Our study shows that the prevalence of lameness was low in 12 Norwegian beef-cow herds compared to beef-cattle herds in other countries and also that there were less claw and limb disorders in these herds compared to foreign dairy-cattle herds. Most claw lesions were mild, and the prevalence of lameness did not differ much from Norwegian dairy herds. Laminitis-related lesions were recorded in 18.0% and infectious claw lesions in 16.6% of the animals. White-line fissure was the most frequent laminitis-related lesion and heel-horn erosion the most frequent infectious lesion. Both laminitis-related and infectious claw lesions increased with age.
Competing interests
The author(s) declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors' contributions
TF contributed to the design of the study. He taught the claw trimmers correct trimming and how to diagnose and record claw lesions. He also made the draft of the manuscript. ON who knows the beef-cow production very well, contributed to the design of the study and was the main coordinator. He also helped drafting the manuscript. BF performed the statistical and epidemiological analyses and also wrote the main part of the chapter "Material and methods". GR visited the herds and recorded data on housing system, environment, feeding and management. ÅMS contributed to the design of the study and performed proof-reading of the recorded data. All authors read the manuscript several times and approved the final manuscript.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the participating claw trimmers and farmers. The study was funded by Animalia – Norwegian Meat Research Centre, TINE Norwegian Dairies BA, GENO Breeding and A.I. Association and The Research Council of Norway.
Answers to all your Biology Questions
