EFFECTS OF FLOORING SYSTEM ON HOOF HEALTH OF DAIRY COWS IN SOME SELECTED AREAS OF BANGLADESH AND INDIA

Abstract

A nine month cross-sectional prospective survey was made on dairy cows to explore the prevalence and predisposing factors of different hoof disorders from June 2012 to February 2013 at Chittagong and Potuakhali districts of Bangladesh and Tamil Nadu state of India. Approximately 2100 cattle population was examined from where 497 cases were identified having crack 19%, partially broken 19%, fissure 37%, swollen 16% and 9% multiple disorders in backyard dairy cows whereas 17%, 20%, 37%, 20% and 6% in commercial cows respectively. Significantly higher prevalence (p<0.05) rate was recorded in the cows reared under concrete floor (68.4%) compared to brick (13.27%) and concrete with rubber bedding (18.30%). Other major predisposing factors established were autumn season (42.86%), older animals of 6 to 8 years (70.42%), high milk yield (10 to 14 liter per day) (72.43%) and cows where floor washing practiced twice a day (58.14%) though the findings were not significant (p>0.05). The study will address the frequency of hoof diseases in the survey areas along with factors causing risk to cows will benefit the local farmers and veterinarians to take required steps to avoid extra sufferings and loss. Further extensive survey and investigations are recommended to economic analysis and laboratory identification of agents responsible for hoof disorders.