RISK-FACTORS OF DAIRY-COW LAMENESS ASSOCIATED WITH HOUSING CONDITIONS

In 1987, an ecopathology survey was carried out in 160 French dairy fa rms in order to specify lesions typical of laminitis and heelhorn eros ion and to assess their risk factors. Three podal affections were char acterized: chronic laminitis; subacute laminitis; and heelhorn erosion . Concerning the building for livestock, the risk factors of heelhorn erosion were associated with poor hygiene, while the risk factors of s ubacute laminitis were linked to uncomfortable housing conditions: hig h steps and slopes, and discomfort when lying down and getting up. No risk factor of chronic laminitis linked to the building for livestock was identified.