Incidence of Foot Disorders in Dairy animals - A Retrospective Study

A survey of thirty nine selected organised/commercial dairy farms, two university farms, seven panjrapoles and three gaushalas in Gujarat, India was undertaken to evaluate foot disorders. Surveillance of 7549 cattle and 3518 buffaloes revealed 1552 clinical cases of foot diseases. The incidences of foot lesions were highest in Holstein Friesian crossbreds in cattle and Mehsana breed in buffaloes. The incidence of foot lesions were more in cattle and buffaloes above second and third lactational respectively. Foot lesions were observed to be greater in hind limbs with greater involvement of outer claw than in fore limbs with greater involvement of inner claw. Incidence of foot lesions was higher in animals on concrete floor with limited space and poor hygienic conditions. The animals which were left loose for exercise regularly had lesser foot problems. Higher incidence of foot diseases was observed in farms animals fed high concentrates.