Ultrasonographic evaluation of digital cushion in dairy cattle with clawhorn lesion and corium lesion (chlcl)

Abstract

Aim: In this study, ultrasonographic evaluation of digital cushion in dairy cows with claw horn lesion and corium lesion (CHLCL) was aimed. Materials and Methods: In the study, cadaveric feet from Holstein dairy cattle which had the same nutritional and housing conditions and lameness due to CHLCL were used as materials.A total of 240 claws of 30 dairy cows constituted the study material. The cadaveric feet divided into 5 groups,at its own to 6 dairy cows in each group. After the cadaver feet were subjected to clinical examination, functional claw trimming were made in each claw. Digital cushing and sole thickness was measured by ultrasonography using 7.5 MHz convex prob from axial of soleheel transition area and they were recorded. The results were evaluated statistically. Results: When digital cushion thicknesses were evaluated, it was found that differences between groups were not statistically (P>0.05) significant. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (P Conclusion: Decreasing the thickness of the digital cushion can lead to CHLCL. Therefore, the CHLCL can be prevented by supporting the biomechanical properties of the digital cushion by feeding or genetic selection or by increasing the absorptive capacity of the digital cushion to create trauma and contusions in the claw by controlling the body condition score (BCS).

Keywords

• digital cushion
• solea thickness
• ultrasonography
• heiffer
• dairy cow