Evaluation ofthe hoof's temperature variations depending onlesion presence, measurement points and leg position.

Abstract

Inorder todetermine the possibility ofusing infrared thermography (IRT) inpreventing lameness indairy cows, the aim ofthis study was toevaluate temperature variations depending onthe lesion presence, measurement points and leg position. The study used about 3000IRT records from 60Holstein cows housed inafree-stall barn. Surface temperature measurements were taken attwo regions ofthe hooves: the region ofthecoronary band, and the region ofthe skin up to2cm above the coronary band. Ahighly significant (P=0.004; 0.006, P<0.01) difference intemperature was observed between healthy and diseased legs atboth measurement points. Additionally, asignificant (P=0.029; 0.037; 0.045; 0.012; 0.018, P<0.05) orhighly significant (P=0.004; 0.006, P<0.01) difference intemperature values between the front and rear legs was established for both measurement points, i.e., the coronary band and the skin. Despite confirming the potential applicability ofinfrared thermography inthedetection oflameness, itis crucial toconsider the significant influences ofthe environmental factors, impurities, and animal-related factors.