Investigating the relationship between hoof, liver, and heart abnormalities in grain-fed beef cattle (Bos taurus) <30 months at slaughter

Hoof abnormalities, liver abscesses, and congestive heart failure (CHF) are animal welfare concerns that have increased in fed cattle. Our objective was to determine whether relationships between these issues exist in fed cattle at slaughter. Each condition was evaluated at a slaughter establishment in the Great Plains region of the United States (1,417 m elevation) on cattle ( Bos taurus , beef-type only) <30 months of age ( N = 398). Statistical analysis was performed to determine relationships between the prevalence of hoof abnormalities, liver abscesses, and CHF between each other and selected carcass characteristics: USDA quality grade (QG), USDA yield grade (YG), hot carcass weight (HCW), ribeye area (REA), and fat thickness (FT). Of the cattle, 85% had at least one hoof abnormality, 13% had a liver abscess, 52% had CHF, and 5% had all three disorders. There were no differences ( p > 0.4955) within the proportion of CHF, liver abscess, and hoof abnormality scores. Cattle with both a wide toe and inward curve (421.62 ± 10.45 kg) had lighter carcasses ( p < 0.034) than cattle with only an inward curve (460.95 ± 2.72 kg) or cattle with a shovel hoof (470.16 ± 6.79 kg). The HCW was heavier ( p = 0.0295) for cattle with mild CHF (463.60 ± 3.24 kg) than those with no CHF (451.51 ± 3.22 kg). The REA for cattle with no CHF was 103.17 ± 0.93 cm 2 , for those with mild CHF was 104.51 ± 0.88 cm 2 , and for those with severe CHF was 98.63 ± 2.46 cm 2 ( p = 0.0711). There was a greater proportion ( p = 0.0099) of heifers with no CHF (70.97 ± 8.17%) than steers (45.78 ± 2.61%). There were no differences ( p > 0.1025) in the REA, FT, and QG across hoof, liver, and CHF scores. Differences were present ( p < 0.034) in the HCW between the hoof and CHF scores. Further research is required to guide actions to address the animal welfare and productivity concerns associated with these issues.