.001). More hind than front hooves had dipped heels pre-trimming and (91.3% vs. 7.3%; P < 0.001) and post-trimming (52.8% vs. 0.6%; P < 0.001); over half of the hind heels were not restored to an upright position. A greater proportion of toe length was removed from the hind hooves compared to the front (0.50 vs. 0.43, P < 0.001), with the greatest proportion of hoof wall overgrowth removed from the hind hoof medial claw at the 13-month assessment (P < 0.001). Following trimming, distal interphalangeal joint angle decreased more in hind compared to front hooves (11.0° vs. 6.9°; P < 0.001); distal interphalangeal joint height decreased (0.21 cm, P < 0.001), and proximal interphalangeal joint, and heel, angles increased (7.76° and 8.93°, respectively; P < 0.001). Trimming did not restore conformation of all hooves when trimmed every 4 months, suggesting a need to investigate reasons for underlying poor conformation, including trimming frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Deeming
- AgResearch Ltd. Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3214, New Zealand
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
- EpiVets, 565 Mahoe Street, Te Awamutu, 3800, New Zealand
| | - N J Beausoleil
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - K J Stafford
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - J R Webster
- AgResearch Ltd. Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3214, New Zealand
| | - N Cox
- AgResearch Ltd. Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3214, New Zealand
| | - G Zobel
- AgResearch Ltd. Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, 3214, New Zealand.
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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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Deeming LE, Beausoleil NJ, Stafford KJ, Webster JR, Cox N, Zobel G. Evaluating the long-term conformation and hoof growth effects of starting hoof trimming at 5 months of age in New Zealand dairy goats. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:1065-1077. [PMID: 36543638 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hoof overgrowth is associated with poor conformation, an altered weight-bearing surface, and a reduction in the hoof's anatomic and functional integrity. As a result of housing systems that promote hoof overgrowth, hoof trimming is considered a priority in dairy goats. However, there are few data on the effects of the timing of first trimming on hoof conformation and growth rate. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the long-term effects of 2 different hoof trimming start times and (2) to investigate the pattern of hoof growth across the first 2 yr of life. Eighty 5-mo-old female Saanen-cross commercially housed dairy goats were allocated randomly to 1 of 2 treatments: (1) early trimmed (trimming beginning at 5 mo old; hooves were trimmed every 4 mo thereafter) and (2) late trimmed (trimming beginning at 13 mo old; hooves were trimmed every 4 mo thereafter). Using a combination of photographs and radiographs, hoof conformation, joint positions, and hoof wall length were assessed before the 13- and 25-mo trimming events. Hoof growth was assessed every 12 wk using caliper measurements. Overall, starting hoof trimming earlier had minor and inconsistent effects. However, detrimental changes in conformation and joint positions occurred between trimming events, particularly in the hind hooves, regardless of trimming treatment. At both assessments, there was a high percentage of overgrown toes and dipped heels, with the hind hooves being more affected compared with the front (overgrown toes at 13 mo, 97.1 vs. 79.1 ± 5.2%; overgrown toes at 25 mo, 91.7 vs. 56.3 ± 6.7%; dipped heels at 13 mo, 98.5 vs. 19.3 ± 5.0%; dipped heels at 25 mo, 88.3 vs. 4.9 ± 4.8%). In addition, at both assessments, the distal interphalangeal joint angle was greater in the hind hooves compared with the front (13 mo, 79.5 vs. 65.2 ± 1.7°; 25 mo, 79.0 vs. 66.7 ± 0.9°), whereas heel angles were less in the hind hooves compared with the front (13 mo, 41.8 vs. 57.1 ± 1.5°; 25 mo, 44.9 vs. 55.9 ± 1.1°). On average, the front hooves grew 4.39 mm/mo and the hind hooves grew 4.20 mm/mo. Early trimming did not have consistent effects on hoof growth rate. Importantly, our results suggest that trimming every 4 mo is not sufficient to prevent hoof overgrowth, the development of poor conformation, and detrimental changes in joint positions, particularly in the hind hooves. Furthermore, the detrimental changes may have masked any long-term treatment effects. Therefore, trimming frequency and age of first trimming should be considered when devising hoof care protocols for dairy goats housed in environments that do not offer opportunities for natural hoof wear.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Deeming
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand; School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - N J Beausoleil
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - K J Stafford
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - J R Webster
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - N Cox
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - G Zobel
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand.
