Digital dermatitis affects locomotion and gait traits of beef cattle in feedlots

Abstract

Sparse scientific evidence of cattle in confined environments, like feedlot dirt pens, report on increased importance of digi­tal dermatitis (DD) besides foot rot as an infectious cause of lameness. Therefore, we investigated the associations between DD presence and locomotion, gait traits, feet and leg confor­mation, and hygiene related risk factors in feedlot cattle to pro­vide the industry with clear guidelines on identification of DD affected cattle.