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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Recurso digital |
| Language: | |
| Published: |
Zenodo
2025
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18220867 |
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Table of Contents:
- <p><span lang="EN-US">Lameness has been a significant problem in the livestock industry, particularly the dairy industry of cattle production, with significant negative effects on both animal welfare and the economy of production. This study aims to evaluate and analyse the population of cattle affected by lameness, as this is the first of its kind, with little or no documentation on the condition in the Federal Capital Territory. The study involves taking data from farms, markets and abattoirs, sampling cattle in those areas and taking blood samples from both the affected and the apparently healthy ones. From the analysis, the prevalent cause of lameness was traumatic injury, especially at the hind limb, from slips and falls, as well as petty fights among the animals. The haematological parameters of the lame animals, as compared to those of the apparently healthy, do not differ much, as there could be other underlying causes of the slight changes and not necessarily lameness as a primary cause. In conclusion, cattle owners and animal handlers were advised to adequately and properly floor the stalls of these animals with concrete aggregates to prevent subsequent falls and also evacuation of dungs to tackle slips. Bulls should be separated from the cows and properly spaced between them to prevent any form of fights among them. Butchers were also educated to properly handle the cattle when evacuating them from their transport trucks to minimise any impact that might result in injury, which can reduce the carcass quality after slaughtering.</span></p>