Occurrences and management of lameness in goats: A case study of Magadu farm, Morogoro, Tanzania

A survey of lameness in goats was carried out at Magadu farm, Morogoro, Tanzania during the rainy and dry season of 1996, 1997 and 1998 involving 383, 449 and 438 animals, respectively. Digital lesions as cause of lamenesswere diagnosed through clinical and radiological evaluations. For the 3 years of study, a significantly (P < 0.001) higher prevalence of lameness was recorded during rain seasons than dry season (7.3%).Under the management conditions employed at Magadu adult goats suffered more (69.5%) than the young ones (31.5%). Of the adults, male goats were more affected by lameness (85%) than females (67.3%). The hind limbs appeared to be most affected (P < 0.05; prevalence 62.4%) by lameness compared to the forelimbs (prevalence 37.6%). Radiography of the affected foot revealed periarticular soft tissue swelling, distension of the joint capsule, widening of the joint space and osteolysis of the articular joint surfaces. To conclude, the study found the occurrences of lameness due to digital diseases were largely related to the climatic conditions and management factors.