A Cross-sectional Study of Claw Lesions and Risk Factors in Danish Holsteins

Danish dairy production is going through dramatic changes from small tie stall herds to large loose housed herds. There was an increase in loose housing systems from 37,5% to 47,8% during 2001. New barns are being built, production increases and the herd size increased from 98 to 107 cows during 2001 (Lauritsen and Lind 2003). Intensive production and loose housing presumably result in an increased occurrence of claw lesions. (Enevoldsen et al 1991a,Enevoldsen et al 1991b,Murray et al 1996,Rodriguez-Lainz et al 1999,Stanek 1997,Vermunt and Greenough 1994,Wells et al 1993). Pododermatitis is associated lameness detected more easily in systems where cows can move more freely Consequently, we need to update our knowledge on the relationship between claw lesions and housing or management factors in Danish dairy herds. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of claw lesions in Danish Holsteins kept in loose housing systems and to identify predisposing herd-level factors. The study was performed in the winter of 2002-2003 because the claw lesions generally are expected to increase during the cold and wet season when animals are kept indoor at all times...