Bovine lameness is a major animal health problem, significantly affecting welfare and zoo-technical performance. In tropical extensive livestock farming systems, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, this condition is largely under-documented despite its considerable health and economic impact. This study aimed at identifying and analyzing environmental, zoo-technical, and nutritional risk factors associated with bovine lameness in the Pastoral of Haut-Lomami (PHL) farm in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A longitudinal descriptive study was conducted on cattle from several sections of the PHL. Data collection was based on field observations, structured surveys, and biochemical analyses of blood mineral concentrations such as Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn) and Selenium (Se). Environmental and zoo-technical factors were assessed, and data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Chi-Square test to examine the associations between the studied factors and the occurrence of lameness. The results highlighted a strong link between constraints inherent to the extensive farming system and the development of lameness. Zoo-technical factors include in particular, a high daily grazing distance (5 to 10 km), a natural grazing diet irregularly mineral supplemented, and limited infrastructure. From an environmental perspective, continuous exposure to abrasive, eroded, wet, or slippery soils, especially at watering points and in enclosures, is a major determinant of hoof lesions. Biological analyses revealed a highly significant decrease in mineral concentrations in the dry season compared to the rainy season (p < 0.0001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between lame and non-lame cattle in the same season (p ≈ 0.055). Lameness in cattle at the PHL farm appears to be a multifactorial condition dominated by environmental and zoo-technical factors, with mineral deficiencies playing an aggravating role. These results demonstrate the need for integrated control strategies adapted to the constraints of extensive tropical systems.
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