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J. Dairy Sci. 88:2749-2753
© American Dairy Science Association, 2005.

Short Communication: Infrared Thermography and Visual Examination of Hooves of Dairy Cows in Two Stages of Lactation

A. Nikkhah1, J. C. Plaizier1, M. S. Einarson1, R. J. Berry2, S. L. Scott3 and A. D. Kennedy1

1 Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2 Canada
2 Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5S6 Canada
3 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Brandon, MB, R7A 5Y3 Canada

Corresponding author: J. C. Plaizier; e-mail: plaizier{at}ms.umanitoba.ca.

Hooves of 16 lactating Holstein cows were examined twice for sole hemorrhages and underrun heels. Images of hooves were taken using infrared thermography to determine the temperatures of the coronary band and that of a control area above the coronary band. To adjust for skin (control) temperature, the difference ({Delta}T) between the coronary band and the control area was calculated. Effects of stage of lactation, that is, ≤200 d in milk (DIM) vs. >200 DIM, on temperature of the coronary band, {Delta}T, and visual abnormalities were determined. Temperatures of the coronary bands of cows were greater for cows ≤200 DIM (n = 17) than for cows (n = 15) in late lactation (25.5 ± 1.3 vs. 21.0°C). The {Delta}T was also greater for cows ≤200 DIM compared with those >200 DIM (6.1 ± 0.8 vs. 3.3 ± 0.9°C). The {Delta}T was greater for lateral claws than for medial claws (5.2 ± 0.6 vs. 4.2 ± 0.6°C). Chi-square analysis revealed that the frequency of sole hemorrhages in hind lateral claws was significantly higher for cows ≤200 DIM compared with those in late lactation. In contrast, underrun heel was more frequently observed among cows >200 DIM. Increased temperatures of the coronary band and {Delta}T in early/midlactation coincided with increased incidence of sole hemorrhages, but not to incidences of underrun heels. Because higher hoof temperatures occurred in cows ≤200 DIM compared with cows later in lactation, measurement of hoof temperatures among cows in early lactation may be useful in monitoring hoof health.

Key Words: infrared thermography • laminitis • lactation stage • dairy cow

Abbreviation key: CBT = coronary band temperature, IRT = infrared thermography, SH = sole hemorrhages, {Delta}T = difference between coronary band temperature (CBT) and the skin temperature above the coronary band, UR = underrun heels






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