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A cross-sectional study of prevalence and risk factors of dermatitis interdigitalis in female dairy calves in the Netherlands |
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| Authors: | Klaas Frankena Klaas A S van Keulen Jos P Noordhuizen Elsbeth N Noordhuizen-Stassen Jan Gundelach Douwe-Jan de Jong Irma Saedt |
| Institution: | a Agricultural University, Department of Animal Husbandry, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, Netherlands b Department of Herd Health and Reproduction, State University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL, Utrecht, Netherlands |
| Abstract: | The hind claws of 1141 female dairy breeding calves, between 2.5 and 12 months of age, were examined for symptoms of dermatitis interdigitalis (DI). The mean prevalence in calves was 67.1% (±2.7% for 95% confidence interval). The prevalence of DI increased with age and eventually almost all 1-year-old animals were affected in at least one claw. Logistic regression modelling revealed that the presence of DI and sole haemorrhages were related positively. Large between-herd variation existed (range in prevalence: 0–100%). Herd factors related to DI were herd size and type of housing. Animals housed in a straw yard showed a 3.2-fold decreased risk of being affected when compared with housing on slatted floors. Also, feeding a larger variety of dietary components (hay, milk, concentrates plus silage) was protective. Using claw shape as one of the criteria for sire selection reduced the risk of DI 1.6-fold. |
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