Hoof Trimming Research Articles

The effect of routine hoof trimming on midstance regional hoof kinetics at walk

There is a lack of objective and quality evidence-based research on the effect of trimming on hoof loading at different regions of the hoof. Our objective was to measure and compare force (F), contact area (CA), contact pressure (CP) and peak contact pressure (PCP) of the dorsal vs palmar and medial vs lateral regions of the forehooves. Nine sound equine athletes were walked across a calibrated pressure plate before and after routine hoof trimming. The F, CA, CP and PCP in medial, lateral, dorsal and palmar regions were examined pre- and post-trimming,P≤0.05 was considered significant. Dorsal CP and PCP significantly increased post-trimming (P=0.039 andP=0.019, respectively). Medial F increased about 25% after trimming, but not significantly (P=0.129). These data confirm the impact of individual hoof trimming on certain aspects of the hoof midstance biomechanics.

The Effect of Hoof Trimming on Milk Yield in Dairy Cattle

Hoof trimming is necessary for conformation and health of cattle. It is performed to prevent hoof lesions and maintenance the symmetry and shape of claw. At the same time it is a stress factor in dairy cattle. The aim of the study was to investigate the stress effects of hoof trimming on milk yield in healthy dairy cattle. Twenty Simmental dairy cattle were used as material. Functional hoof trimming was performed for all cattle. Dairy milk yield was measured before and after hoof trimming period. There were personal increases and decreases of milk yield recorded in animals. However, these increase and decrease were not statistically significant. As a result of this study hoof trimming is necessary for claw health and prevention for foot diseases. In healthy dairy cattle it causes stress and to decreases in milk yield. On the other hand the hoof trimming time, environmental factors such as flooring system and management style, and the animal related factors such as lactation period and stage, number of milking, breed and age affect the milk yield with hoof trimming positively or negatively. Keywords : Cattle, Dairy, Hoof, Milk, Simmental DOI : 10.7176/JSTR/5-5-07

TECHNOLOGY AUDIT ON DAIRY FARMS

Technological audit of dairy farms in the Novosibirsk region revealed the main problems of keeping, feeding and breeding animals, causing a decrease in production efficiency. Only about 30 % of enterprises with a cow yield of less than 7000 kg per lactation harvest high quality feed. At the same time, on average for three years from 24 to 68 % of the harvested forages were classified as non-class according to the analyzed samples from 15 districts of the region. More than 60 % of the surveyed farms are characterized by poor animal hygiene. Conducted late or not carried out functional hoof trimming. The share of enterprises using only artificial insemination of cows is low, the frequency of gynecological diseases is high. The technology of young growth is not observed. Almost all indicators of such enterprises are significantly different from the reference (with milk yield of cows over 7000 kg). Critical to achieving such productivity are technological discipline, including climate, proper feeding and milking, availability of qualified specialists and herd management system.

Effects of climate and farm management practices on bovine digital dermatitis in spring-calving pasture-based dairy farms in Taranaki, New Zealand

To investigate the effect of climate and farm management practices on prevalence of bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) in spring-calving farms in Taranaki, New Zealand, whole herd assessments of BDD were made on 57 farms which had been previously identified as having cows with BDD. Assessments of BDD lesions were made on five occasions between early lactation (September 2015) and drying-off (May 2016; at approximately 6-week intervals). Along with the clinical assessment, data on farm management practices were collected using questionnaires. In addition, climate data including rainfall and soil/air temperature were obtained from a local weather station. The raw temporal pattern was analysed using a generalised estimating equation method, followed by a mixed effects negative binomial model which modelled the associations between prevalence and the covariates including management practices, rainfall and soil temperature.The highest farm and cow level prevalences were seen on the second visit (27/Oct/2015–11/Dec/2015) and were lowest on the fourth visit (29/Jan/2016–10/Mar/2016). Farms with a higher prevalence at the first visit tended to have a higher prevalence at later visits, even though the affected individuals were often different. There was thus a strong correlation (0.94) between prevalence (proportion of cows affected at each time point) and incidence (proportion of cows with new affections at each time point). Two climate measurements were found to have associations with BDD prevalence. Firstly, increased rainfall in the previous month was associated with decreased cow level prevalence; secondly, there was a quadratic relationship between prevalence and soil temperature, with prevalence increasing as soil temperature increased from 11.8 °C to approximately 18 °C and then decreasing as soil temperature increased from approximately 18 °C to 23.9 °C. In addition to the effect of climate, using outside staff to perform hoof trimming was found to increase the risk of BDD affection (risk ratio [RR]: 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–4.06).