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Sharma A, Kennedy U, Phillips C. A Novel Method of Assessing Floor Friction in Cowsheds and Its Association with Cow Health. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9040120. [PMID: 30934770 PMCID: PMC6523172 DOI: 10.3390/ani9040120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The objective of this paper was to test a simple method of measuring the extent of the slipperiness of different types of floors in cow shelters. Excessively slippery floors, which are less abrasive, are known to reduce a cow’s ability to walk, lie down, and get up without slipping and causing injury to herself. A moderate level of friction between the cows’ hooves and the floor is required for cow comfort and prevention of foot disease and injuries. This study developed a rapid method that welfare assessors can use to measure the slipperiness of floors in cowsheds. The data obtained were then validated by comparing them with the various animal-based and resource-based welfare parameters assessed in each shelter. The analyses done in this study show that there is a link between excessively slippery floors and various parameters such as frequency of cleaning the floors, the gradient of floors, wounds on the bodies and joints of the cows, and the presence of dirty hind limbs. All of these ultimately affect the welfare of cows in shelters. These results suggest that this simple measure of floor friction could be useful in cow welfare assessments. Further work on the repeatability of this method is recommended. Abstract Measurement of friction of cowshed floors to determine slipperiness potential is important for cow comfort. Existing methods require elaborate equipment and procedures. A quick method for assessment of friction characteristics is proposed. Friction was measured in 54 cattle housing and yard facilities with earth, brick, concrete, and stone floors, and its association with cattle health parameters was investigated through assessment of 30 animals per facility. A 156 g cuboidal wooden block attached to a spring balance was pulled over 3 m, and the coefficient of friction was recorded as the force required to move the block at a constant speed. The coefficient of friction ranged from 0.3 to 0.7 and was lowest for concrete and highest for earth floors. A multivariate analysis found that cows were standing more and could be more easily approached when they were on floors with high friction levels. The proportion of cows with dirty hind limbs declined with increasing friction of the floor, probably reflecting the fact that they felt more confident to stand rather than lie on high friction floors. This simple measure of frictional characteristics of cattle floors offers promise to be included in welfare measures as an indicator of cow welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Sharma
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus 4343, Australia.
| | - Uttara Kennedy
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus 4343, Australia.
| | - Clive Phillips
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus 4343, Australia.
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Yamamoto T, Manabe H, Misawa N, Yamazaki W, Takahashi M, Okada K. Combination effect of allyl isothiocyanate and hoof trimming on bovine digital dermatitis. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:1080-1085. [PMID: 29743458 PMCID: PMC6068293 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.18-0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital Dermatitis is a localized infectious dermatitis caused by Treponema-like spirochetes. Antibiotics, such as lincomycin, are currently used for treatment, but their
use imposes a withdrawal period. This study investigated the therapeutic effect of topical application of the natural component allyl isothiocyanate, in combination with maintenance hoof
trimming, on bovine Digital Dermatitis. Study cows were divided into two groups, the Trimming Group and Non-Trimming Group. The day when allyl isothiocyanate was applied, along with hoof
trimming, was set as Day 0. Lesion scores, pain, and the presence of Treponema-like spirochetes on the surface of hooves and in biopsy samples of the tissues were evaluated
until Day 6. Both groups showed improvement of lesion scores and improved elimination of Treponema-like spirochetes from within the tissues. The presence of
Treponema-like spirochetes on the surface of lesions was significantly higher in the Non-Trimming Group by Day 6. These results suggest that allyl isothiocyanate has
therapeutic effects on Digital Dermatitis, when combined with hoof trimming, and may prevent a relapse of dermatitis and a re-infection of Treponema-like spirochetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Yamamoto
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka, Iwate 020-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Manabe
- MH Limited, 12-12, Nishi 21, Minami 4, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-2471, Japan
| | - Naoaki Misawa
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Wataru Yamazaki
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takahashi
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka, Iwate 020-8550, Japan
| | - Keiji Okada
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka, Iwate 020-8550, Japan
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A pilot study on surgical trimming impact on severely overgrown claws in sheep: Behavioral, physiological, and ruminal function aspects. J Vet Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Manning A, Mahendran S, Bell NJ. Evidence base behind foot trimming in UK dairy cattle. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.12968/live.2016.21.1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Al Manning
- Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Bovine Health and Production, The Royal Veterinary College
| | - Sophie Mahendran
- Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Bovine Health and Production, The Royal Veterinary College
| | - Nick J. Bell
- Senior lecturer in Veterinary Livestock Extension Services, The Royal Veterinary College
