AUTHOR=Tunstall Jay , Mueller Karin , Grove-White Dai , Oultram Joanne W. H. , Higgins Helen Mary 

TITLE=Lameness in Beef Cattle: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Survey of On-Farm Practices and Approaches

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=Volume 8 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.657299

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2021.657299

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=Cattle lameness is a concern to the United Kingdom (UK) cattle industry, negatively impacting upon welfare and production. An interview study has identified that some beef farmers underestimate lameness prevalence, but also that farmers vary in their perception of the impact of lameness. Knowledge and skills of farmers were identified as a potential concern, and farmer reported barriers were identified. However, the extent to which these views can be extrapolated is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to produce descriptive results of UK beef farmer lameness-related behaviours concerning lameness identification, examination, treatment and prevention.
Questionnaires were circulated online and via post. Postal questionnaires were sent to registered Approved Finishing Units, and a stratified sample of holding addresses for England and Wales. Online questionnaires were circulated on social media and via targeted emails to selected industry bodies and veterinary practices. Descriptive results were produced, and thematic analysis performed on free text responses.
There were 532 usable responses, with most farmers reporting no lameness (mean 1.2%, range 0–20%). Most respondents did not locomotion score cattle, and most reported that it was not safe to examine feet. Most farmers did not use a foot bath, but of those who did, formaldehyde was the most commonly used product. Some farmers reported use of antibiotic foot baths. Most farmers reported dealing with lame animals within 48 hours, but some only dealt with severe cases, and some felt that lame animals would get better by themselves. Transportation of lame animals to slaughter was considered as an option by 35% of farmers. Farmers reported staffing, time and knowledge base as a barrier to lameness prevention and control.
These results suggest that farmers may be underestimating lameness. Diagnosis is likely to be challenging, with unsafe facilities for lifting feet. The reported high threshold by some farmers for attending to a lame animal is a cause for concern, negatively impacting upon animal welfare, but this is also likely to have negative consequences for animal performance and farm profitability. A desire for farmer training represents an opportunity for further knowledge exchange regarding lameness in beef cattle.