Associations between on-farm cow welfare indicators and productivity and profitability on Canadian dairies: II. On tiestall farms

The use of tiestall housing for dairy cows is often criticized due to the reduced freedom of movement it offers for the animals. Maximizing comfort is especially important in tiestall farms to ensure an acceptable level of cow welfare. Motivating dairy producers to make financial investments directly aimed toward the improvement of their animals' welfare can be challenging, especially when financial returns are uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the existence of associations between on-farm animal welfare and indicators of farm productivity and profitability in tiestall farms. The prevalence of animal-, resource-, and management-based welfare indicators was collected on 100 Canadian tiestall farms during a cow comfort study. Records from the dairy herd improvement agency were retrieved and used to calculate the farms' productivity and profitability measures. Univariable and multivariable linear regressions were used to assess the associations between welfare indicators and milk production, milk quality, cow longevity, and economic margins calculated over replacement costs. Increased yearly average corrected milk production was associated with longer average lying time [β = 272; 95% confidence interval (CI): 94, 450] and a higher proportion of cows fitting the tie-rail height (β = 6; 95% CI: 1, 11). Lower yearly average somatic cell count was associated with lower percentages of stalls mostly soiled with manure (β = -3.7; 95% CI: -1.9, -5.4) and a lower proportion of cows with body condition score ≤2 (β = -5.1; 95% CI: -2.3, -8.3). The average margin per cow over replacement costs was positively associated with average lying time (β = 147; 95% CI: 27, 267), percent of stall not soiled with manure (β = 7.2; 95% CI: 3.0, 11.3), and the frequency of scheduled hoof trimming per year. Some of the relationships found included interactions between animal- and management-based welfare measures. For example, the relationship between lameness prevalence and average milk production was modified through the milk production genetic index. Overall, the results show that improved cow comfort and welfare on tiestall farms is associated with increased productivity, cow longevity, and profitability when estimated through margins calculated over the replacement costs. Producers should aim to optimize all aspects of stall comfort to enhance their cows' productivity.

Using the Footfall Sound of Dairy Cows for Detecting Claw Lesions.

Simple SummaryClaw lesions affect the health and well-being of dairy cows and are the third most frequent reason for culling. The most common method to identify cows affected by claw lesions is the assessment of locomotion. However, this requires apart from a trained observer a lot of time. And time is an important limiting factor especially with increasing herd sizes. Thus, regarding the detection of claw lesions, a sensor-assisted, automated system to be implemented on farms should be developed. This system analyzes the footfall sound of cows to distinguish lame from non-lame animals. Using a runway with sensors for recording the footfall sound, we found that cows with non-infectious diseases such as sole ulcers showed a less forceful gait pattern than healthy ones. It is known that particular cows with non-infectious diseases have a greater sensitivity to pain. Therefore the established system is capable of selecting cows that take more cautious steps. This character of abnormal gait pattern is in turn a sign of lameness. Therefore, the automated system as developed in this study is a promising tool for detecting lameness in dairy cows on farms.An important factor for animal welfare in cattle farming is the detection of lameness. The presented study is part of a project aiming to develop a system that is capable of an automated diagnosis of claw lesions by analyzing the footfall sound. Data were generated from cows walking along a measurement zone where piezoelectric sensors recorded their footfall sounds. Locomotion of the animals was scored and they were graded according to a three-scale scoring system (LS1 = non-lame; LS2 = uneven gait; LS3 = lame). Subsequently, the cows were examined by a hoof trimmer. The walking speed across the test track was significantly higher in cows with LS1 compared to those with LS2 and LS3 and thus, they were showing a smoother gait pattern. The standard deviation of volume (SDV) in the recorded footfall sound signal was considered as a factor for the force of a cow’s footsteps. Cows with non-infectious claw lesions showed lower SDV than healthy cows and those with infectious claw diseases. This outcome confirmed the hypothesis that the evaluated cows affected by non-infectious claw lesions have a greater sensitivity to pain and demonstrate a less forceful gait pattern. These first results clearly show the potential of using footfall sound analysis for detecting claw lesions.