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Affiliation(s)
- N. J. Bell
- Royal Veterinary College; Hawkshead Lane Hatfield Hertfordshire AL9 7TA UK
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Alsaaod M, Syring C, Luternauer M, Doherr MG, Steiner A. Effect of routine claw trimming on claw temperature in dairy cows measured by infrared thermography. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:2381-8. [PMID: 25660737 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Infrared thermography (IRT) was used to assess the effect of routine claw trimming on claw temperature. In total, 648 IRT observations each were collected from 81 cows housed in 6 tiestalls before and 3 wk after claw trimming. The feet were classified as either healthy (nonlesion group, n = 182) or affected with infectious foot disorders (group IFD, n = 142). The maximal surface temperatures of the coronary band and skin and the difference of the maximal temperatures (ΔT) between the lateral and medial claws of the respective foot were assessed. Linear mixed models, correcting for the hierarchical structure of the data, ambient temperature, and infectious status of the claws, were developed to evaluate the effect of time in relation to the trimming event (d 0 versus d 21) and claw (medial versus lateral). Front feet and hind feet were analyzed separately. Ambient temperature and infectious foot status were identified as external and internal factors, respectively, that significantly affected claw temperature. Before claw trimming, the lateral claws of the hind feet were significantly warmer compared with the medial claws, whereas such a difference was not evident for the claws of the front feet. At d 21, ΔT of the hind feet was reduced by ≥ 0.25 °C, whereas it was increased by ≤ 0.13 °C in the front feet compared with d 0. Therefore, trimming was associated with a remarkable decrease of ΔT of the hind claws. Equalizing the weight bearing of the hind feet by routine claw trimming is associated with a measurable reduction of ΔT between the paired hind claws.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - C Syring
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Luternauer
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - M G Doherr
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Free University, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - A Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
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10
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Bicalho RC, Oikonomou G. Control and prevention of lameness associated with claw lesions in dairy cows. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Chapinal N, de Passillé A, Rushen J. Correlated changes in behavioral indicators of lameness in dairy cows following hoof trimming. J Dairy Sci 2010; 93:5758-63. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2010-3426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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12
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Chapinal N, de Passillé A, Rushen J, Wagner S. Effect of analgesia during hoof trimming on gait, weight distribution, and activity of dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2010; 93:3039-46. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2009-2987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Meyer SW, Weishaupt MA, Nuss KA. Gait Pattern of Heifers Before and After Claw Trimming: A High-Speed Cinematographic Study on a Treadmill. J Dairy Sci 2007; 90:670-6. [PMID: 17235142 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(07)71549-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The manner in which the claws contacted the ground at the walk was evaluated in 18 healthy heifers. The animals were filmed before and after claw trimming while walking on a treadmill using high-speed cinematography (500 frames/s). For each limb, 4 consecutive steps were recorded from a side and a frontal plane. The objectives of the study were to evaluate 1) the order of claw contact with the treadmill surface, 2) the initial claw contact area, and 3) the effect of trimming on claw contact patterns. The heifers placed their front feet on the ground in a plane sagittal to the shoulders, whereas the hind feet were advanced more toward the median plane. Before trimming, the lateral claws contacted the ground before the medial in 83% of front and 100% of hind limbs. Trimming changed the percentage to 92% in the front and to 97% in the hind limbs. The percentage with which the heel of the lateral claws became the region of initial contact with the ground increased from 47 to 64% in the front feet and from 50 to 78% in the hind feet. In the medial claws of the forelimbs, claw trimming shifted the region of initial contact from the toe to the abaxial wall and heel. In the hind limbs, the main region of initial contact of the medial claws became the abaxial wall. Weight bearing by the medial claw became visibly apparent only during the midstance, propulsion, and push-off phases. "Heel first" contact of the lateral claws in the front and hind limbs may be the normal gait pattern in cattle. On hard surfaces, this pattern may lead to overload and predispose to disease, especially in the hind limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Meyer
- Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse-Faculty, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Nishimori K, Okada K, Ikuta K, Aoki O, Sakai T, Yasuda J. The effects of one-time hoof trimming on blood biochemical composition, milk yield, and milk composition in dairy cows. J Vet Med Sci 2006; 68:267-70. [PMID: 16598171 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.68.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although not scientifically proven, hoof trimming has been empirically shown to increase milk yields in healthy dairy cows. In this study, we examined the effect of one-time hoof trimming on blood biochemical composition, milk yield, and milk composition in healthy dairy cows. Eleven cows in the mid to late lactation period that were clinically fit and without hoof disease were subjected to hoof trimming, and metabolic profile tests and dairy herd improving tests were performed before and three weeks after the hoof trimming. The metabolic profiles showed changes in albumin, blood urea nitrogen, ammonia, glucose, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid as a result of the hoof trimming. This was indicated by the fact that the cows began to intake more roughage after hoof trimming than prior to hoof trimming, and rumen fermentation became stable. There was no change in milk yield after trimming. However, the milk fat and milk protein compositions were significantly increased after trimming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Nishimori
