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Recovery from udder cleft dermatitis in dairy cows
Lisa Ekman1, Ann Nyman1, Karin Persson Waller2
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; Växa Sverige, SE-112 51, Stockholm, Sweden.
Journal of Dairy Science
|January 18, 2021
Summary
Udder cleft dermatitis (UCD) in dairy cows shows a 38% spontaneous recovery rate. A copper and zinc spray showed no treatment effect, highlighting the need for further research into effective UCD therapies and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Animal Husbandry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Udder cleft dermatitis (UCD) is a prevalent skin condition affecting dairy cattle.
- Understanding spontaneous recovery and effective treatments for UCD is crucial for herd health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate spontaneous recovery rates and influencing factors of UCD.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a topical copper and zinc spray for UCD treatment.
Main Methods:
- A 1-year longitudinal study in 7 Swedish dairy herds monitored UCD, udder conformation, and hygiene.
- Discrete-time survival analysis was used to identify factors associated with spontaneous recovery.
- A treatment trial allocated cows with UCD to a copper-zinc spray or control group, assessing outcomes at 14, 28, and 56 days.
Main Results:
- 38% of cows experienced spontaneous recovery from UCD.
- Factors reducing spontaneous recovery included longer UCD duration, severe lesions, and higher parity.
- Recurrence of UCD was observed in 47% of recovered cows.
- The topical spray showed no significant difference in UCD score compared to the control group at 56 days.
- UCD score was influenced by initial UCD duration, early lesion severity, and udder conformation.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous recovery from UCD occurs in a significant portion of affected dairy cows, but recurrence is common.
- The tested topical spray containing chelated copper and zinc did not demonstrate efficacy in treating UCD.
- Further research is essential to elucidate UCD pathophysiology and develop effective treatment and prevention strategies.
