Investigating the relationship between hoof, liver, and heart abnormalities in grain-fed beef cattle (bos taurus) <30 mos at slaughter

Emma M Hamilton^1*Karly N Anderson^2,3Ashlynn A Kirk^2,3Kurt D Vogel^2,3Temple Grandin¹

• ¹Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
• ²Department of Animal and Food Science, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, River Falls, Wisconsin, United States
• ³Humane Handling Institute, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, River Falls, Wisconsin, United States

Hoof abnormalities, liver abscesses, and congestive heart failure (CHF) are animal welfare concerns that have increased in fed cattle. Our objective was to determine whether relationships between these issues existed in fed cattle at slaughter. Each condition was evaluated at a slaughter establishment in the great plains region of the United States (1,417 m elevation) on cattle (bos taurus beef-type only) < 30 mos of age (N = 398). Statistical analysis was performed to determine relationships between the prevalence of hoof abnormalities, liver abscesses, and CHF between each other and selected carcass characteristics: (USDA quality grade (QG), USDA yield grade (YG), hot carcass weight (HCW), ribeye area (REA), and fat thickness (FT)). Eighty five percent of cattle had at least one hoof abnormality, 13% had a liver abscess, 52% had CHF, and 5% had all three disorders. There were no differences (P > 0.4955) within the proportion of CHF, liver abscess, and hoof abnormality scores. Cattle with both a wide toe and inward curve (421.62 ± 10.45 kg) had lighter carcasses (P < 0.034) than cattle with only an inward curve (460.95 ± 2.72 kg) or cattle with a shovel hoof (470.16 ± 6.79 kg). Hot carcass weight was heavier (P = 0.0295) for cattle with mild CHF (463.60 ± 3.24 kg) than no CHF (451.51 ± 3.22 kg). Ribeye area for cattle with no CHF was 103.17 ± 0.93 cm2, mild CHF was 104.51 ± 0.88 cm2, and severe CHF was 98.63 ± 2.46 cm2 (P = 0.0711). There was a greater proportion (P = 0.0099) of heifers with no CHF (70.97 ± 8.17%) than steers (45.78 ± 2.61%). There were no differences (P > 0.1025) in REA, FT, and QG, across hoof, liver, and CHF scores. Differences were present (P < 0.034) in HCW between hoof and CHF scores. Further research is required to guide actions to address the animal welfare and productivity concerns associated with these issues.