[Nutrition as a possible factor in the pathogenesis of ulcers of the sole in cattle (author's transl)]

Two groups of eight dairy cows, one fed a high (6 kg.) and one fed a low (1 kg.) level of concentrates before calving were compared with regard to the incidence of haemorrhage in the horny sole of the hind claws. These lesions are considered to be a symptom of subclinical laminitis and a possible preliminary stage of ulcer of the sole. In both groups, more as well as more severe lesions were observed within five to eight weeks after calving than there were two weeks prior to parturition. After calving, the incidence of these lesions was significantly higher in the 'high concentrate group' than it was in the 'low concentrate group'.