Risk factors of dairy cow lameness associated with housing conditions.

In 1987, an ecopathology survey was carried out in 160 French dairy farms in order to specify lesions typical of laminitis and heelhorn erosion and to assess their risk factors. Three podal affections were characterized: chronic laminitis; subacute laminitis; and heelhorn erosion. Concerning the building for livestock, the risk factors of heelhorn erosion were associated with poor hygiene, while the risk factors of subacute laminitis were linked to uncomfortable housing conditions: high steps and slopes, and discomfort when lying down and getting up. No risk factor of chronic laminitis linked to the building for livestock was identified.