Shropshire Farming Talk: Preventing cattle lameness in winter
Maintaining healthy hooves is essential to cattle welfare and farm profitability, especially during winter housing when cattle are on hard surfaces for extended periods.
Regular foot trimming is a proactive way to prevent lameness and minimize economic losses, as treating lameness can be costly.
Proper trimming ensures that the hoof wall, rather than the central sole, bears weight, promoting better posture and mobility.
For best results, trimming should be scheduled routinely—weekly, fortnightly, or monthly—based on farm needs.
Footbathing is another critical element in lameness prevention, especially effective in controlling Digital Dermatitis.
Setting up footbaths just outside the milking parlor can streamline the process.
It’s essential that footbaths are well-lit, kept clean, and deep enough (around 12 cm) so that each hoof fully immerses in the solution at least once.
The ideal footbath length is about two cow strides to ensure thorough contact.
Regular, consistent footbathing is key, with increased frequency if lameness issues arise.
Collaborating with a skilled foot trimmer and consulting with a vet can help farmers create a tailored foot care routine, supporting herd health, productivity, and longevity.
In the end, investing in preventative foot care during winter housing is both cost-effective and essential for maintaining a productive herd.
by Nick Challenor, owner of ND Challenor Professional Livestock Services.
