Preventive Dispensation of Dairy Cows with Pathologies of the Distal Extremities

Abstract

Introduction. Hoof diseases and lameness are the main problems in dairy cows with industrial maintenance, which can lead to a decrease in animal productivity, consequently, to huge economic losses.
Aim. To carry out a comprehensive analysis of diseases of the distal extremities of dairy cows in conditions of loose keeping and to assess the influence of seasonal factors and terrain on the frequency and localization of hoof pathologies.
Materials and methods. Orthopedic medical examinations were carried out on dairy cows from 2019 to 2021, at the Afanasovo dairy farm in the Nizhnekamsk region of the Republic of Tatarstan. During the study period, clinical and orthopedic clearance was performed in 3025 cows with an average live weight of 550-600 kg. Of these: in winter (December-February) - 1146, spring (March-May) - 737, summer (June-August) - 403, autumn (September-November) – 739 heads.
Results. We found that hoof diseases do not manifest themselves in the same way in different seasons of the year, most often expressed in winter and amounted to 32.79%, in autumn - 44.9%, then in spring – 24.49% and the lowest incidence was observed in summer - 19.58%.
Conclusion. The most common pathologies of the distal extremities on the farm were revealed in all seasons of the year: total aseptic pododermatitis, finger crumb ulcer and Rusting ulcer. Diseases such as thumb necrosis and white line disease have the lowest percentage.

To cite: Nenashev I.V., Khakimov I.N. Preventive Dispensation of Dairy Cows with Pathologies of the Distal Extremities. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(3):23-34. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-3-23-34