The effect of feeding grass silage in early pregnancy on claw health during first lactation

Offer, J.E., Fisher, G.E.J., Kempson, S.A. and Logue, D. (2001) The effect of feeding grass silage in early pregnancy on claw health during first lactation. Veterinary Journal, 161(2), pp. 186-193. (doi: 10.1053/tvjl.2000.0515)

Abstract

Two groups of eight Holstein-Friesian heifers were fed either a grass-silage-based diet (S) or one based on meadow hay supplemented with 1.8 kg/day barley concentrate mix (H) during cubicle housing as young stock (and in early pregnancy). Lameness and claw lesion development were monitored from approximately four weeks before until 20 weeks after first calving. No significant difference was found between S and H for claw conformation or horn growth and wear. Both groups showed net wear immediately after calving. The prevalence of poor locomotion and the extent of lesion development 20 weeks after calving (when they were highest) were significantly (P< 0.05) higher in S than H. It was concluded that feeding grass silage to young stock may deleteriously affect subsequent claw health and that this risk factor requires further study.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Logue, Professor David
• Authors: Offer, J.E., Fisher, G.E.J., Kempson, S.A., and Logue, D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Veterinary Journal
• Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
• ISSN: 1090-0233
• ISSN (Online): 1532-2971
• Published Online: 12 March 2002