Figure 1.
Infrared thermography images of the hind hoof of a high-producing Holstein cow. The rectangular area represents the analysed surface in experiment 1, caudal (a) and cranial (b) views
Table 1.
Criteria used to evaluate the locomotion score in Holstein cows (n=231). Adapted from Sprecher et al. (1997)
| Level | Locomotion | Back line | Walk | Head movement | Weight bearing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soft and fluid movement | Straight back | Long and sure strides | Stable | All legs bear weight equally |
| 2 | Imperfect movement, but can move freely | Slightly arched back | Slightly asymmetric walk | Slight head roll | Lameness indicated |
| 3 | Free movement affected | Arched back | Short strides | Head raised when the affected hoof is placed on the ground | Lameness certain |
| 4 | Free movement is more affected | Pronounced arched back | Short, uncertain strides | Head clearly raised when the affected hoof is placed on the ground | Reluctant to place the affected hoof on the ground |
| 5 | Movement capacity severely affected | Exaggerated arched back | Very short, deliberate and uncertain strides | Exaggerated raised head when the affected hoof is placed on the ground | Incapable of placing the affected hoof on the ground |
Figure 2.
Images of dairy cattle hooves in experiment 2: (a) caudal, (b) cranial and (c) sole views. The maximum temperatures (MTs) denoted in images a, b and c by rectangles, measured in the caudal, cranial and interdigital areas respectively. The average MT in image c, denoted by oval areas, was the MT of the sole used in the study
Figure 3.
Average maximum hoof temperatures, according to the locomotion scores, in 231 dairy cows. Different letters indicate significant differences (P<0.05)
Figure 4.
Maximum temperatures measured in different areas of the hoof according to hoof health diagnosis in 137 dairy cows. Different letters indicate significant differences (P<0.05)
Table 2.
Maximum temperatures (ºC) in dairy cattle hooves in the different areas examined in relation to parity (1: primiparous; 2: second calving; ≥3: 3 or more calvings)
| Parity | N (cows) | Cranial area | Caudal area | Sole | Interdigital area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experiment 1 | |||||
| 1 | 48 | 34.38±2.91 a | 32.84±4.23 a | ||
| 2 | 88 | 32.88±3.54 ab | 31.19±4.52 ab | ||
| ≥3 | 74 | 32.65±3.60 b | 30.07±4.53 b | ||
| Experiment 2 | |||||
| 1 | 48 | 32.28±2.24 a | 29.90±2.81 a | 26.48±2.20 a | 31.70±2.53 a |
| 2 | 46 | 31.60±3.22 ab | 29.85±2.94 a | 25.80±2.82 ab | 31.70±3.12 a |
| ≥3 | 42 | 30.94±3.43 b | 28.62±3.54 b | 25.35±3.34 b | 30.66±3.57 a |