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There are many reasons for limping in cattle, including injuries, poor conformation, overfeeding, mycotoxins (such as ergot), and bacterial infections. Different types of lameness require different treatments. Antibiotic treatment is only beneficial in cases of bacterial infection.
Lameness is the second most common reason for cattle in feedlots to receive antibiotics, following respiratory diseases. Lame cattle eat less feed, grow slower, and are less efficient in growth, which may lead to early shipment and often lower quality grades, resulting in significant economic costs. When cattle are lame at the end of the feeding period, the withdrawal times before slaughter limit antibiotic treatment options.
A research team led by Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada examined large-scale studies on foot-related lameness in feedlots. These investigations included studies focused on infectious foot-related lameness (excluding chronic arthritis associated with Mycoplasma or Histophilus) and gathered treatment records from feedlots with cattle populations ranging from 10,000 to 1,000,000. The availability of such large datasets often reveals important and rarely found details.
The research identified foot rot as the most common cause of infectious foot-related lameness. Foot rot can occur at any time on feedlots (and can also be seen on cattle-heifer operations). It typically results in swelling between the claws on the animal’s hind feet, which can sometimes extend to the lower leg. If the front part of the foot is clean, foot rot lesions often appear dark and have ragged edges due to sloughing skin. Early detection and treatment are essential in preventing more severe infections. Foot rot usually responds to long-acting antibiotics; if initial treatment is ineffective, it is likely not foot rot. The condition appears to involve several different bacteria, making the current foot rot vaccines potentially ineffective. Foot rot is most common in poor pen conditions; good drainage and proper bedding can help reduce risk.
Digital dermatitis (foot problems) is generally much less common on feedlots than foot rot, and it is often associated with dairy cattle. Digital dermatitis is rarely diagnosed in heifer operations, but it is becoming increasingly common in feedlots. This condition typically arises after cattle have been on feed for more than three months and can be seen alongside foot rot. Affected cattle may not show signs of lameness, and the affected foot may not be swollen, making it harder to identify these cattle in the pen (which may explain why it is seen less frequently in heifer operations). Digital dermatitis begins as a circular or oval strawberry-red lesion where the skin on the rear part of the foot meets the heel bulbs. In more severe or chronic lesions, the infected skin can become hard, scaly, and develop long hair-like projections. Digital dermatitis often responds to topical antibiotics such as tetracycline. Copper sulfate foot baths are less effective, especially after contamination from dirty hooves. Proper disposal of used copper sulfate also poses a concern. Digital dermatitis arises from different bacteria than foot rot, and there is no vaccine available. Clean, well-drained, and well-bedded pens can help reduce risks. The bacteria causing digital dermatitis can survive in the soil and can reinfect new cattle; therefore, once a feedlot is contaminated, it may become a lifelong issue.
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Source: Tarım Haberleri
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.
