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THE ROLE OF METABOLIC DISORDERS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
LAMINITIS IN HIGH-PRODUCING DAIRY COWS
Master’s Student, Tashkent Branch of
Samarkand State Veterinary Medicine,
Livestock and Biotechnology University
Sobirova Iroda Khalilla kizi
(Contact: +998 93 164-66-28)
Annotation:
This article explores the etiological and pathogenetic role of metabolic
disorders in the development of laminitis in high-producing dairy cows imported to
Uzbekistan. Factors such as subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), hyperinsulinemia,
endotoxemia, and disturbances in lipid metabolism are analyzed in the context of how they
trigger adverse physiological responses in exotic breeds under local agroclimatic conditions.
The article also presents improved diagnostic and preventive strategies. These findings
contribute to maintaining hoof health in highly productive cows, ensuring stable milk yield,
and reducing economic losses in dairy farms.
Keywords:
Imported dairy cattle, laminitis, metabolic disorder, SARA, endotoxemia,
insulin, hoof health, nutrition, adaptation, acclimatization.
Annotatsiya:
Ushbu maqolada chetdan olib keltirilgan yuqori mahsuldor sut sigirlarida
laminit kasalligining rivojlanishida metabolik buzilishlarning etiologik va patogenetik roli
o‘rganiladi. Subakut ruminal asidoz (SARA), giperinsulinemiya, endotoksemiya, lipid
almashinuvining buzilishi kabi omillar O‘zbekiston agroiqlim sharoitida chet el zotlarining
organizmida qanday salbiy fiziologik reaksiyalarni keltirib chiqarishi yoritiladi. Maqola,
shuningdek, diagnostika va profilaktika strategiyalarini takomillashtirish bo‘yicha takliflarni
o‘z ichiga oladi. Ushbu tahlillar yuqori mahsuldor sigirlarda sog‘lom tuyoq holatini saqlash,
sut mahsuldorligini barqaror ushlab turish hamda fermer xo‘jaliklarida iqtisodiy
yo‘qotishlarni kamaytirishga xizmat qiladi.
Kalit so‘zlar:
Chetdan keltirilgan sigir, laminit, metabolik buzilish, SARA, endotoksemiya,
insulin, tuyoq salomatligi, parhez, moslashuv, adaptatsiya.
Annotation:
This article explores the etiological and pathogenetic role of metabolic
disorders in the development of laminitis in high-producing dairy cows imported to
Uzbekistan. Factors such as subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), hyperinsulinemia,
endotoxemia, and disturbances in lipid metabolism are analyzed in the context of how they
trigger adverse physiological responses in exotic breeds under local agroclimatic conditions.
The article also presents improved diagnostic and preventive strategies. These findings
contribute to maintaining hoof health in highly productive cows, ensuring stable milk yield,
and reducing economic losses in dairy farms.
Keywords:
Imported dairy cattle, laminitis, metabolic disorder, SARA, endotoxemia,
insulin, hoof health, nutrition, adaptation, acclimatization.
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Аннотация:
В данной статье рассматривается этиологическая и патогенетическая
роль метаболических нарушений в развитии ламинита у высокопродуктивных
молочных коров, завезённых из-за рубежа в Узбекистан. Анализируются такие
факторы, как субклинический рубцовый ацидоз (SARA), гиперинсулинемия,
эндотоксемия и нарушения липидного обмена, и их влияние на физиологические
реакции организма импортированных пород в условиях агроклиматической среды
Узбекистана. В статье также предлагаются усовершенствованные стратегии
диагностики и профилактики. Представленные данные способствуют сохранению
здоровья копыт, стабильной молочной продуктивности и снижению экономических
потерь в фермерских хозяйствах.
Ключевые слова:
Импортированные коровы, ламинит, метаболические нарушения,
SARA, эндотоксемия, инсулин, здоровье копыт, рацион, адаптация, акклиматизация.
Introduction.
In recent years, in Uzbekistan’s livestock sector, imported high-yield dairy
cattle breeds — particularly Holstein and Ayrshire breeds brought from the Netherlands,
Germany, the USA, and Russia — have been widely reared. However, these animals, which
have not fully adapted to local agro-climatic conditions and feeding systems, are commonly
affected by hoof diseases, especially laminitis. Laminitis is a disease that damages the
connective structures between the hoof wall and the lamellar tissues, leading to impaired
locomotion, a sharp decline in milk production, and reduced reproductive performance. This
disease frequently occurs in high-producing dairy cows against the background of metabolic
stress. Local scientific observations (Karimov B.T., 2023) and international studies (Lean et
al., 2013; Goff, 2006) indicate that metabolic disorders — particularly subclinical acidosis,
insulin imbalance, and endotoxemia — are the primary causes of laminitis pathogenesis.
Main Body. The Role of Metabolic Factors in the Development of Laminitis.
