Digit Biometry and Its Relation with Foot Diseases in Four Different Genetic Groups of Dairy Cows

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
A. C. G. Lusa 1
M. P. G. Rezende 1
L. A. Nunes 1
A. P. R. Scolari 2
E. C. J. Almeida 3
R. L. Guedes 4
J. M. D. S. Velarde 5
C. H. M. Malhado 1
P. L. S. Carneiro 1
1 Campus Itapetinga, State University of Southwest Bahia Bahia, Brazil.
2 Veterinary Medicine Course, Mater Dei College, Paraná, Brazil
3 Veterinary Medicine Course , Faculty Anísio Teixeira, Bahia, Brazil.
4 Curitibanos Campus, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
5 Animal Science Department, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the differences in digit sizes from both pelvic limbs of 169 dairy cows of different genetic groups (Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, and Jersolando), in lactating and non-lactating conditions, and their relation with diseases. Images were taken from the plantar view of the lateral and medial digits, and the length and width of the sole and bulb were then measured. Variables were discarded and factors for analysis were defined. Data were defined according to the highest coefficients and used to discriminate genetic groups and their association with indexes of foot diseases and productive performance. The Chi-square test showed that higher involvement occurred in lactating cows and in the right pelvic limb. Differences among all genetic groups were observed regarding the variables body weight, productive longevity, incidence of foot diseases, and generated factors. The Jersey breed was isolated from the other genetic groups because it presented lower coefficients for all variables; Holstein and Brown Swiss presented the highest morphometric measures of the digits, a higher body weight, and productive longevity, and higher rates of foot diseases. The Jersolando presented intermediate values ​​between those of the two breeds from which it originated. The susceptibility to foot diseases is associated with breed, lactational stage, body weight, and with the morphometric parameters of the digits.

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 22, Issue 4
May and June 2020
Pages 953-964