Prevalence and distribution of feet lesions in dairy cows raised in the freestall

Foot lesions are one of the main causes of productivity losses in the dairy industry. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of claudication and distribution of hoof lesions by associating them with preventive hoof trimming, as well as list the main causes of involuntary discarding and the main health problems reported in dairy farms. The study included 10 farms distributed in 7 municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul state. The body condition score (BCS) and locomotion score (LS) of the cows were assessed. Hoof examination, lesion classification, and hoof trimming of the animals were performed. Of the 492 animals, 38.4% presented lameness and 36% had foot lesions, 81.4% of which were observed in the pelvic limbs and 19.6% in the thoracic limbs. Of the lesions in the limbs, 47.1% were of infectious origin and 52.9% were noninfectious. The main lesions were sole ulcers (31.6%), digital dermatitis (30.3%), thin soles (12%), and interdigital dermatitis (11.2%). Cows aged 4 to 6 years had a higher number of lesions and a higher LS. Preventive hoof trimming reduced the chances of lameness by 55% as the locomotive system was the main sanitary problem and the first reason for involuntary disposal of the farms. The results show that dairy cows raised in a free stall system have a high prevalence of claudication and foot diseases. These data should be taken into account when altering the livestock management of these animals in order to reduce significant economic losses in the herd.

A test of the effects of the equine maternal pheromone on the clinical and ethological parameters of equines undergoing hoof trimming

“Pheromonal therapy” has been promoted as a promising alternative therapy to improve the human-animal relationship and to reduce behavioral reactions to stressful stimuli. This placebo-controlled double blind study evaluated the use of a synthetic equine maternal pheromone (EMP) in animals undergoing hoof trimming for effects on behaviors and autonomous nervous system responses. Twenty foals (14 females and 6 males) with an average age of 24 months were divided into two experimental groups (A and B); one group receiving treatment with EMP and the other receiving placebo (excipient without the active ingredient). The parameters analyzed were heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, blood sugar levels, heart rate variability and behavioral reactions. There were no statistically significant differences in the HR, respiratory rate, and blood sugar levels when comparing the EMP and placebo groups. The heart rate variability indexes (minimum HR, average HR, maximum HR, NN, SDNN, RMSSD, and PNN50) also were not statistically significantly different when comparing the groups before, during, and after trimming. We also found no behavioral changes during the procedure of hoof trimming associated with the use of synthetic pheromonal analogues. This study provided no evidence for the effectiveness of synthetic pheromonal analogues to aid in the process of hoof trimming.

Effect of Parity on Claw Horn Lesions in Holstein Dairy Cows: Clinical and Radiological Study

Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of parity on claw lesions prevalence in Holstein dairy cows through clinical and radiological observations. Ninety-seven cows were examined two months after calving to record body condition score, locomotion score, feet diagnostic imaging (X-ray), hoof trimming and clinical evaluation. According to the lactation, the cows were divided into three groups: first parity (Group 1, n=40), second parity (Group 2, n= 29) and third or more parity (Group 3, n=28). Several claw lesions were found. One-way analysis of variance was applied along with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Significant effect of groups was evidenced on radiographic images. In particular, the radiographic images showed a significant increase of osteolysis from Group 1 to Group 3. The application of Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a significantly positive correlation between locomotion score and some claw lesions in all groups. In conclusion, this study provides an overview of claw lesions in dairy cow through clinical and radiological observations.

