A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY INTO PREVALENCE AND RISK INDICATORS OF DIGITAL HEMORRHAGES IN FEMALE DAIRY CALVES

Hind claws of 1141 female dairy calves, between 2.5 and 12 months old, were examined for signs of sole haemorrhages. The prevalence of sole haemorrhages was 37.9%. The presence of these haemorrhages was related positively to age. Apparently, the presence of sole haemorrhages had become a common condition during the early rearing period of these calves. The aetiology of sole haemorrhages might include internal (metabolic, other diseases) as well as external (trauma) factors. The aetiological relevance of these factors for sole haemorrhages (breed, age, nutrition, health status, housing, hygiene measures and management) was determined using a questionnaire and claw trimming for diagnosis. Housing on straw was a preventive factor for sole haemorrhages compared with housing on slatted floors. The presence of dermatitis interdigitalis was related positively to sole haemorrhages as well. Also, internal factors were important, because feeding of hay and supplying concentrates were related negatively to red discoloration.