Dr.R.Selvakkumar., M.V.Sc., Ph.D.,
Department of Livestock Production Management
Veterinary College and Research Institute
Tirunelveli- 627 358
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS)
Enhancing the productivity of dairy cattle is linked to several contributing factors, primarily including breeding, reproduction, healthcare, nutrition, housing, and various management practices that are directly associated with production performance and economic benefits for farmers at large. As farmers increasingly adopt crossbred cows in their quest for higher milk yields and greater income, the incidence of diseases has surged significantly, presenting a considerable challenge for both dairy farmers and their operations. In contrast to indigenous cows, which exhibit resistance to many infectious diseases, exotic and crossbred cows such as Jersey and Holstein Friesian are vulnerable to a range of infectious diseases, including those of viral, bacterial, blood protozoan, and parasitic origins. Furthermore, numerous diseases also arise from inadequate nutrition.
The hoof is a crucial component of an animal’s body. While an animal experiencing hoof issues may still manage to function, the likelihood of optimal production and performance diminishes based on the severity of the issue. A cow suffering from foot pain is less inclined to walk, which in turn decreases its motivation to reach a feed bunk or grazing land, ultimately leading to reduced weight gain or milk production compared to an animal that can consume its full daily feed ration. Although some hoof issues are inevitable, effective hoof management practices can significantly lower the occurrence of hoof problems across various animal types.
A comprehensive hoof care program not only reduces treatment costs for issues but also minimizes losses associated with diminished performance and productivity. Although hoof structure varies among species, the fundamental anatomy remains quite similar across different species. To effectively care for the hoof, it is essential for an owner to grasp the basic structure and anatomy of the hoof.
A cattle hoof has several parts, including the outer hoof wall, the flexible white line where the wall meets the sole, the sole on the underside of the hoof which includes the toe and heel bulbs, and the V-shaped frog for shock absorption. Internal structures include the corium which produces horn, the fatty digital cushion for shock absorption, and the pedal bone which provides the hoof’s structure and is connected to the corium by sensitive laminae.
Common Hoof Problems in cattle
High-yielding cattle are prone to hoof problems due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. Hoof issues are generally categorized as infectious or non-infectious.
Non-Infectious Lesions
Non-infectious hoof lesions are damage to the hoof caused by factors like trauma, genetics, or poor management, rather than bacteria. Common examples include sole hemorrhages (bruising), white line separation, sole ulcers, and overgrown claws
- Sole Ulcers
Sole ulcers refer to areas of the sole horn that are either damaged or penetrated, resulting from excessive pressure and repeated compression of the corium (the tissue responsible for horn production). This condition often arises from prolonged standing on hard surfaces or hormonal fluctuations around calving that compromise the integrity of supportive hoof structures. Typically, these ulcers develop beneath the flexor tuberosity of P3. They are linked to different levels of pain and subsequent alterations in weight bearing.
Sole ulcers are generally identified by the protrusion of the corium at the site of the ulcer. The exposed corium may vary in appearance from fresh and red to brown and necrotic. Typically, sole ulcers develop in the lateral hoof of the hind legs, as this area supports more weight than the medial hoof.
To prevent sole ulcers, the primary goal is to reduce pressure on the corium. This can be achieved by limiting the duration the animal spends standing on hard surfaces, as well as minimizing negative energy balance and the related inflammatory processes. The comfort and design of the lying surface, stocking density, and heat stress management, as well as strategies to reduce issues during the transition period, all play a significant role in reducing the time spent standing.
- White Line Disease
The white line denotes the area on the hoof’s sole where the wall horn meets the sole horn. This particular horn is relatively weaker, rendering it more vulnerable to damage, particularly from lateral (shearing) forces exerted on the foot. White line disease in cattle is a condition marked by the detachment of the hoof wall from the sole, leading to a fissure that can allow dirt and bacteria to infiltrate, which may result in an abscess. This condition can develop due to trauma, stress, and subpar hoof quality stemming from insufficient nutrition. Treatment generally includes trimming the detached horn, applying a hoof block to redistribute weight, and improving housing and handling practices to reduce hoof stress.
- Sole haemorrhages and Thin Soles
These result from bruising of the corium, which can lead to ulcers, and are caused by excessive wear, abrasive surfaces, or over-trimming. This condition is marked by the appearance of red and occasionally yellow spots or areas on the sole, and it may manifest in regions where the sole is especially thin.
- Toe Ulcers/Necrosis(Toe tip necrosis syndrome)
Toe ulcers and necrosis in cattle are painful lesions on the hooves that occur due to excessive wear, resulting in a rupture of the white line where bacteria can infiltrate, leading to infection and, in severe instances, bone necrosis. This condition is frequently associated with rough surfaces in feedlots, causing lameness that can vary from mild to severe. Initial symptoms may include serum or blood staining in the hoof, while more advanced cases can lead to noticeable tissue prolapse and may potentially result in joint infections or other systemic complications if not addressed.
