Prevalence of thin soles in the hind limbs of dairy cows housed on fully-floored vs. partially-floored mastic asphalt areas in Austria.
Authors: Führer G, Majoroš Osová A, Vogl C, Kofler J
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary Flooring type fundamentally influences hoof health in housed dairy cattle, with fully-floored mastic asphalt creating significantly greater risk of sole horn attrition than partially-floored systems. Researchers examined 97 Austrian dairy cows across six herds, measuring sole thickness ultrasonographically at two points on each hind claw and scoring locomotion and lesion prevalence; cows were assessed at least five months post-trimming to reflect genuine wear patterns. Cattle on fully-floored mastic asphalt displayed alarming pathology: thin soles (≤4.5 mm) affected 59.7% versus only 12.5% on partially-floored surfaces, with mean sole thickness of 5.35 mm versus 6.63 mm respectively, alongside significantly higher prevalences of white-line disease (59.6% versus 25%) and toe ulcers (12.3% versus 0%), and nearly double the incidence of lameness. For farriers and veterinarians, these findings underscore that flooring decisions in barn design have profound long-term consequences for claw integrity and weight-bearing capacity—suggesting that where fully-floored mastic asphalt installations are unavoidable, more frequent hoof trimming intervals and enhanced management protocols become essential protective measures.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Fully-floored mastic asphalt barn surfaces significantly increase risk of thin soles and associated claw lesions in dairy cattle; partial flooring systems are superior for hoof health
- •Flooring type choice has measurable impacts on sole horn thickness and lameness prevalence — PMA systems should be preferred where feasible to reduce preventable hoof pathology
- •Monitor claw health more intensively in herds housed on abrasive surfaces; consider flooring modifications as a primary intervention for reducing thin soles and white-line disease
Key Findings
- •Cows on fully-floored mastic asphalt (FMA) had significantly higher prevalence of thin soles (59.7% vs. 12.5%; P=0.01) compared to partially-floored mastic asphalt (PMA)
- •Mean sole horn thickness at the pedal bone tip was significantly lower in FMA cows (5.35 mm vs. 6.63 mm; P=0.01)
- •White-line disease prevalence was 2.4 times higher in FMA areas (59.6% vs. 25%; P=0.01)
- •Lameness and toe ulcers were significantly more prevalent in FMA housing (lameness P=0.01; toe ulcers 12.3% vs. 0%; P=0.02)