SELECTED CATTLE HOOF DISEASES: CHARACTERISTICS, CONSEQUENCES, CONTROL AND PREVENTION

摘要

Limb diseases are the most common ones next to the mammary gland diseases (mastitis) and those connected to reproduction (metritis, endometritis). Appearing lameness significantly decrease welfare and have an impact on the culling of cows in herds andwhat is more important lower milk performance and decrease its composition as well as its technological usefulness in processing. Prevention is based on the timely hoof correction and hoof baths in the 10% copper sulfate water solution or 5% formalin. The assessment of the level of lameness, which is performed on a moving cow (locomotion scoring) with the use of a 5-point Zinpro (2014) scale, is essential to the fast diagnosis. Performing timely hoof correction, should be performed twice a year in case of the all year alcove keeping system. It is advised to prefer the free-standing housing system, which considerably enhances welfare of cows.