Distribution of locomotor lesions in dairy cows in Serbia

Abstract

Lameness causes significant economic losses in dairy cows. Lesions of the foot are the cause of about 85% of all lameness in dairy cows. In addition, lameness can be localized in other places of the locomotor system such as joints, muscles, and skin. The aim of this study was to show the distribution of locomotor lesions in dairy cows. A total of 144 Simmental dairy cows (36 primiparous and 108 multiparous) from 10 small dairy farms located in the Macva district, Serbia were observed during regular hoof trimming. All cows were housed in a tiedholding system. The clinical examination focused on all possible alternations on the observed hooves and legs. Lesions of the horn, skin, joints, and leg injuries were noted. Of the 144 animals presenting for a hoof trim, 49 cows (34.0%) had no locomotor lesions noted. In this study, lesions were present in 95 (66,0%) of all examined cows. Locomotor lesions of the horn were detected in 82.4% (61/74 of cases), skin 2.7%, joints in 10.8%, and leg injuries in 4.05% of the cases in multiparous cows. Thus, lesions of the horn were detected in 61.9% (13/21 of cases), skin 4.7%, joint in 23.8% and leg injuries in 9.5% of the cases in primiparous cows. Our results show that lesions on the hooves are the most dominant site of the locomotor system.