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Subclinical laminitis in dairy heifers
H K Bradley1, D Shannon, D R Neilson
1Edinburgh School of Agriculture.
The Veterinary Record
|August 19, 1989
Summary
Subclinical laminitis, a hoof condition, appears in young dairy heifers as early as five months old. This early onset contributes to poor hoof quality and other related issues in young cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Bovine Podiatry
Background:
- Subclinical laminitis is a significant risk factor for hoof ailments, especially sole ulcers in dairy cows post-calving.
- Hoof quality is compromised by subclinical laminitis, leading to secondary hoof pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age at which clinical signs of subclinical laminitis manifest in young dairy heifers.
- To investigate the prevalence and early indicators of subclinical laminitis in growing cattle.
Main Methods:
- Examination of hind hooves from 136 Friesian/Holstein heifers, aged four months to two years.
- Histopathological analysis of hoof horn for lesions indicative of subclinical laminitis.
Main Results:
- Sole hemorrhages, a key indicator of subclinical laminitis, were identified in heifers as young as five months old.
- Lesions were consistently observed across all age groups studied, indicating widespread occurrence.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical laminitis is a common condition in young dairy heifers during their early growth phase.
- Early detection and management of subclinical laminitis are crucial for preventing secondary hoof problems in young dairy cattle.