Lameness is an issue of great concern for farmers and veterinary practitioners around the world. It affects both dairy and beef cattle farmers and is one of the main causes for culling animals. The interest in achieving good hoof health in cattle herds is not only due to the negative consequences of lameness on the farm’s productivity and profitability, but also to social pressure as a result of animal welfare legislations. The main objective of this guide is not to provide a specific view on hoof care, but to address the topic from a global point of view by gathering the authors’ experiences. This handbook, written by experts in this field, is an instructive and visual guide, which will show readers how to analyse the most important characteristics of lameness and the main measures for its control and optimal prevention.
Authors:
ADRIÁN GONZÁLEZ SAGÜÉS (AUTHOR)
Completed his degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zaragoza (Spain). Founder and technical director of ANKA Hoof Care (Navarra, Spain), a company dedicated exclusively to hoof care.
ALMUDENA MOLINERO ARGÜELLO (SCIENTIFIC COORDINATOR)
Completed her degree in Veterinary Medicine at the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain). She worked 3 years in ANKA, focused in dairy cattle hoof health. Currently working at UNIFORM-Agri (Spain), a herd management software company.
Key Features:
➜ Innovative guide with a complete approach to the most important characteristics of
lameness.
➜ Written by experts in the field of dairy and beef cattle hoof health.
➜ Small, easy-to-handle format.
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
Lameness worldwide
Temperate climates. Intensive dairy farming
Temperate climates. Extensive dairy farming
Dry and arid climates
Tropical climates
Consequences of lameness
2. Anatomy and physiology
Key structures
Hoof
Corium
Other anatomical structures
Bones and suspensory apparatus
Digital cushions
3. Biomechanics
Basic concepts
Weight bearing
Overgrowth of the lateral claw
Forelimb biomechanics
Biomechanics and movement
Gait
Risk factors in biomechanics
4. Diagnosis of lameness
Postural diagnosis
Abnormal postures caused by lameness
Upper limb lameness
Locomotion Scoring System described by
Sprecher
5. Hoof trimming
Basic concepts
Hoof overgrowth
Functional hoof trimming method
Restraint. Required equipment
Mechanical restraint
Tools required
6. Hoof diseases
Classification of diseases
Laminitis
Classification of laminitis
Digital cushions disorders
Sole haemorrhages
Secondary diseases of the hoof
Sole ulcers
Toe ulcer and necrosis
White line disease
Sole-heel fissure
Hoof wall fissure
Environmental diseases
Dermatitis (digital and interdigital)
Interdigital phlegmon or foot rot
Interdigital hyperplasia
Overconsumption. Thin sole
Trauma
Iatrogenic lameness
Corkscrew claw
7. Treatment
Hoof blocks
Placement: points to consider
Bandages
8. Control and prevention
strategies
Lameness prevention programs
Data collection and analysis
Footbaths
Facilities and animal welfare in dairy cattle
9. Bibliography
