Impact of digital dermatitis on locomotion and gait traits of beef cattle.

Digital dermatitis (DD) is an infectious skin disease and a major cause of lameness that significantly impacts cattle productivity and welfare. However, DD does not always result in lameness and lameness scoring systems are not specific to hoof pathologies. Digital dermatitis detection protocols could be improved by including gait traits most related to DD.

An experimental model to induce digital dermatitis in beef calves.

Background: Digital dermatitis (DD) is a multifactorial infectious disease affecting the skin on feet of cattle causing erosion and inflammation above the heel bulbs. Some cases of DD cause lameness and significantly impact animal welfare and productivity. While DD has emerged as a concern for the beef industry, key information regarding early detection and its impact on cattle behaviour is lacking.