Dairy farmworkers’ knowledge of risk factors and prevalence of bovine lameness in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, South Africa

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dc.contributor.advisorJaja, I.F.
dc.contributor.authorMatshetsheni, Sibulele
dc.date.accessioned2026-08-31T08:53:35Z
dc.date.available2026-08-31T08:53:35Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.descriptionMasters dissertation
dc.description.abstractLameness is a crippling problem in the dairy industry, posing a significant welfare challenge and leading to premature culling. Lameness has been identified as the most severe welfare issue in dairy cows, and its observation is the most representative animal-based indicator of dairy cattle well-being. This study assessed the knowledge of dairy farmworkers regarding causes, risk factors, and clinical signs of bovine lameness in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, South Africa and the seasonal prevalence of lameness in two different provinces of South Africa. The data was collected from 11 dairy farms using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into five sections, the first of which contained demographic information (age, gender, experience, level of study), and the second contained farm information such as farm size and grazing method. However, section C discusses farm workers' knowledge of lameness and risk factors, Section D discusses clinical signs of lameness, and Section E discusses treatment and management of lameness. The data was collected in two local municipalities (Mpofana and Raymond Mhlaba). However, the computer software systems of four randomly selected dairy farms were used to collect retrospective secondary data for lameness and predisposing factors (2018–2022). The data's targeted parameters include breed, parity, weight, stage of lactation, diseases diagnosed (lameness), age, and milk production trends. Significant seasonal variation in the incidence of lameness (P < 0.05) was observed with the highest prevalence (85.5%) occurring in summer compared with other seasons such as Autumn (15%). Respondents reported that a decrease in appetite (93%), reduced milk yield (94%), and increased lying time (90%) were the most common signs of lameness. Nevertheless, the results also demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) correlation between knowledge of clinical signs of lameness and localities. The movement problem was related to age, gender, and occupation level (P < 0.05). The uMpofana municipality (KZN 58.8%) had higher prevalence compared to Raymond Mhlaba municipality (EC 41.2%). Cattle above nine years of age has the highest prevalence of lameness (36%), compared to 7-8-year-old (24%), 4-6-year-old (21.7%), and 1-3-year-old (14.3%) cattle. Additionally, the highest prevalence of lameness was observed during the summer season, followed by spring, winter, and Autumn. The strongest association is kept for the right front leg (RFL) (p < 0.0001), followed by the left front leg (LFL) (p < 0.001), right back leg (RBL) (p < 0.001), and left back leg (LBL) (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study provides baseline information on several key factors influencing the prevalence of lameness in dairy cattle in various farms in uMpofana municipality (KZN) and Raymond Mhlaba municipality (EC). Furthermore, training is required in the dairy industry to improve farm workers' knowledge. In addition, farm workers' training and retraining are necessary for managing and mitigating bovine lameness. These findings could be used for farm managerial decision-making and epidemiological interventions.
dc.identifier.citationMatshetsheni, S. (2024) Dairy farmworkers’ knowledge of risk factors and prevalence of bovine lameness in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, South Africa. MSc Agriculture (Animal Science) dissertation. Alice, South Africa: University of Fort Hare.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/5074
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherUniversity of Fort Hare
dc.subjectMilk yield -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal
dc.subjectFootrot in animals -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal
dc.subjectCattle -- Diseases -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal
dc.subjectLameness in cattle -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal
dc.titleDairy farmworkers’ knowledge of risk factors and prevalence of bovine lameness in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, South Africa
dc.typeThesis
person.identifier.orcid0000-0002-5827-3314

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