Gezondheid en het houden van hobbyvarkens: een overzicht

Miniatuurvarkens, zoals het Vietnamese hangbuikvarken en de Kunekune, zijn de bekendste hobbyvarkensrassen. Ondanks hun populariteit is de kennis van hun gezondheid en management schaars. Ze hebben een uitstekend reukvermogen en gehoor, beschikken over een goed aanpassingsvermogen en zijn doorgaans gemakkelijk te hanteren. Ze gedijen goed in de thermoneutrale zone. Een goed geventileerde schuilplaats met een recreatiegebied en het opnemen van stro voor manipulatie voorkomen verveling. Drinkwater moet te allen tijde worden verstrekt. Beperkte voeding één of tweemaal daags is optimaal om overgewicht te voorkomen. Agressie kan optreden en is een van de redenen waarom eigenaars het varken niet langer wensen aan te houden. Schurft en zonnebrand zijn de meest voorkomende huidproblemen. Diarree door Escherichia coli kan voor problemen zorgen bij biggen. Castratie wordt aanbevolen om agressief gedrag, het verspreiden van een penetrante geur en het risico op neoplasmata te vermijden. Het wordt bij voorkeur op jonge leeftijd uitgevoerd om chirurgische complicaties te voorkomen. Er wordt aanbevolen om profylaxe tegen vlekziekte en endoparasieten twee keer per jaar uit te voeren. Andere maatregelen zijn onder meer het periodiek inkorten van de slagtanden en het bekappen van de klauwen.

Short communication: Use of lameness scoring to genetically improve claw health in Austrian Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss, and Holstein cattle

The specific objective of this study was to evaluate the use of lameness scoring to genetically improve claw health in Austrian Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss, and Holstein cows based on data from the "Efficient Cow" project. In 2014, a 1-yr data collection was carried out. Data from 6,519 cows kept on 161 farms were recorded. At each time of milk recording, lameness scores were assessed by trained staff of the milk recording organizations. Hoof trimming on these farms was documented and recorded as well. Veterinarian diagnoses and culling due to foot and leg problems from these farms were available from the routine recording system. As repeated lameness records per cow and lactation were available, an overall lactation lameness score was calculated. Estimated heritabilities for lameness were 0.11, 0.05, and 0.09 for Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss, and Holstein, respectively; however, only heritability estimates for Fleckvieh were significantly different from zero. Breeding values for lameness were obtained, reversed in sign, and cows were ranked according to their breeding value. A low breeding value for lameness resistance (the bottom 10% of the cows) was associated with a significantly higher frequency of trimmed cows, which indicates that the cows selected by the farmer to be trimmed are not completely random. Additionally, a high breeding value for lameness resistance (the top 10% of the cows) was associated with lower frequencies of claw diseases recorded at trimming, claw and leg diagnoses, and culling due to foot and leg problems, which highlights the usefulness of lameness scoring for genetic improvement of claw health. Overall, selecting for a better lameness score has the potential to reduce claw diseases, especially the frequency of severe claw diseases that lead to culling.

The Effects of Hoof Trimming on Radiographic Measurements of Hoof Balance in Front Feet of Normal Dareh-Shori Horses

Objective- This study aimed at investigating the effects of hoof trimming on radiographic measurements of hoof balance in front hooves of Dareh-Shori horse.Design- Experimental studyAnimals- 10 apparently healthy Dareh-Shori horsesProcedure- After cleaning and washing the horses hooves, hand-made block placed under the following limb. Lateromedial radiographS were made to get the desired measurements before and after trimming Results- The following values have been acquired before and after trimming respectively: Dorsal Wall Length (8.83±1.19, 8.53±1.04 cm), Sole Length (13.69±0.94, 13.01±0.82 cm), P3 to Toe Length (1.37±0.62, 1.17±0.40 cm), Sole Thickness (1.15±0.45, 0.86±0.33 cm), Distal Interphalangeal Joint Height (4.06±0.44, 3.88±0.37 cm), Hoof axis (S) angle (50.05±2.21, 51.40±2.13), Third phalanx axis (T) angle (48.65±2.20, 50.60±1.72), P2 axis (U) angle (45.65±3.46, 47.90±3), H (T S) angle (-2±1.52, -1.65±1.75), R (T U) angle (3.30±2.95, 3.40±2.66).Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- The results obtained in this study can be applied as a template in recognition and treatment of hoof capsule distortion. It can be put into practice before these distortions create pathologies that result in lameness, or before hoof distortion negatively affects performance.

