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An experimental model to induce digital dermatitis in beef calves.
Anice D Thomas1, Edmond A Pajor1, Benjamin Caddey1
1Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
BMC Veterinary Research
|June 23, 2022
Summary
A new experimental model successfully induced digital dermatitis (DD) lesions in beef calves, paving the way for studying this costly cattle disease and its impact on animal behavior.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases in Cattle
- Animal Behavior Studies
Background:
- Digital dermatitis (DD) is an infectious foot disease in cattle, causing significant welfare and economic impacts.
- Limited information exists on early DD detection and its behavioral effects in beef cattle.
- An established dairy calf model for DD requires validation in beef breeds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of a dairy calf-derived DD experimental model in beef calves.
- To characterize behavioral and pain changes associated with DD induction in beef calves.
Main Methods:
- Eight beef calves were divided into inoculated and mock-inoculated groups.
- Hind feet were abraded, inoculated with DD lesion material or mock inoculum, and wrapped.
- Calves were monitored for 28 days for lesion development and behavioral changes.
Main Results:
- Three of five inoculated beef calves developed clinical DD lesions and lameness within 14-18 days.
- Treponema spp. were identified in induced lesions via qPCR.
- Behavioral measurements showed numerical differences between DD-affected and control calves.
Conclusions:
- The dairy calf DD model successfully induced acute lesions in beef calves.
- This model offers a framework for investigating DD interventions and their impact on cattle welfare and behavior.
