AVALIAÇÃO DO BEM ESTAR DE NOVILHAS CONFINADAS APRESENTANDO DIFERENTES ESTÁGIOS DA DERMATITE DIGITAL BOVINA

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the Digital Dermatitis in confined heifers in southern Canada in terms of anatomical distribution, macroscopic appearance of the lesion and physiological presentation at different stages of the disease. 59 animals with apparent claudication caused by the disease were selected and the values of the claudication score, body condition score, weight and saliva samples for cortisol analysis were determined. After slaughter, the typical lesions were classified. Saliva samples were analyzed using commercial ELISA kit. The mean body weight of the animals was 609 kilograms ± 54. When the claudication score was evaluated it was found that 67.8% of the animals were slightly limp and only 3.4% of the animals had severe claudication. It was also found that most of the lesions were located in both pelvic limbs. 26% of M-1 type lesions were found; 37.4% of M-2 lesions; 8.1% of M-3 lesions; 13% of M-4 lesions, and 15.4% of M-4,1 lesions. When we analyzed digital dermatitis score and compared with the weight, we observed that the animals with M-2 lesions presented a statistically lower weight (p <0.05). When we analyzed the groups of animals according to the DD score and compared with the salivary cortisol, we obtained non-significant values. It is concluded that DD is an important cause of lameness in animals and that more studies on the subject are necessary to minimize economic losses and improve the welfare of these animals.