Original research article
Prevalence of Locomotory System Disorders in Veal Calves and Risk Factors for Occurrence of Bursitis
2011, 76 (4) p. 291-295
Marta Brščić, Flaviana Gottardo, Hélène Leruste, Joop Lensink, Kees C. G. Van Reenen, Giulio Cozzi
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the prevalence of locomotory system disorders within a wide cross-sectional study in 174 veal calves farms and to investigate risk factors associated to disorders with a relevant prevalence (>1%). A representative sample of the European veal production systems was considered in the three major producing countries (100 in NL, 50 in FR, 24 in IT). One batch/farm was observed in three stages of the fattening. At each visit calves with evidence of bursitis, hoof lesions, joint lesions, and lameness were recorded. A set of production system descriptors gathered by an interview to the farmer were considered as potential risks. Results showed an average prevalence ≤1% of calves for hoof and joint lesions, and lameness at any stage. Bursitis was observed on 0.2%, 4.1% and 11.2% of calves at 3, 13 wks and at the end of fattening, respectively. Risk factors for bursitis were linked to concrete and wooden slatted floors, to space allowance ≤1.8 m2/calf, and floors aged
Keywords
veal calf, locomotory disorders, welfare, bursitis, risk factors
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