Evaluation of Claw Lesions in Beef Cattle Slaughtered in Northern Portugal: A Preliminary Study
Mafalda Seixas,
Dina Moura,
Luca Grispoldi,
Beniamino Cenci-Goga,
Sónia Saraiva,
Filipe Silva,
Isabel Pires,
Cristina Saraiva,
Juan García-Díez
Affiliations
Mafalda Seixas
Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Dina Moura
Divisão de Intervenção de Alimentação e Veterinária de Vila Real e Douro Sul, Direção de Serviços de Alimentação e Veterinária da Região Norte, Direção Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária, Lugar de Codessais, 5000-421 Vila Real, Portugal
Luca Grispoldi
Dipartamento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli studi di Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
Beniamino Cenci-Goga
Dipartamento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli studi di Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
Sónia Saraiva
Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Filipe Silva
Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Isabel Pires
Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Cristina Saraiva
Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Juan García-Díez
Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Claw diseases have a profound impact on cattle welfare, affecting behaviors such as grazing, rumination, rest, decubitus, and water consumption. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of claw lesions and classify them according to the ICAR Claw Health Atlas (International Committee of Animal Recording) in two slaughterhouses. The influence of claw lesions on carcass weight, classification, and fat deposition was also examined. Involving 343 crossbreed cattle from 103 different extensive or semi-intensive farms, this study found an animal prevalence of claw disorders at 65.8%, with a higher incidence in females (n = 207, 60.35%) compared to males (n = 136, 39.65%). Despite the observed prevalence, claw lesions were not influenced by age or sex (p > 0.05). The main claw lesions identified, including heel horn erosion, double sole, and asymmetric claw, were consistent with the cattle management practices in the study area. These cattle were raised in small, rustic premises with uneven floors, utilizing a mix of manure and plant material as bedding and lacking access to pasture. Also, no negative economic impact was detected concerning carcass weight, classification, or fat deposition. Consequently, it was concluded that the presence of claw lesions in beef cattle raised under the characteristic management of this geographical area does not adversely affect animal health or farm economics.
