An investigation into hindleg lameness in dairy cows

A hind leg lameness of dairy cows was investigated in south-east Queensland. Samples of bone, blood, saliva, faeces, urine and milk were collected from lame and normal cows, some of which had received a phosphorus supplement of 30 g per day. Results of these investigations are presented and discussed. Clinical observations and pathological examinations indicated that the disease was an arthropathy affecting either the coxo-femoral or femoro-tibial joints. The disease was present in 30% of herds surveyed. Each owner reported 2 to 3 lame cows. The affected cows could not be differentiated from the normal cows on biochemical grounds. An hypothesis is advanced to explain the reported response of lame animals to large supplements of phosphorus. Information which indicates that previous nutritional status and methods of production cannot be ignored as predisposing factors is presented.