Hoof care

Consequences of lameness

Cow lameness is caused by various factors – from an unbalanced nutritional regime, low general hygiene conditions and irregular trimming, to poorly dimensioned and uncomfortable beds, hard floor surfaces or lack of foot bathing.

Lameness negatively affects milk production by lowering each cow’s feed intake. Because the cow is more susceptible to mastitis when lame, her milk quality could decline. Lameness also leads to premature culling and impacts fertility. This means constant treatment costs. The average cost of lameness per cow is approximately € 250*.

When you consider the cost of lameness and the fact that 25 percent of the average herd can be affected by it – it’s easy to see why prevention is better than cure.

* Research from C. Guard (1997) Cornell University

Image	Name	Cost for chemical  consumption	Efficacy	Investment
	DeLaval foot bath AFB1000	$$	++	$$
	DeLaval PVC footbath	$$	+	$
	DeLaval spraycare box	$	+++	$$$