Neglecting hoof health could hobble your business
While milk prices are reasonably stable, analysts have warned that market volatility is here to stay and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the terms of the UK’s departure from the European Union certainly doesn’t help.
They advise that for farmers to succeed, good business management, cash flow, embracing technology and sound strategic planning are essential to a sustainable and productive future in modern dairy farming. Setting a budget, capitalising on the good times to improve efficiency, and planning ahead are vital to building a resilient business.
When it comes to animal welfare and performance, the same criteria apply. Good management and forward planning are important to avoid costly measures of treatment.
Paying attention to all areas of cow comfort across the farm is important in managing the spread of lameness this spring and summer. With a long grazing season ahead, foot health and condition must be monitored to detect early any possible signs of ailment – which, in the long run, may become a cost burden.
Routine foot trimming is a forward-thinking method for managing foot health across your herd.
According to NADIS, in the UK it is estimated that there are 55 cases of lameness per 100 cows per year, with the average case costing £178, and the ‘average’ herd losing approximately £10,000 per 100 cows every year.
A single case of lameness costs about the same as claw trimming 18 cows using a professional claw trimmer. What makes economic sense to you?
Depending upon its severity, lameness is also likely to have a detrimental impact on a cow’s performance, yield, fertility and longevity. A formalised approach to lameness detection, with regular mobility scoring, foot bathing and trimming will enable accurate surveillance of lameness.
Lameness is an issue among cattle whether in or out and is caused by a variety of environmental, husbandry and disease related reasons.
Underfoot conditions are highly important in the management of lameness at this time of year and ensuring cow tracks are in good order is essential. If cows are walking on stony tracks, or rough ground, this can seriously affect balance and pressure on the feet.
If you have a beef or dairy herd it is important to develop a foot care programme that fits in with your business operation and objectives and assists with the productivity, longevity and performance of your herd.
Hoof trimming can help reduce problems and economic loss. It should be done at routine intervals, with ad hoc or more frequent visits tailored to individual farm requirements, especially if cattle are on high yielding rations and confined to concrete surfaces.
Hoof trimming must be performed correctly and undertaken by well qualified hoof trimmers – if a hoof is trimmed incorrectly it can cause more problems than it solves.
Nick Challenor is the owner of ND Challenor Professional Livestock Services.
