Genetic parameters for hoof lesions and their relationship with feet and leg traits in Canadian Holstein cows

Abstract

The objectives were (1) to estimate the genetic parameters and breeding values of hoof lesions, (2) to estimate the phenotypic effect of each feet and legs conformation traits on hoof lesions, and (3) to estimate genetic correlations between hoof lesions with feet and legs conformation traits. The presence or absence of specific hoof lesions was recorded for each hoof. Lesions were classified into infectious (digital and interdigital dermatitis, foot rot, and heel erosion), horn (sole and toe ulcer, sole hemorrhage, and white line disease), and other lesions (interdigital hyperplasia, fissures, thin soles, and corkscrew claw). A total of 34,905 hoof health records from 27,179 cows and 365 herds, collected by 18 different hoof-trimmers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, were analyzed using linear animal models. In addition, 5 feet and leg conformation traits (foot angle, heel depth, bone quality, rear leg side view, and rear leg rear view) and locomotion from primiparous cows were considered (n=11,419 and 6,966 cows, for conformation traits and locomotion, respectively). At least one lesion was found in nearly 40% of the hoof trimming records. The heritability estimates for hoof lesions ranged from 0.01 for front horn lesions to 0.09 for rear infectious lesions. Despite the low heritability estimates, we observed large variability in sire estimated breeding value (EBV) for resistance to hoof lesions. Positive genetic correlations were found between the occurrence of front and rear infectious lesions (0.77) and between front and rear horn lesions (0.61), but not between infectious and horn lesions (0.08). For most of the conformation traits, low scores were phenotypically associated with higher incidence of horn lesions, whereas we found no evidence of a phenotypic effect of feet and leg traits on infectious lesions. The heritability of the conformation traits ranged from 0.04 for rear leg rear view to 0.22 for bone quality, whereas that for locomotion was 0.03. The genetic correlations between hoof lesions and conformation traits were low to moderate, yet most of the estimates were associated with high standard errors. In conclusion, although hoof lesions are lowly heritable traits, sufficient genetic variation exists (as evidenced by large variability in sire EBV) for genetic improvement through direct selection in the long term. Standardization of hoof health data collection is encouraged.

Missing pieces of the puzzle to effectively control digital dermatitis

“…The role of host genetics in DD lesion susceptibility has also been evaluated and has clearly demonstrated a genetic role for disease susceptibility or resistance (Scholey et al., ; Schopke, Gomez, Dunbar, Swalve, & Dopfer, ). In addition, genetic parameters and breeding values have been identified for most hoof lesions and their relationships with feet and leg traits (Chapinal et al., ). With large variations in sire estimated breeding value for resistance to hoof lesions, the authors concluded there were long‐term opportunities for genetic selection.…”

Estimation of heritability for claw traits in Holstein cattle using Bayesian and REML approaches

“…Similarly, Ødegård et al (2014) reported for Norwegian Red cows the moderate level of genetic correlation between the claw disorders and the conformation of feet and leg. However, in general all of the analysed claw disorders showed significantly lower level of heritability (around 0.1) compared to foot and leg conformation traits (Chapinal et al, 2013;Oberbauer et al, 2013;Ødegård et al, 2014;Pérez-Cabal and Charfeddine, 2015).…”

“…For European dairy cattle the prevalence of 70% of the cows with at least one claw disorders have been reported (Van der Linde et al, 2010;Chapinal et al, 2013;Van der Spek et al, 2013). The risk of claw disorders incidence depends on various factors, including environment conditions (for example management practices and design of the facilities) and animals' genetic background (Cramer et al, 2009;Van der Linde et al, 2010).…”

“…There are two options; selection on claw health using data that are currently not routinely collected or indirect selection on correlated conformation traits that are currently recorded (Van der Waaij et al, 2005;Weber et al, 2013). Up to now, several studies confirmed in general low or median level of heritability for claw morphometric parameters as well as disorders (Jeyaruban et al, 2012;Chapinal et al, 2013;Oberbauer et al, 2013;Ødegård et al, 2014;Pérez-Cabal and Charfeddine, 2015).…”

Immune response against Treponema spp. and ELISA detection of digital dermatitis

“…Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is increasingly found worldwide, affecting cattle in all production systems (Hulek et al, 2010;Capion et al, 2012;Chapinal et al, 2013). Footbaths and topical treatments have been extensively used as the main preventive measures to control DD.…”