Lameness in cattle is one of the main endemic diseases, causing health and welfare problems for animals, and also leading to loss of production.
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Approximately 85% of lameness cases are associated with claw problems such as sole ulcers, digital dermatitis, hoof rot, deep infection, and laminitis, and only 15% with lesions in other parts of the limb. The size of economic losses on dairy farms due to lameness is very similar in different countries—within 40−50 euros per cow. This cost is associated with decreased milk production, premature culling, reduced live weight, treatment costs, and a longer service period. Feeding and lameness Despite the fact that such management strategies as sanitary prophylaxis, density control, hoof baths, claw cleaning, and others are widely used to control lameness in cattle, little is known about the impact of feeding. Below are feeding tips that are useful for controlling lameness. 1. Protein feeding The diet should always contain high-quality protein, as it constitutes a significant part of the structure of the claws. However, the amount of protein given to cows should not exceed 16% (in dry ...