Lameness and foot lesions in Swiss dairy cows: II. Risk factors.
The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with foot lesions and lameness in Swiss dairy cows. Potential risk factors were recorded by means of examination of 1'449 Swiss cows and the management systems of 78 farms during routine claw-trimming, and during personal interviews with the associated farmers. Statistical analysis of animal-based and herd level risk factors were performed using multivariate logistic regression models. The risk of being lame was increased in cows affected by digital dermatitis complex, heel-horn erosion, interdigital hyperplasia, Rusterholz' sole ulcer, deep laceration, double sole and severe hemorrhages. Cleanliness, BCS, affection with other foot lesions, breed, importance of claw health to the farmer, frequency of routine claw-trimming, producing according to the guidelines of the welfare label program RAUS, and silage feeding were shown to be associated with the occurrence of some of the evaluated foot lesions and lameness. The identified risk factors may help to improve management and the situation of lameness and claw health in dairy cows in Switzerland and other alpine areas with similar housing and pasturing systems.
Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Switzerland.
J
J
Becker
Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Switzerland.
A
A
Steiner
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Zollikofen, Switzerland.
S
S
Kohler
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Zollikofen, Switzerland.
A
A
Koller-Bähler
Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Switzerland.
M
M
Wüthrich
Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Switzerland.
M
M
Reist
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003612:Dairying / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000473:pathology; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology
Klauenerkrankung; Klauengesundheit; Milchkuh; Risikofaktor; claw health; dairy cow; foot lesion; risk factor