Incidence of Foot Diseases in Beef Cattle in Kirikkale Region

Abstract

One of the significant economic losses in cattle farming is associated with hoof diseases. It has been scientifically proven that the incidence of hoof diseases increases in intensive farming operations. This study aims to investigate the incidence of hoof diseases in beef cattle in Kirikkale and its surrounding region. A total of 3047 head of beef cattle, representing different breeds and ages, were examined for hoof and claw deformities. The animals were examined for hoof diseases during specific months of the year by visiting the farms. The study revealed 53 animals with splayed hooves, 1 with an overgrown hoof, 1 with a separated hoof, 1 with a scissor-like hoof, and 1 with a double sole formation. As for hoof diseases, 2 animals had interdigital dermatitis, 8 had digital dermatitis, 10 had heel erosion, 21 had sole ulcers, 5 had interdigital phlegmon, 4 had white line disease, and various forms of laminitis were observed in 22 animals. Considering the barn flooring, management conditions, and intensive farm feeding, it was determined that barn hygiene and hoof care were inadequate. As a result, the impact of management factors specific to the farms, such as barn flooring and ration composition, varied depending on the breed's susceptibility or resistance. Based on the statistical data obtained in conjunction with these factors, the incidence of foot diseases in beef cattle in the Kirikkale region was determined to be 4.23%.