Vol. 12, Issue 3 (2023)

Author(s):
Jettaboina Saikiran, Prasanna SB, Mahadevappa D Gouri, Mahesh Kumar G, Mahesh Kumar G, Umashankar BC, Anil Kumar GK, Nagesh AM, Basavaraj Inamdar, TK Roopa and K Vijay Prakash

Abstract:
Hoof lesions and lameness in cattle is currently a serious problem in the dairy industry and significantly affects the health and welfare of animals. Hoof trimming is performed to prevent hoof lesions and improve gait by correction and maintenance of the hoof symmetry and shape. Lameness caused by hoof disorders can be treated by correct hoof trimming. In this study twenty lame cows were selected and lameness index score was given to them (0-5 score). The nutrient requirements of the animals were met as per ICAR (2013) through concentrate feed and ad libitum green fodder. Physiological indices were recorded before week of hoof trimming (HT) and after hoof trimming intervention it was recorded on 0th day, 3^rd day, 6^th day, 8^th day, 11^th day, 14th day. Our results showed that significant difference (P≤0.05) in rectal temperature was observed on 0, 3 6, 8 and 11th day when compared with before week of HT (101.30±0.08) whereas significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in heart rate was observed on 0, 3, 6, 8, 11 and 14th day when compared with before week of HT (66.7±0.21). Significant increase (P ˃ 0.05) in respiration rate was observed on 0^th day (20.45±0.29). From this study it was concluded that the hoof trimming intervention has showed an immediate effect on physiological indices of dairy cows. Further this is a novel improved intervention using angle cutter modified to trim the hoof which is safe and painless compared to conventional Hoof cutter which caused a lot of cutting and bleeding hooves.