Effect of Limb Torsion and Distal Asymmetry (LTDA) on Performance and Morphometry of Holstein Cows

The present study was designed to evaluate the correlation of limb torsion and distal asymmetry (LTDA) with respect to zoometric, productive and reproductive variables in Holstein cows.

A total of 120 cows diagnosed with LTDA in a previous experiment (60 positive and 60 negative) with one or more lactations were randomly selected for measurement. The height at withers (cm), neck length (cm) and head length (cm) of all cows were measured. Records were obtained for the year of the study regarding lactation order, days in milk, mean of milk production in 24 h (kg), number of inseminations per conception, days open and body condition (scale 1-5). The association between LTDA and zoometric measures along with productive and reproductive variables was evaluated by multiple logistic regression.

A statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) was observed between the zoometric variable's height at withers and neck length, while no association was found between LTDA and head length (p>0.05). The study revealed no effect of LTDA on productive variables (p = 0.38), however an effect of LTDA on reproductive variables was significant (p = 0.01), primarily on body condition. However, the findings indicate that body condition exerts an influence on the occurrence of LTDA in Holstein cows stabled under intensive systems in other words LTDA can impact certain variables, particularly reproductive ones.