Claw diseases and lameness in Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows

The objective of this study was to estimate the influence of age (parity) and housing system on the incidence of claw lesions and lameness in Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. The incidence of hoof lesions and lameness in 1,330 cows was determined at claw trimming at 11 dairy farms in 2003-2004. In the front limbs, the mean of healthy claws was 86.6%, while in the hind limbs, it was 38.7%. The percentage of main diseases in the total number of observed claw lesions was 32.1% for sole ulcers, 18.4% for sole haemorrhage, 17.8% for digital dermatitis, 9.4% for white line disease, 8.1% for thick hock, and 4.5% for interdigital dermatitis. Primarily, the sole ulcers were associated with sole haemorrhage, white line disease, interdigital growth, interdigital dermatitis, and thick hock. The incidence of lameness was noted in 31.4% (locomotion score 2) and 11.7% (locomotion score 3). Parity and housing systems (tethered and free stalls) had no effect on the total percentage of healthy claws and the distribution of the locomotion score. The incidence of sole ulcers was 47.6% and 55.4% of the total numbers of claw lesions in cows with locomotion scores 2 and 3 respectively.