CLAW AFFECTIONS OF DAIRY COWS IN AN ORGANIZED DAIRY FARM

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh dairy farm to study the incidence of claw affections in dairy cow during the period from January to April 2004. A total of 142 cattle were investigated. These animals were studied under 5 groups: Group I (n = 46), age <1 year; Group II (n = 44), age <3 years; Group III (n = 15), age >3 years; Group IV (n = 31), age <4 years and Group V (n = 6), age >5 years. Out of 142 cattle, 27 animals were found to be affected with various claw lesions, the incidence being 19.01%. Hindlimbs are more frequently subjected to claw affections than the forelimbs. Hoof overgrowth and sole ulcer were the most predominant claw affections (22.22% each) followed by interdigital hyperplasia (18.52%), sand crack (18.52%), interdigital dermatitis (7.41%), heel erosion (7.41%) and white line disease (3.70%). Lactating cows of over 4 years were more vulnerable to claw affections as compared to pregnant and dry cows. Calves and heifers had low incidence of claw affections.