Factores asociados a la presentación de cojeras en 50 rebaños lecheros de la X Región, Chile

Abstract

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to determine the risk factors related to the prevalence of foot lesions in 50 dairy farms in three provinces (Valdivia, Osorno and Llanquihue) of the X th Region, Chile. Each farm was visited once between April and July, 2004. During each visit, all lactating cows were observed during locomotion. In those cows showing a degree of lameness, all four feet were examined. The degree of lameness was scored in scale of 1 (slightly lame) to 4 (very lame). Data were recorded in an individual recording sheet for each cow. All the facilities and paddocks where the cows were kept were inspected during each visit. A questionnaire was handed to the manager or the owner of the farm. All the data recorded and the answers to the questionnaire were introduced in an Excel spread sheet as numerical variables and analyzed using the statistical program SPSS 8.0. Risk factors for the four more prevalent causes of lameness were determined using a logistic regression model. The associated factors for an increase of the prevalence in the dairy herds were determined with a multivariable linear regression model. A total of 7501 dairy cows were observed, with 641 of them being diagnosed with some degree of lameness. Cows with three or more lactations were 3.8 times more likely to develop chronic lesions of the hooves and cows with two lactations were 2 times more likely to develop overgrowth of the sole, compared with other lactations. German Red-pied cows were 1.7 times more likely to have white line lesions and 2 times more wall lesions than other breeds. Three risk factors related to lameness were identified: i) changing the diet 25 days prior to calving vs changing the diet nearer to calving date or not changing the diet, ii) concrete roads vs gravel and mud roads, iii) the absence of a footbath versus the presence of a footbath.Palabras clave: cojeras, rebaño lechero, factores de riesgo.

Why Is the Grass the Best Surface to Prevent Lameness? Integrative Analysis of Functional Ranges as a Key for Dairy Cows’ Welfare

“…It should be noted that this proposal is in an early stage of development, so for this paper, specific lines of evidence were used (i.e., movement parameters according to surface) to weigh and integrate results ( Figures S1–S12 ), as well as to argue the beneficial properties of alternative surfaces to grass, if required (see Section 3.2 ). This approach does not prevent the possibility of considering, in the future, quantitative data proposals, including additional factors such as animal size, breed, climate, and management conditions, among other documented factors [ 13 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

“…This bovine health problem determines behavior and animal welfare losses (i.e., discomfort) [ 20 ]. Lameness, together with mastitis and infertility, is considered one of the main welfare, health, and production problems in intensive dairies worldwide [ 21 , 22 , 23 ], and its economic impact has been estimated at USD 500 per cow [ 6 ]. Lameness is a multifactorial condition.…”

“…Cook (2016) reported that the average prevalence of lameness is close to 25% for all production systems worldwide [24]. For example, in European countries, the prevalence of bovine lameness is 30%, and in the New York/Pennsylvania area of the USA, it is over 50%; while in South America, a prevalence of 30% in Brazil, 40% in Uruguay, 23% in Argentina, and 30% in Chile have been reported [21][22][23][24].…”

Pathophysiology of Fever and Application of Infrared Thermography (IRT) in the Detection of Sick Domestic Animals: Recent Advances

“…Among the most common causes of lameness in horses is navicular syndrome or laminitis [ 165 ]. One of the most frequent causes of laminitis in horses is the provision of high-energy diets that are low in fiber [ 166 ], because carbohydrate overload alters the bacterial balance of the gastrointestinal tract, causing excessive growth of lactic acid-producing bacteria, which change the pH, usually neutral, to an acidic medium. Acidity causes the death of Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Enterobacteriaceae and the release of LPS, which, in action with acidic pH, damages the mucosa and allows the passage of endotoxins into the portal circulation, causing the release of inflammatory mediators and, subsequently, the decrease in capillary perfusion of the claw, edema, and ischemia [ 167 ].…”