Frequency of White line disease and Sole ulcers and impact of hoof trimming in the examined herds of Simmental cows
Lameness as a consequence of acropodia disorders is gaining significance in animal health considerations with a special impact in tie-hold systems. Preventive hoof trimming becomes an important zootechnic measure and procedure for the health and welfare improvement of cows. The objective of our study was to demonstrate findings of sole ulcers and white line diseases of cattle on smallholder farms. The other aspect is to display our observations on hoof trimming in the perspective of sole ulcers and white line disease in the examined herds. A total of 108 Simmental cows from 14 small noncommercial farms located in the Macva district, Western Serbia, from March to October in 2020 were observed. The trimming procedure was performed by Dutch method with cows fixated in a mobile chute for hoof trimming. Also, medical treatment of the hoof was provided to the need, using orthopedic foot blocks (wooden and rubberized block. The frequency of white line disease and sole ulcers were present in 12 herds (85.7%) before treatment. After treatment, there was a decrease in the frequency of sole ulcers from 85.7% to 78.5% in the herds, while the frequency of white line disease remained unchanged. The frequency of white line disease of 25.0% was reduced to 18.5% showed a significant difference before and after treatment (P<0.05), frequency of sole ulcers 23.1% were reduced to 15.7% on re-examination six months after trimming and has shown that no significant difference, respectively (P<0.05). White line disease and sole ulcers are widespread diseases of hooves on small noncommercial farms in Serbia. This study also provides insights that show the health status of hooves cows and point out the importance of regular hoof trimming. Our findings lead to a suggestion of a positive impact of regular hoof trimming twice a year and adequate housing conditions are crucial for hooves health.