Hoof management
This booklet aims to highlight the importance and cost of lameness and the multi-faceted nature of the problem. We will address the effects of efficient and preventative management, diagnosis of arising problems, assessment of animal health, and the consequences if lameness occurs.
We would like to provide you with a solid understanding of the anatomy of the hoof, the significance of weight bearing surfaces and the effect on cow behaviour, production and manifestation of lameness.
We will also focus on the value of a good environment, quality feed and the importance of using observation tools to help you get the best out of your cows. We hope we can offer practical advice on preventative methods and perhaps give you insight into some aspects of this problem you may have been unaware of, or unsure about, in the past.
Tools and articles about Hoof management available at Milkproduction.com
Hoof care resources
Lameness is at the top of the list of animal-welfare issues in the dairy industry today. According to researchers in the Welfare Quality® project (http://www.welfarequality.net), farmers estimate about 5% to 10% of their dairy cows suffer from lameness, while the average is closer to 25% of the herd. This means an estimated average loss of €200 ($285) per cow, per year.
Read more on Milkproduction.com
Importance of hoof health in dairy production
Bad hoof health is an increasing and expensive problem in intensive dairy productions all over the world. Preventive interventions are important in order to obtain a sustainable production, both from an economical and animal welfare aspect. Hoof disorders are possible to prevent by a correct management and early detection of affected animals, regular claw trimming and a clean and dry environment are also essential.
Read more on Milkproduction.com