Radiografi sebagai alat penunjang diagnosa dan kontrol persembuhan laminitis pada kuda

Laminitis is an inflammation of hoof lamina which support the pedal bone to stay to it normal position. One crossbreed horse was found severely lame and lying down most of the time. Lameness examination was showing bilateral lameness of his fore hooves. Both are pain on the hoof test and digital pulse was positive. First X-ray were taken and show rotation and abnormal tip of the pedal bone, where the left fore was worse. Hoof trimming, corrective shoeing, sistemic and oral anti-inflammatory, cold compress, feeding program were combined for the treatment. Three months later, the horse was reexamined and x ray was taken. Another trimming and shoeing were followed with series of x ray shown good result. There are many different method have been suggested to provide support for an unstable pedal bone. Hoof wall resection and corrective sole on the heel area for corrective shoeing. Horse was trotted sound and starts his lower level of work few months after. X ray may identify the rotation angle of pedal bone and their effect to the bone also guide the treatment of laminitis.

Detection and assessment of acute and chronic pain in Meat Merino ewes using ethological parameters

The assessment of pain in sheep is a clinical challenge, because being a prey species, they tend to mask it. Since pain in animals cannot be measured directly, various methods are applicable to detect its effects on physiological, biochemical and ethological processes. Clinicians experienced in behavioural assessment are able to reliably determine the level of pain endured by an animal. The objective of this study was to identify behaviours that reflect acute and chronic pain as well as stress in sheep. The behaviour of 36 Meat Merino ewes with contagious footrot (contagious interdigital dermatitis) was analysed during normal activities in the flock and during footrot treatment, which included claw trimming to remove abnormal horn. The behaviour during treatment was compared with that of 12 healthy control sheep of the same breed during routine foot trimming. Grading of the observed behaviours was made using a numerical score. The occurrence of footrot was defined as, and equated with, chronic pain, and treatment was equated with acute pain. For the assessment of stress induced by the manipulative treatment, the data of the healthy sheep were taken as a comparison. The strongest indications of chronic pain were non-weight bearing lameness of an affected limb, shifting of weight and abnormal gait patterns. Additionally, sheep with footrot urinated more frequently than healthy animals. Stress-related bruxism occurred in healthy and ill sheep during foot trimming, but not during normal activities in the flock. Tail wagging and strong defensive movements of all limbs commonly occurred during footrot treatment. Head shaking appeared to be primarily stress-related in association with dorsal recumbency on the tilt table, but was exacerbated by pain elicited by hoof trimming. The behaviours selected in this study were useful for the identification of chronic and acute pain in sheep; however, correct interpretation of behavioural changes requires an experienced individual.

Frequency and distribution of foot lesions identified during cattle hoof trimming in the Province of Antioquia, Colombia (2011–2016)

Lameness is a severe welfare problem in cattle and has a detrimental effect on longevity, productivity, and reproductive performance. This study aimed to describe the frequency and distribution of foot lesions in cattle using hoof trimming records over a period of 6years in the Province of Antioquia (Colombia). The data collection instrument enabled differentiation between limbs, digits, and views. The Claw Lesion Identification in Dairy Cattle brochure was the reference for foot lesion identification. A total of 1814 foot lesions observations, recorded from 1120 cows in 71 herds, were analyzed and 11 different foot lesions were identified. Non-infectious foot lesions were more common than infectious (94.4 vs 5.6%). White line disease was more frequently observed in the hind limbs (79.6%) compared to the front limbs (20.4%), and more frequent in medial claws of the front limbs (70.3%) compared to lateral claws (29.7%). In hind limbs, the lateral claws were more commonly affected (65.7%) compared to the medial claws (34.3%). Claw zone 3 was affected in 61.3% of the cases, followed by zones 2 (21.7%) and 1 (17%). Although our data are from a limited area of the country, they are consistent with published and anecdotal reports of foot lesions in cattle in Colombia and worldwide. Our results suggest that there is need for additional prospective research under Colombian dairy cattle management conditions to better understand the lameness and benefit of trimming intervention.