Laminitis
is a polyetiological disease occurring in cattle that primarily damages the connective
structures between the hoof wall and the lamellar tissues. In imported high-yield dairy cows,
this disease typically develops due to high productivity demands, inability to adapt to
changes in the diet, and drastic differences in the rearing environment. Several key
metabolic factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of laminitis:
Subacute Ruminal
Acidosis
(SARA).
Imported breeds such as Holstein, Montbéliarde, and other high-producing cattle require a
high-energy, balanced, and gradually adjustable diet. However, under Uzbekistan’s
conditions, these animals are often fed with local energy feeds such as barley, wheat bran,
silage, and molasses. Since the rumen microflora is not adapted to such rapidly fermentable
feeds, the ruminal pH drops below 5.5, resulting in subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA).
Under SARA conditions, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) released from the lysis of gram-
negative bacteria translocate from the gut wall into the bloodstream. These endotoxins
trigger inflammatory responses in the div and particularly adversely affect the capillary
blood vessels of the hoof. This leads to capillary spasms, microthrombosis, and hypoxia,
culminating in ischemia, necrosis, and edema of the lamellar tissues. Prolonged SARA
episodes manifest clinically as inflammation centers in the hooves, internal fissures, and
separation between the hoof wall and lamellar tissues. SARA is regarded as the "silent
cause" of laminitis and remains the basis for many subclinical and chronic hoof pathologies.
Insulin and Glucose Imbalance.
High-producing breeds require significant energy
expenditure for milk synthesis, prompting the organism to activate endogenous mechanisms
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to maintain glucose homeostasis. This often results in hyperinsulinemia — an elevated
insulin level in the blood. Insulin hypersecretion disrupts the function of endothelial cells in
the blood vessels of the hoof, increasing capillary permeability. Endothelial dysfunction
leads to micro-edema, pain, and dystrophic changes in the lamellar structures. Furthermore,
hyperinsulinemia enhances the release of inflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin-1 and
TNF-alpha), promoting the emergence of subclinical inflammatory foci in the hoof. In other
words, the imbalance between insulin and glucose disturbs trophic metabolism in the hoof
and creates a background conducive to laminitis development.
Endotoxemia.
Changes in
rumen flora and disruption of intestinal epithelial barriers allow pathogenic microbes and
their toxins (e.g., LPS, histamine, ammonia) to enter the bloodstream, causing endotoxemia.
The LPS endotoxin reaches the lamellar capillaries of the hoof via circulation, disrupting
microcirculation, inducing vascular spasms, and causing necrotic changes. Additionally,
endocrine responses (such as cortisol secretion) are involved in this process, leading to an
increase in inflammatory mediators and structural tissue changes in the laminae. Such
endotoxemic reactions are commonly observed in imported cows during the adaptation
phase, particularly within the first three months.
Protein and Lipid Metabolism Disorders.
During early lactation, the organism mobilizes fat reserves to meet increased energy
demands, resulting in elevated levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and ketone bodies.
Excessive accumulation of these substances exerts toxic effects, especially on vascular
endothelium and lamellar tissues. Ketone bodies exacerbate oxidative stress in the hoof, and
in the absence of sufficient antioxidant protection (e.g., vitamin E, selenium), laminitis
severity increases. Protein deficiency slows regenerative processes. Since imported cows are
often sensitive to local diets, disturbances in energy balance, ketosis, and lipidosis frequently
occur among them, creating favorable conditions for laminitis development.
Clinical Signs and Diagnosis.
Clinically, laminitis manifests as inflammation of the
lamellar structures of the hoof, tissue changes in response to metabolic stress, and ultimately
impaired locomotion in the affected animal. In imported high-yield dairy cows, the disease
may present more acutely and severely due to incomplete adaptation to Uzbekistan’s local
feeding and husbandry conditions. The primary clinical signs of laminitis include:
Pain
during
locomotion:
Using the Locomotion Scoring System (Sprecher et al., 1997), lameness in cows is typically
scored between 3 and 4 points. Affected cows place their hind limbs cautiously, elevate the
hindquarters, and display unsteady gait.
Heat and hyperemia in the hoof area:
On external
examination, redness and noticeable warmth are observed between the hoof wall and the
sole, sometimes accompanied by swelling.
Increased lying behavior:
Due to pain, affected
cows spend more time lying down, leading to reduced overall activity and feed intake.
Decreased milk production:
Energy imbalance and pain result in a decline in lactation by
approximately 10–25%.
Signs of impaired blood circulation:
Cows frequently shift their
weight on cold or smooth surfaces and exhibit signs of discomfort. This may be indicative of
hypoperfusion and capillary spasms.
Diagnostic Methods.
