Lameness is a leg or foot pain that affects how cattle move. It can be caused by injury, nutrition or a variety of infections. Regardless of the cause, lameness negatively affects the welfare and performance of cattle.
It is estimated that more than half of beef cattle experience lameness problems in any given twelve-month period. Studies also suggest that about one-quarter of all dairy cows may experience lameness at any one time.
At an estimated cost to producers of $346 per cow, lameness is considered to be the third most economically important health problem in dairy herds. The average incidence rate worldwide is 26% of all dairy cattle, with higher rates in temperate countries.
Proper treatment, which includes diagnosis of the underlying cause of lameness, can save cattle producers a lot of money.
COMMENT LA PRISE EN CHARGE DE LA DOULEUR PEUT-ELLE ÊTRE BÉNÉFIQUE?
De nombreux bovins affectés guérissent avec le traitement approprié, qui varie en fonction de la cause sous-jacente de la boiterie. De nombreux producteurs associent la boiterie au piétin, une infection bactérienne du pied qui doit être traitée avec des antibiotiques. Il est important de comprendre la différence entre la boiterie et le piétin pour éviter l’administration inutile d’antibiotiques.
Le Code de pratiques pour le soin et la manipulation des bovins de boucherie recommande l’instauration du traitement de la boiterie sans délai et une réévaluation en temps opportun en cas d’échec du traitement. Le soulagement de la douleur au moyen de médicaments peut améliorer la récupération et la production chez les bovins tout en facilitant le traitement de la boiterie en aidant les bovins à rester immobiles. L’euthanasie sans cruauté à la ferme est recommandée lorsque le bien-être de l’animal est compromis et lorsqu’on ne s’attend pas à une amélioration de son état.
CANADIAN TRENDS
Lameness incidents in Canada, the US, and the UK are all higher than the worldwide average of 26%.
Each country struggles with the treatment and prevention of lameness. The American Veterinary Medical Association states “Once an animal has been identified as lame, a proper treatment protocol should be initiated within 24 hours. A proper treatment protocol includes segregation, restraint, diagnosis and appropriate therapy.”
All three countries promote preventative measures, such as keeping lots clean and dry, allowing cattle to move around freely with space to lay down, and good foot health.
FUTURE RESEARCH
Producers have been dealing with lameness in their herds for many years and the scope of research is moving toward preventative measures. Studies over the last 25 years have helped to increase awareness of lameness and its impact on the industry, but much work is still required to reduce the number of incidents.