A survey of United States dairy hoof care professionals on costs associated with treatment of foot disorders

The objective of this study was to collect information regarding hoof care professionals' billing practices and to gather their opinions about foot disorders and the value of their prevention. Responses were gathered from veterinarians (n = 18) and hoof trimmers (n = 116) through both online and paper survey platforms. Because of the limited number of respondents, veterinarian responses were not further analyzed. Of the 6 foot disorders included in the survey, the treatment cost per case was greatest for toe ulcers (mean ± standard deviation; $20.2 ± 8.5), sole ulcers ($19.7 ± 8.6), white line disease ($19.5 ± 8.1), and thin soles ($18.1 ± 8.1), and least for infectious disorders (foot rot and digital dermatitis; $8.0 ± 7.6 and $7.5 ± 9.6, respectively). Of the disorders, digital dermatitis represented most of the foot disorder cases treated by respondents over the past year (43.9 ± 20.4%), whereas toe ulcers and thin soles represented the least (5.3 ± 4.1 and 5.3 ± 5.7%, respectively). Respondents that served mostly large herds (>500 lactating cows) reported a lower prevalence of digital dermatitis (31.6 ± 4.2 vs. 44.4 ± 3.4 and 46.7 ± 3.2% in small and medium herds, respectively) and a higher prevalence of sole ulcers (23.1 ± 3.0 vs. 13.4 ± 2.4 and 13.3 ± 2.3% in small and medium herds, respectively). Region of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, or other) also influenced foot disorder prevalence; respondents from the Northeast reported more sole ulcers than respondents from other regions (22.1 ± 2.3 vs. 12.4 ± 3.3%). When respondents were asked which disorder was associated with the greatest total cost per case to the producer (treatment and labor costs plus the reduction in milk yield, reduced reproductive performance, and so on), hoof trimmers ranked digital dermatitis as having the greatest total cost per case and thin soles as having the least total cost per case. Finally, respondents indicated that the most important benefits of reducing foot disorders were enhanced animal welfare and increased milk production, whereas the least important benefit was reduced veterinary and hoof trimmer fees. Results from this survey can be used to improve the accuracy of foot disorder cost estimates and contribute to better decision-making regarding both foot disorder treatment and prevention.

The Effect of Routine Hoof Trimming on Regional Hoof Kinetics

The Effect of Routine Hoof Trimming on Regional Hoof Kinetics

Lameness on Brazilian pasture based dairies—part 1: Farmers’ awareness and actions

This cross-sectional survey aimed to verify farmers’ awareness and knowledge about lameness in grazing dairy cows and to analyze their perspectives and actions intended to control this issue. Farms (n = 44, mean herd size: 42, SD = 11.2) located in southern Brazil were visited twice in 2015. On the first visit the farmers were requested to answer a questionnaire on lameness knowledge (relative importance as a health issue, aetiology, impacts on culling) and management (prevention, treatment and veterinary assistance) on their farms. Farmers were asked to estimate the number of lame cows present on their farms at each visit. All lactating cows on each farm were locomotion scored by a veterinarian to estimate lameness prevalence on both visits. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to test similarity between the veterinarian and farmer estimated lameness prevalence. Mixed-effects linear models were fitted to investigate the associations between veterinarian lameness estimated prevalence and farmers’ answers regarding lameness importance and impacts on culling cows at the farms. On average, farmers underestimated lameness prevalence during both visits; however, when assessing only severe lameness, veterinarian and farmer prevalence lameness ratings were very similar on the second visit (ICC 0.8, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9, n = 43, P < 0.01). The veterinarian’s estimated lameness prevalence was about 10% higher on herds where farmers identified lameness as a primary health issue (40.24%) or as a reason for culling (41.7%) versus farms where the farmer did not recognize lameness as a health concern or reason for culling. Farmers’ most reported causes of lameness on their farms were categorized as hoof trauma, inadequate feeding practices associated with acidosis–laminitis, high moisture on walking surfaces, and individual features of cows. Farmers mentioned frequently that they made use of antibiotics and topical hoof products to treat lame cows; they also reported low use of anti-inflammatories/analgesics and hoof trimming as treatment remedies and no one mentioned adoption of regular preventative measures for lameness. Farmers reported having no training on lameness management, and cited an overall lack of veterinary support to control lameness on their farms. The farmers seemed unaware of the extent of lameness on their farms. Interventions aimed at reducing lameness in small scale herds in this region of Brazil should include a preventative veterinary assistance approach focused, initially, to increase farmers’ knowledge and awareness on lameness.

