Hoof care in dairy cattle is a critical aspect of herd management, particularly in regions with challenging environmental conditions. The high rainfall and rugged terrain in our area presents unique challenges for maintaining cattle hoof health.
Proper hoof care is essential for animal welfare, production efficiency, and reducing costs related to lameness.
Lameness
Lameness is a painful condition, mainly caused by hoof lesions, that affects the locomotor system of cattle and has a detrimental effect on health, welfare, and productivity.
The main types of lameness and where they are typically located can be seen in the chart below:
Credit: DairyNZ
Some key factors that can lead to lameness include:
Calving
BCS
Genetics and breeding
Previous lameness
Wet weather
Hygiene
Infrastructure (feedpads, lane maintenance etc)
Management (such as stock handling, time yarded, walking distances etc).
Unfortunately, we can’t influence the weather, but there is a lot we can change regarding the conditions we provide for the herd to reduce instances of lameness. This includes reducing:
Long periods of time on concrete;
Walking long distances;
Underfeeding;
Pushing cows on races or in the yards;
Poorly maintained races and yards;
Poor quality facilities.
Below is a seasonal overview of lameness seen in a spring calving herd:
Credit: DairyNZ
Maintaining our cows on their feet requires a proactive approach due to the challenging environmental conditions. Vigilant monitoring and appropriate management are essential strategies to minimise lameness and ensure optimal production.
