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.
HOW PAIN MANAGEMENT HELPS
Many affected cattle will recover with the appropriate treatment, which varies depending on the underlying cause of the lameness. Many producers associate lameness with footrot, which is a bacterial infection of the foot and should be treated with antibiotics. It is important to understand the difference between lameness and footrot to help avoid unnecessary administration of antibiotics.
The Beef Cattle Code recommends that the treatment of lameness start without delay, and if treatment fails, reassessment needs to take place. Controlling pain through pain medication may improve recovery and production in cattle while making treatment of the lameness easier by helping cattle to stand still. Humane euthanasia on the farm is recommended when animal welfare is compromised, and cattle are not expected to improve.
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.