Claw lameness in dairy cattle: New Zealand-based research

Authors: Vermunt JJ, Parkinson TJ
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 50, Issue 3 Supplement, pp 88-89, Jun 2002
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Behaviour, Epidemiology, Hoof/claw, Limb - lower, Locomotor, Disease/defect
Article class: Summary

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Abstract: Lameness in dairy cattle has significant welfare implications, and causes major losses to the dairy industry worldwide. The causes of lameness are multifactorial and contributing factors include environment, behaviour, management, nutrition, infection, and conformation or genetics. The earliest survey published carried out in New Zealand dairy herds revealed an annual lameness incidence of 10% (Cagienard 1973). Claw disorders account for most diagnosed cases of lameness in cattle. Laminitis is widely regarded as an important predisposing factor in lameness due to claw disorders. The incidence of laminitis in New Zealand is not known. However, lesions that are commonly associated with laminitis have been reported in cows in New Zealand (Dewes 1978; Tranter and Morris 1991; Vermunt 1992) and an association between feeding high-quality temperate pastures and laminitis has been suggested (Tranter and Morris 1991; Tranter et al 1991; Vermunt 1992; Macky 1994; Westwood and Lean 2001). This paper chronologically reviews the major New Zealand contributions to research on claw lameness in cattle.

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