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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AOKI Y, KAMO M, KAWAMOTO H, ZHANG J, YAMADA A. Changes in walking parameters of milking cows after hoof trimming. Anim Sci J 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2006.00326.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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van der Tol PPJ, Metz JHM, Noordhuizen-Stassen EN, Back W, Braam CR, Weijs WA. Frictional Forces Required for Unrestrained Locomotion in Dairy Cattle. J Dairy Sci 2005; 88:615-24. [PMID: 15653528 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(05)72725-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Most free-stall housing systems in the Netherlands are equipped with slatted or solid concrete floors with manure scrapers. A slipping incident occurs when the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) exceeds the coefficient of friction (COF) at the claw-floor interface. An experiment was conducted to measure ground reaction forces (GRF) of dairy cows (n = 9) performing various locomotory behaviors on a nonslippery rubber-covered concrete floor. The RCOF was determined as the ratio of the horizontal and vertical components of the GRF. It was shown that during straight walking and walking-a-curve, the RCOF reached values up to the COF, whereas for sudden stop-and-start responses, the RCOF reached values beyond the maximum COF that concrete floors can provide. Our results indicate that concrete floors do not provide enough friction to allow natural locomotory behavior and suggest that tractional properties of floors should be main design criteria in the development of better flooring surfaces for cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P J van der Tol
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80158, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Manske T, Hultgren J, Bergsten C. The effect of claw trimming on the hoof health of Swedish dairy cattle. Prev Vet Med 2002; 54:113-29. [PMID: 12069775 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-5877(02)00020-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A 2-year experiment on the effect of claw trimming on hoof health was performed in 77 Swedish dairy herds (3444 dairy cattle) selected on herd size, breed composition and membership in the official milk-recording scheme. In the autumn, cows within each herd were blocked according to breed, parity and stage of lactation and allocated to two treatments: autumn trimming (AT) or no autumn trimming (NAT). Outcome variables were claw measurements and prevalence of hoof lesions and lameness (measured at spring trimming) and the need for hoof treatments between scheduled trimmings. At spring trimming, NAT cows had longer and shallower claws than AT cows. The average net growth of the toe wall was greater for AT than for NAT cattle, with a marked variation between housing systems. Most hoof lesions present at AT had disappeared at the subsequent spring trimming. Controlled for clustering by herd-within-year and for the effects of individual-and herd-level covariates, AT cattle at spring trimmings had significantly lower odds of lameness (OR=0.66) and of haemorrhages of the sole or white-line (OR=0.86), sole ulcer (OR=0.59) and white-line fissure or double sole (OR=0.71)-but not of moderate-to-severe heel-horn erosion or dermatitis (OR=0.96). Acute hoof treatments between claw trimmings were more common in the NAT group (OR=2.02).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Manske
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Section of Field Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, SE-53223 Skara, Sweden.
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Phillips CJ, Morris ID. The locomotion of dairy cows on floor surfaces with different frictional properties. J Dairy Sci 2001; 84:623-8. [PMID: 11286416 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(01)74517-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The locomotion of dairy cows was evaluated on floors with a smooth epoxy resin surface or with a surface-applied bauxite aggregate of mean diameter 0.5, 1.2, or 2.5 mm (coefficients of static friction, mu 0.35, 0.42, 0.49, and 0.74, respectively). Locomotion was recorded as cows walked to receive a food reward. Cows on the floor with least friction walked rapidly (0.85 m/s), with frequent, short steps. At the start of the supporting phase the upper limbs were more vertical. Joint arcs during this phase were reduced. Cows on 0.5-mm aggregate also walked rapidly (0.84 m/s); they had the least vertical limb angles and long steps but held the hoof more vertical, probably to offset any increased slip risk. On floors with larger aggregate, cows decreased speed and step frequency but maintained long steps, keeping their upper forelimbs more vertical to reduce the supporting limb phase. It is concluded that on a low friction floor (mu < 0.4), cows walk quickly with frequent, short steps. As mu increases to 0.5, step length increases and the number of steps decreases to maintain speed at increased friction, producing an optimal coefficient of friction between 0.4 and 0.5. Further increases in mu may increase the hanging limb phase at the expense of the supporting limb phase, to reduce friction, while maintaining a long stride to expedite arrival at the reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Phillips
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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