Veterinarski arhiv, Vol. 78 No. 4, 2008.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
Factors associated with the occurrence of claw disorders in dairy cows under smallholder production systems in urban and peri-urban areas of Nairobi, Kenya
Peter Mulwa Felix Mbithi
; Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi
James Kihanya Wabacha
; Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi
Paul Gichohi Mbuthia
; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi
Sažetak
A cross-sectional study was carried out between December 2005 and June 2006 in smallholder dairy farms within and around Nairobi, Kenya to determine risk factors associated with the occurrence of claw disorders in dairy cows. Farm-and cow-level factors were evaluated in 32 farms and 300 cows respectively. The occurrence of claw disorders was determined. Chronic laminitis was significantly (P<0.05) associated with three or higher
parities (χ2 = 11.57, P = 0.009), lactation period between 90 to 180 days (χ2 = 9.75, P = 0.021), overstocking (O.R. = 1.7, χ2 = 24.29, P = 0.0002), absence of cubicle bedding (O.R. = 1.6, χ2 = 29.13, P = 0.003), earthen floor (O.R. = 1.5, χ2 = 8.98, P = 0.0006) and a curb dividing walk-alleys and cubicles (O.R. = 1.5, χ2 = 5.06, P = 0.0262). Subclinical laminitis was significantly (P<0.05) associated with lactation period between 1-90 days (χ2 = 9.06, P = 0.028), and concentrate feeding (O.R. = 2.08, χ2 = 5.5, P = 0.0212). However, lack of mineral
supplementation and leaving manure (slurry) in the walk alleys for a long time seemed to enhance laminitis. Concentrate feeding had positive (contributor) (β-estimate = 2.187, P<0.05) association with sole bruising, while mineral supplementation (β-estimate = -4.59, P<0.05) and earthen floor (β-estimate = -1.796, P<0.05) had negative (protector) association. White line separation was enhanced by concentrate feeding (β-estimate = 3.69, P = 0.002), but reduced by mineral supplementation (β-estimate = -4.07, P<0.05), and frequent manure (slurry) removal from walk-alleys (β-estimate = -3.58, P<0.05). Non-slip and non-defective concrete floors were negatively (protectively) (β-estimate = -1.969, P<0.05) associated with heel erosion.
Ključne riječi
claw disorders; farm-level factors; dairy cows; smallholder
Hrčak ID:
26541
URI
Datum izdavanja:
20.8.2008.
Posjeta: 1.504 *