The diagnosis of laminitis requires not only clinical observation but
also several laboratory and instrumental methods, including: Rumen pH measurement: One
of the key criteria for detecting Subacute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA). A rumen pH below 5.5
confirms an acidic environment. Blood biochemical analysis: NEFA (Non-esterified fatty
acids) levels: Values above 0.3 mmol/L indicate an energy deficiency. Ketone bodies (beta-
hydroxybutyrate): Levels ≥1.2 mmol/L indicate ketosis and abnormal lipid metabolism. LPS
(lipopolysaccharides) levels: Indicate the presence of endotoxemia. Insulin and glucose
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levels: Important for diagnosing metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance. Thermography:
Infrared scanning detects temperature changes in the hoof, allowing early diagnosis of
subclinical inflammation. Periodic hoof examination: Orthopedic evaluations and functional
hoof trimming are performed every three months to maintain hoof health.
Prevention and Management Strategies in the Context of Uzbekistan
. Effective control
of laminitis and reduction of its economic impact require a systematic and comprehensive
approach to adapt imported high-yield dairy cows to the agro-climatic conditions of
Uzbekistan. Since laminitis is primarily associated with metabolic imbalance, preventive
strategies in livestock farms must include tailored feeding regimes, husbandry,
environmental management, and hygiene measures.
Scientific Organization of the Adaptation Period
. Imported high-yield dairy cows are
highly sensitive to differences in feed types, ruminal microflora, and climatic conditions.
Therefore, creating specialized feeding and zoohygienic conditions during the adaptation
period is crucial. Diets should be predominantly composed of fibrous components, with low
levels of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates, such as roughage and green fodder as the base.
Use of rapidly fermentable feeds—such as ground barley or wheat bran—should be limited.
This helps maintain ruminal microbial balance and prevents the development of acidic
conditions.
Balanced Ration Composition
.To ensure metabolic stability, the diet must meet the
following criteria: Fibrous feedstuffs should constitute at least 40–45% of the total dry
matter intake. Rapidly fermentable starchy components (barley, wheat, corn) should not
exceed 20–25%, as exceeding this increases the risk of ruminal acidosis and subsequent
laminitis. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio should be maintained around 2:1. Vitamins A, D,
and E, as well as microelements such as selenium, biotin, and zinc, must be supplied at
optimal levels. These contribute to maintaining metabolic balance and strengthening hoof
tissues.
Use of Buffers and Probiotics
. Buffers and beneficial microorganisms are key agents in
preventing subacute ruminal acidosis leading to laminitis. Adding buffering agents such as
sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) and magnesium oxide (MgO) to the diet helps maintain
ruminal pH within the physiological range of 6.2–6.5. Additionally, probiotics such as
Bacillus subtilis
,
Bifidobacterium bifidum
, and
Lactobacillus acidophilus
stabilize rumen
microflora, reduce inflammatory responses, and promote the dominance of beneficial
microbes.
Hoof Care and Orthopedic Monitoring
. Regular monitoring of hoof shape and condition
is of paramount importance in the prevention of laminitis. Functional trimming — i.e.,
shaping and cleaning of the hooves — should be performed every three months. This
practice eliminates improper load distribution and deformities on the hoof surface, reduces
internal capillary pressure, and improves blood circulation. Instead of the traditional
"footbath" method for hoof disinfection, modern high-density disinfectant walkways (e.g.,
filled with copper sulfate, formalin, or organic acid solutions) are employed. Animals
regularly walk through these walkways, effectively eliminating harmful microflora
accumulated on the hooves.
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Optimization of Physical Environmental Conditions
. Hoof health is directly influenced
by environmental factors. The comfort of walking paths and resting areas is critical:
Walking surfaces should be smooth, non-slip, and elastic (e.g., rubber mats). This minimizes
micro-injuries and preserves hoof wall flexibility. Resting areas must be equipped with
moisture-absorbing, dust-free, and hygienic materials (such as sand, shavings, or
biodegradable bedding). Encouraging daily locomotion improves blood circulation, reduces
stress, and enhances oxygenation of the hoof laminae.
Conclusion
. Imported high-yield dairy cows face significant metabolic stresses during
adaptation to Uzbekistan’s agro-climatic, zoohygienic, and nutritional conditions.
Particularly in breeds requiring intensive milk production, metabolic disorders such as
subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), hyperinsulinemia, endotoxemia, and disruptions in lipid
and protein metabolism are observed, which are the primary etiopathogenic factors
contributing to laminitis. Laminitis is not merely a podometabolic inflammation but a
complex systemic disorder caused by metabolic dysfunction. Its progression involves
immune reactivity, impaired capillary microcirculation, necrosis in lamellar tissues, and
changes in hemodynamics. In Uzbekistan, especially on smallholder farms, direct transfer of
imported animals to local feed bases, short adaptation periods, poor dietary balance, and
intensive exploitation have led to an increase in laminitis cases. Therefore, laminitis
prevention can be achieved through adapted feeding regimes, fermentation-controlling
probiotics and buffer agents, as well as hoof health monitoring and ergonomic housing
systems. Implementation of scientifically based preventive measures under veterinary
supervision, early disease diagnosis, and the development of metabolic monitoring systems
will ensure animal health, maintain productivity, and enhance the economic sustainability of
farming enterprises.
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