Infectious Lesions
- Digital Dermatitis (Hairy Heel Warts):
Digital dermatitis in cattle is a painful and infectious bacterial condition that leads to lameness and lesions on the feet, often found in the interdigital cleft. This disease is caused by a combination of bacteria, including the spirochete Treponema species, and can manifest as painful, red, and ulcerated skin or as a less painful, gray-black, circular lesion. Treatment emphasizes hygiene, the use of topical antibiotics, pain management, and preventive measures such as footbaths to limit its spread within herds.
The primary strategy for preventing digital dermatitis is maintaining hygiene. Ensuring a clean environment free from wet and/or abrasive walking surfaces reduces the likelihood of compromising the skin barrier. Regular use of foot baths is a preventive strategy that should be implemented as frequently as needed to reduce the incidence of active painful lesions. These foot baths are generally filled with disinfectant solutions like copper sulfate or formalin.
- Foot Rot (Interdigital Phlegmon):
Foot rot in cattle, known as interdigital phlegmon, is a bacterial infection affecting the skin between the toes, leading to sudden lameness, swelling, and a foul-smelling wound. This condition is caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, a common bacterium present in the environment, and is frequently triggered by wet or muddy conditions that harm the skin.
To prevent foot rot, the primary focus should be on avoiding skin damage, thus eliminating the chance for bacterial infection. Skin damage, usually of mechanical nature, occurs due to contact with rocks, sharp edges, cables, and other dangerous objects or protrusions in the animal’s living environment. Additionally, chronic exposure to wet conditions in muddy or dirty environments can also lead to skin damage. On dairy farms, employing foot baths with various disinfectants helps to clean and disinfect the interdigital skin.
- Heel Horn Erosion/Interdigital Dermatitis:
Interdigital dermatitis is a contagious bacterial infection that leads to the erosion of heel bulbs or a mild form of dermatitis (distinct from digital dermatitis) that usually does not result in lameness. Heel horn erosion is a component of the interdigital dermatitis disease complex.
The primary bacterium linked to heel horn erosion and interdigital dermatitis is Dichelobacter nodosus, which is a gram-negative, anaerobic, commensal, and opportunistic bacterium. Generally, these bacteria penetrate skin and horn that have been compromised by wet and unsanitary conditions. This invasion initiates a cycle of additional damage due to their virulence factors and the body’s reaction of excessive horn growth.
To prevent heel horn erosion, it is essential to minimize prolonged exposure to wet and unsanitary environments. Similar to other infectious hoof conditions, regularly and properly using foot baths to clean and disinfect hooves serves as a preventive strategy for housed dairy cows.
Effective Hoof Care and Prevention Strategies
Effective hoof care for cattle involves a multi-faceted approach including regular hoof trimming, maintaining a clean and dry environment, implementing a proper nutrition plan, and using footbaths. These strategies, when combined, prevent infections and injuries, promote proper weight distribution, and ensure overall hoof health, reducing the risk of lameness.
Environmental Management:
- Provide Comfortable Housing: Ensure ample space and comfortable, deeply bedded lying areas to encourage sufficient resting time (12-14 hours per day), which reduces pressure on hooves.
- Optimize Walking Surfaces: Use rubber matting in high-traffic areas like the milking parlor exit and walkways to provide better traction and reduce injury and wear.
- Hygiene: Maintain a clean and dry environment in stalls, walkways, and around milking parlors to prevent infections from spreading.
- Drainage: Ensure good drainage to prevent muddy conditions and minimize the time cattle spend in wet areas.
- Flooring: Provide a dry, smooth surface in walking areas to reduce injury and prevent slipping.
- Bedding: Keep bedding areas dry and replace them regularly to minimize contamination.
- Overcrowding: Avoid overcrowding to reduce the risk of injuries
Nutritional Management
- Nutrition is a significant factor in healthy hoof horn growth. Some minerals, amino acids, and vitamins are involved in the keratinization process, which ensures healthy horn growth and the structural binding of keratin proteins.
- Balance the Diet: Prevent subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) by ensuring a balanced ratio of concentrate to high-quality fiber/roughage. Avoid sudden diet changes.
- Supplement Minerals and Vitamins: Ensure adequate levels of key nutrients. Zinc and copper are vital for strong connective tissue and immune function, while biotin supplementation (around 20 mg/day) has been proven to improve horn quality and reduce lesions.
Routine Hoof Care:
- Regular Hoof Trimming: Perform maintenance trimming twice yearly (e.g., at dry-off and around 100 days in milk) by a skilled professional to balance weight-bearing and prevent overgrowth. Heifers should also be trimmed before their first calving.
- Footbaths: Implement a regular footbath program (using solutions like copper sulfate or formalin) to clean and disinfect hooves and prevent infectious diseases.