Lameness in grazing cattle

Lameness in grazing cattle has some key differences from lameness observed in confinement housed dairy systems. The role of trauma appears greater – related to the movement of cattle on tracks and the milking of large mobs (groups) of cattle through milking sheds. White line lesion (W), followed by sole injury and axial fissure are the dominant claw lesions observed in grazing cattle in countries such as New Zealand and Australia, with white line lesions increasing in significance over time. White line lesions are strongly associated with the outer claw of the rear feet of Holstein Friesian cattle, while sole injuries are associated with medial claws of first lactation heifers. Axial fissure is strongly associated with the front feet of Jersey cattle but is also observed in the rear feet of other breeds.