Behavioral Assessment of Stress Compensation in Minipigs Transgenic forthe Huntington Gene Using Cortisol Levels:A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant, progressive neurodegenerative disorder with motor, cognitive, behavioral and metabolic symptoms. HD patients exhibit an altered response to stress which is reflected in changes of cortisol levels. Large animal models of HD such as the Libechov minipig are currently explored in preclinical studies to improve translational reliability and assessing behavior is of interest. This study aimed to investigate whether cortisol metabolism and response to stress are changed in minipigs transgenic for the Huntington gene (tgHD) compared to wildtype (wt) animals suggesting that cortisol may be used as a marker for stress in minipigs. Thirty-two Libechov minipigs (14 tgHD and 18 wt) were tested before, during and after a stressor, i.e., a hoof trimming procedure, was applied at baseline and after one year. A total of six saliva samples were collected at each assessment and cortisol was measured. In addition, body temperature and respiratory rate were assessed at three pre-determined points during each hoof trimming procedure. All minipigs showed a rise of cortisol in response to the hoof trimming stressor similarly to cortisol changes induced by stress observed in humans. No relevant differences were detected between tgHD and wt minipigs. Cortisol testing for the assessment of stress compensation, e.g., during hoof trimming, is feasible and well tolerated in wt and tgHD minipigs. To elucidate the time profile of cortisol responses to stressors further studies with assessments at multiple time points and exploration of the diurnal profiles of cortisol in minipigs are recommended.

Distribution of Hoof Lesions and Hoof Health Strategies on a Robotic Milking Farm (Robotlu Sağım Yapan Bir Çiftlikte Ayak Hastalıkları Dağılımı ve Ayak Sağlığı Stratejileri)

In Turkey, the use of robotic milking technology is still very new. The scientific data showing the effects on animal health are important as well as the studies related to the economic performance of milking robots. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hoof diseases encountered on dairy cattle farms working with robotic milking system and to determine the causes and to provide the necessary precautions to prevent and control hoof health problems. In the study, 93 Holstein dairy cattle aged between 35-54 months were evaluated in a dairy farm with two robotic milking system (system capacity of 120 cows/day). The locomotion scores were recorded and the cows’ feet were examined in hoof trimming chute and claws of all cows were trimmed according to biomechanical characteristics of foot. The treatment method was determined according to the condition of the lesion in cases of hoof disease and the results of recovery were followed. In the herd, cases of claw deformation (6.4%; n=6), sole ulcer (4.3%; n=4), white line disease (3.2%; n=3), digital dermatitis (8.6%; n=8), heel lesion (6.4%; n=6), foot rot (1.0%; n=1), limax (2.1%; n=2), hoof crack (2.1%; n=2) and coroner inflammation (1.0%; n=1) were recorded. Evaluated etiologically, it has been found that mistakes in the application of bath solutions used in the single footbath at the exit of the robotic milking unit in the formation of infectious foot diseases, feeding mistakes made without regard to cow traffic in the case of non infectious foot diseases and exposure of the foot to traumas due to not paying attention to comfort in the feeding areas are effective. As a result, to prevent management malfunctions causing metabolic problems, stress and traumas in animal, the use of senseless technology should be avoided in order to ensure sustainable hoof health on robotic milking farms.