CLAW LESIONS OF THE DAIRY CATTLE IN TABRIZ AREA IN IRAN

Claw disorders cause 90% of lameness in dairy cattle. Factors that have been associated with claw lesions are individual factors like stage of lactation, parity, weight and genetics. Herd factors involved are housing, environment, management and nutrition. Infectious claw lesions like dermatitis and heel horn erosions are mainly influenced by the environment. Laminitis or claw horn disruption has largely been attributed to feeding regimens and especially rations high in rapidly fermentable carbohydrates have been focused on. In this study the trial was performed on dairy farm located in Tabriz (Iran). The target population of this study consisted of 200 dairy cattle. Hooves were evaluated for incidence of hoof disease. Heel erosions, hemorrhages and digital dermatitis were the most prevalent hoof problems. A total of 41% of hooves were determined to be Unhealthy. Overgrowth of the horn is a result of environmental factors exacerbated by predisposing disease factors. Functional hoof trimming restores the normal shape of the claw, the angle of the toe and equalizes the weight distribution between the two claws.