Occurrence of Claw Diseases in Dairy Cattle in Iran

Hoof lesions were reported as the main cause of dairy cattle lameness (90%) in most studies. Depending on geographical area claw horn or dermal lesions reported as the main lesions of the hoof. No national recording system for hoof diseases existed in Iran and just some hoof trimmers or veterinarians got their own data.
This current study has been done to evaluate the incidence of some claw lesions in Iran. Ten dairy farms in different parts of Iran were included in this study. A recording protocol for claw diseases was created. All hoof trimmers were taught how to diagnose the most common claw diseases and use of recording protocol. Available records were from all ten farms which altogether 11678 cows/ heifers got their claws trimmed. Five of the herds get benefit of the freestall barns and other housed in a straw yard system.
The study conducted in a 12 month period from November 2006- September 2007. Total of 9580 cows were included in this study and records of 31933 hoof trimming were analyzed as 11678 of the hooves during this period were recorded to have one of the following disorders: White line disease (WLD), Sole ulcer (SU), heel erosion (HE), interdigital phlegmone (IPH), double sole (DS) and digital dermatitis (DD). Presence of the lesion in just one limb or digit recorded as a data and including in analysis. All data were reported ...