This document discusses lameness in dairy cattle. It begins by introducing the topic and outlining the structure of lameness, which involves 3 phases: initial activation, local mechanical damage, and progressive local damage of bone. It then discusses prevention methods like locomotion scoring and foot trimming programs. Lameness negatively impacts productivity by reducing milk production and causing late pregnancy. The conclusion emphasizes that lameness can be prevented through proper management strategies as it significantly affects animal health and production.

1. By Greete Kereme

2.  Introduction
 Lameness Structure
◦ Phase 1
◦ Phase 2-3
 Prevention
◦ Lameness Control program
 Effect on productivity
 Conclusion

3.  Increasing problem in dairy cattles
 Painful for animal
 Effects productivity:
- Milk production
- Pregnancy

4.  3 phases of
lameness process:
1. Initial activation
phase
2. Local mechanical
damage
3. Progressive local
mechanical
damage of bone
and support
structure.

5.  Associated with a systemic metabolic insult
 Vasoactive mehanism increases digital pulse and
total blood flow.
 Expansion of the corium

6.  Associated with the vascular system.
 Fewer nutriens and less oxygen reaches to the
epidermal cells.
 “Heart attack” of the feet -> phase 3, where bone
shifts in position.

7.  Locomotion scoring - reproducible technique, it
consists of watching each cow walk on an even
non-slip surface. (sound, uneven/slow, lame
 Routine foot trimming – likely the most important
control measure for reducing lameness.

8. Below, score:
walking lame
Up, score: walking
sound

9.  Monitoring lameness incidence and causes
 A planned foot trimming program
 Strategic, regular footbathing
 Prompt treatment of lame cows
 Specific management of first lactation cattle
 Clean and comfortable walking surface for
the cows.

10.  Decline in milk production 0,5 to 1,5 lts/day
 Causes late pregnancy
 Prolongs calving interval by 35-50 days.

11.  Animals whose lying time after calving gets
redused are more likely to suffer claw horn
diseas in peak or mid lactation.
 Lameness can be easily prevented with right
strategy.
 As an huge effect on animal health and
production.

12. “Recent Concepts in the Aetiopathogenesis
of Foot Lameness in Cattle”
Authors: U N Zahid, Swaran S Randhawa and
M A Ganie.
http://vetscan.co.in/v5n2/62-foot-lameness-
cattle.htm
Preventing lameness in dairy cows: hoof lesions;
their identification, treatment, management and
prevention.
Authors: Colin Mason, Jill Offer
http://www.sac.ac.uk/mainrep/pdfs/tn599lamene
ss.pdf