Association between a genetic index for lameness resistance and the incidence of claw horn lesions in Holstein cows

Abstract

Background This study aimed to determine the association between the lameness advantage genetic index and four outcomes: sole haemorrhage (SH), sole ulcers (SU), white line lesions (WL), and lameness during mobility scoring. Methods We enrolled 2352 Holstein cows from four predominantly housed dairy herds in the UK. Cows were mobility scored and foot lesions recorded at four time points from before calving to late lactation. Cows were genotyped and genetic indexes were assigned to each cow following national genetic evaluations. Lameness records and genetic indexes were matched for 2107 cows. Four separate multivariable logistic regression models, which included farm and parity as covariables, were used to quantify the association between the lameness advantage index and whether animals were affected by SH, SU, WL, or lameness. Results The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for one‐point increases in the lameness advantage index were 0.79 (0.72–0.86), 0.68 (0.59–0.78), 0.94 (0.84–1.04), and 0.82 (0.74–0.91) for SH, SU, WL, and lameness, respectively. The same trends were present when the sire's lameness advantage index was evaluated in place of the animal's own, although the strength of this association was generally weaker. Conclusion The lameness advantage index is associated with SH, SU, and lameness, therefore selection on the lameness advantage index could be considered in herds aiming to reduce lameness. Where genomic testing of heifers is not conducted, sire lameness advantage index may still be effective to reduce SH and SU incidence.

A prospective cohort study examining the association of claw anatomy and sole temperature with the development of claw horn disruption lesions in dairy cattle

“…An increased foot angle at T2-calving was not significantly associated with either sole lesion or white line lesion development in the multivariable analysis. Foot angle is included in the lameness advantage index, which is associated with the incidence of sole hemorrhage, sole ulcers, and lameness ( Barden et al, 2022 ). van Dorp et al (2004) highlighted that cows with a steeper foot angle trait had genetically significantly better locomotion, while Kougioumtzis et al (2014) found that an intermediate foot angle breeding trait was related to reduced lameness, with a steeper angle preferable.…”

“…In summary, the development of CHDL is multifactorial, representing the interrelationship of genetic ( Barden et al, 2022 ; Li et al, 2023 ), anatomic, management ( Griffiths et al, 2018 ), and environmental components ( Barker et al, 2009 ; Rutherford et al, 2009 ; Solano et al, 2015 ). The objective of the present study was to assess claw anatomy and sole temperature and their association with CHDL by examining key measurements during the transition period and the subsequent development of sole and white line lesions during early lactation in a large cohort of well-monitored UK dairy cows.…”

Comparing genetic indexes for reducing lameness in dairy cows

“…WE wish to follow up on our recent study 1 where we aimed to evaluate the lameness advantage genetic index by quantifying its association with claw horn lesions and lameness in 2352 Holstein cows. A secondary objective was to screen all genetic indexes (other than lameness advantage) for an association with the same outcomes, which showed that both feet and legs and locomotion (assessed in type classification) were associated with lameness, but not with claw horn lesions.…”

“…As mobility scoring has a limited sensitivity to detect foot lesions, likely due in part to an evolutionary advantage of cattle masking signs of pain, it is important not to exacerbate this problem with genetic selection. Lameness advantage is associated with both sole lesions and lameness, as well as infectious lesions; 2 we believe this is the best option for those aiming to improve foot health through selective breeding.…”

“…We have reanalysed our data after scaling each genetic index so a single unit represents an equivalent shift in the distribution for all indexes 3 . This allows the strength of the association between genetic indexes and claw horn lesions and lameness to be directly compared, which we think is useful when deciding on a breeding strategy.…”