By Frankena, Klaas Van Keulen Klaas and Gundelach, Jan De Jong Douwe-Jan Saedt Irma and Noordhuizen, Jos P. and Noordhuizen-Stassen, Elsbeth N., Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 1993
Description
The hind claws of 1141 female dairy breeding calves, between 2.5 and 12 months of age, were examined for symptoms of dermatitis interdigitalis (DI). The mean prevalence in calves was 67.1% (+- 2.7% for 95% confidence interval). The prevalence of DI increased with age and eventually almost all 1-year-old animals were affected in at least one claw. Logistic regression modelling revealed that the presence of DI and sole haemorrhages were related positively. Large between-herd variation existed (range in prevalence: 0-100%). Herd factors related to DI were herd size and type of housing. Animals housed in a straw yard showed a 3.2-fold decreased risk of being affected when compared with housing on slatted floors. Also, feeding a larger variety of dietary components (hay, milk, concentrates plus silage) was protective. Using claw shape as one of the criteria for sire selection reduced the risk of DI 1.6- fold
The hind claws of 1141 female dairy breeding calves, between 2.5 and 12 months of age, were examined for symptoms of dermatitis interdigitalis (DI). The mean prevalence in calves was 67.1% (+- 2.7% for 95% confidence interval). The prevalence of DI increased with age and eventually almost all 1-year-old animals were affected in at least one claw. Logistic regression modelling revealed that the presence of DI and sole haemorrhages were related positively. Large between-herd variation existed (range in prevalence: 0-100%). Herd factors related to DI were herd size and type of housing. Animals housed in a straw yard showed a 3.2-fold decreased risk of being affected when compared with housing on slatted floors. Also, feeding a larger variety of dietary components (hay, milk, concentrates plus silage) was protective. Using claw shape as one of the criteria for sire selection reduced the risk of DI 1.6- fold
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