Genetic link found to digital dermatitis in cows

The chances of a cow developing digital dermatitis (DD) are linked to her genetic make-up, according to research from Liverpool University Vet School.

The study, which looked at incidences of DD at the university’s farm, found that some cows always had DD while others never did.

Senior lecturer Rob Smith told the British Cattle Breeders Club Conference in Telford, cows with high legs and feet composites were five times less likely to have DD.

“Those with high mobility were four times less likely and those with a steep foot angle were 2.5 times less likely to have digital dermatitis,” he explained.

“There is a clear genomic difference between cows depending on their susceptibility. But we need to do work to get good, careful data on phenotypes and then there will be the possibility to breed it out.”

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