Prevalence and risk factors of foot lesions in a dairy cattle herd in the Huaura Valley, Peru

Foot lesions are a major cause of culling in dairy cows, resulting in significant economic losses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with foot lesions in a dairy herd in the Huaura Valley, Peru. To this end, 1,781 functional hoof trimming records (2013-2021) were analyzed. The results showed a significant downward trend (P < 0.05) in the overall prevalence, with an annual average of 35.5%. This began at 24.7% (2013), peaked at 56.5% (2017), and decreased to 15.3% (2021). Non-infectious lesions (26.1%) were more frequent than infectious lesions (7.7%) (P = 0.019), with white line disease (37.1%) and digital dermatitis (38.9%) being predominant. The number of lactations was identified as a critical risk factor (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.72-2.29), ranging from 17.6% in first-lactation cows to 65.5% in cows with four or more lactations. No statistically significant association was found between the climatic period of the year and the occurrence of foot lesions (χ² = 0.23; gl = 1; P < 0.63). In conclusion, this study showed a significant temporary reduction in lesions, with the number of calvings being the most critical risk factor, unlike the climatic period, which was not a determining factor in the occurrence of foot lesions.