Influence of claw disorders on production and reproduction performance in observed herds of dairy cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of claw disorders on claw formation, production and reproduction performance of Holstein and Slovak Spotted dairy cows. Claw formation after functional trimming was evaluated by measurement of claw angle, claw length, heel index, claw height, diagonal and claw width. Incidence of interdigital dermatitis and heel erosion, digital dermatitis were observed. Separately was observed the incidence of sole ulcers with the progress of diseases. Measurements were carried out in spring and in autumn. Holstein dairy cows (n = 101) with production 11,874.77 kg of milk, 3.94% of fat and 3.34% of protein and Slovak Spotted cows (n = 101) with production 5,834.25 kg of milk, 4.44% of fat and 3.59% of protein were included into study. Holstein and Slovak Spotted dairy cows affected with claw diseases produced on the first lactations 553.67, resp. 838.71 kg of milk more than average production of observed groups. On the second and higher lactations dairy cows of Holstein and Slovak Spotted breed affected with claw diseases produced 734.3, resp. 1,118.3 kg of milk less than healthy dairy cows. The occurrence of digital dermatitis was 5.77% and 4.85% in Holstein, resp. in Slovak Spotted breed. Age at the first calving with claw defects was shorter of 24.45 days and the calving interval was longer of 18.52 days in comparison to cows without claw disorders in Holstein breed. Difference in age at first calving was minimal with value 1.85 days on behalf of healthy cows and on the other hand cows with claw defects had shorter calving interval by 4.97 days than healthy cows in Slovak Spotted breed. Statistically significant differences in claws formation were observed in both breeds according to the claw trimming season.

The effect of feeding change on nutrients and minerals composition of goat’s milk

“…The chemical form of mineral elements is important because it determines their absorption in the intestine and their biological utilization (Zamberlin et al, 2012). The quantity and quality of milk production as well as the concentration of nutrients and minerals in milk depends on many factors such as the genetic (Miluchová et al, 2014;Trakovická et al, 2015); lactation stage (Kuchtík et al, 2015;Pavlata et al, 2016); health status (Vlček et al, 2016); bud the main factor is nutrition (Pajor et al, 2014;Tudisco et al, 2014). Nowadays the concentration of minerals in food is an important factor of human nutrition and health.…”

Change of feeding affects fatty acids profile of goat’s milk

“…On the other hand, consumption of milk and dairy products, with unsaturated FA enhanced profile, may provide more protection from cardiovascular disease in both healthy and at-risk population (Markey et al, 2015). The proportion of FA in milk depends on many factors such as the genetic (Miluchová et al, 2014;Trakovická et al, 2015); lactation stage (Kuchtík et al, 2015); health status (Vlček et al, 2016); bud main factor is nutrition (Pajor et al, 2014). Nowadays the FA profile of food is an important factor of human nutrition and health.…”

Evaluation of Claw Lesions in Beef Cattle Slaughtered in Northern Portugal: A Preliminary Study

“…Concave ns: not significant. 1 : results are expressed by affected cattle (n = 226). P 2 indicates statistical differences only between forelimbs and hindlimbs.…”

“…Claw lesions in cattle are a group of diseases responsible for causing pain and locomotor disturbance, leading to a loss of well-being [1]. Therefore, claw pathologies result in significant economic losses in both dairy and beef cattle [2], either due to a reduction in milk production, decreased carcass yield, or the cost of antibiotic treatments [1]. The decrease in body condition is associated with a reduced voluntary food intake, owing to greater difficulty in moving to feeders or grazing areas.…”