Risk Factors Associated with the Lameness in Crossbred Dairy Cattle Maintained Under Field Conditions

A cross-sectional study was conducted with the objective to identify various risk factors associated with lameness in crossbred dairy cattle under unorganized production system in the state of Karnataka, India during November 2017 - May 2018. A total of 204 crossbred dairy cattle were investigated for lameness. The overall incidence of lameness was found to be 13.2%. The Holstein Friesian crossbred dairy cows (18.2%) were more prone to lameness than Jersey crossbred dairy cows (5.2%) The age of the animals greater than 6 years (36%), parity greater than three (21.4%), body condition score less than three (19%), animals affected with hoof disorders (35.5%), animals having white-colored hooves (41.2%), shallow foot angle (19.0%), injured hocks and knees (48.3% and 21.6% respectively) and animals maintained under unhygienic conditions (22.9%) were significant risk groups for higher incidence of lameness. Among herd management level risk factors animals kept on dirty floors (17.5%), free- stall housing (46%) and cemented floors (44.8%) had a significantly higher incidence of lameness. Results of binary logistic regression model (sensitivity 93.01%, specificity 77.8% and accuracy 97.67%) revealed a significant set of risk factors and also provided adjusted odd ratios. The results showed that hoof disorders (OR= 16.98; CI=4.67-61.66), hock injury (OR=11.99; CI=3.243-44.337) and lower body condition score (OR=6.99; CI=1.72-28.37) were the significant predictors of lameness.

• HF crossbred dairy cattle are more prone to lameness than Jersey crossbred.

• Herd level factors like dirty floors, free-stall housing conditions and cemented floors also had significant association with lameness.