Impact of Claw Disorders in Dairy Cattle on Health, Production and Economics and Practicable Preventive Methods

Abstract

Problems with claw disorders in dairy cattle herds are very typical and are among the most significant endemic cattle diseases. It is good to realize in what condition we keep the cattle - unsuitable floors and bed boxes, greasy microclimate, frequent movement between groups of animals, significant changes in the feed ration - all this affects the health of claws. Lameness and claw lesions have a great impact on production, welfare and health of dairy cows. They decreases milk yield, have a negative impact on reproductive traits and fertility performance and therefore lameness increases costs including medicine, detection of lameness, control and prevention, and creates losses including reduced milk production, non-sellable milk, reduced reproductive performance, increased culling and animal death. To reduce the effect of claw disorders on dairy cattle, it is necessary to apply the most efficient combination of available methods of prevention. The most effective is the combination of early detection and diagnosis, regular claw trimming, proper diet and clean and suitable enviroment. The aim of this review was to cumulate the existing informations of aspects of claw lessions and known preventive methods for breeders of dairy herds.