Hoof trimming in cows

Hoof trimming in cows

 

Hoof trimming in dairy cows is a crucial practice that promotes overall animal welfare by preventing and addressing hoof-related issues. Regular hoof trimming helps maintain proper hoof structure, reducing the risk of lameness and associated discomfort in dairy cows. Improved hoof health contributes to enhanced mobility, ensuring cows can move comfortably within their environment, access feed, and engage in natural behaviors. Hoof trimming aids in preventing claw lesions and injuries, which are common in dairy cattle, particularly those housed in confined spaces. Healthy hooves support better weight distribution, reducing the strain on joints and promoting longevity in the dairy cow's productive life. Properly trimmed hooves contribute to improved hygiene, as they are less prone to collecting mud, manure, and debris that can lead to infections. Regular hoof maintenance minimizes the economic impact of lameness, as lame cows often experience reduced milk production and reproductive issues. Enhanced hoof condition positively influences the cow's ability to efficiently utilize feed, contributing to optimal milk production and overall farm profitability. Prevention of lameness through hoof trimming aligns with ethical and responsible dairy farming practices, ensuring the well-being of the animals in the herd. Ultimately, investing in routine hoof trimming for dairy cows is a proactive approach that benefits both the individual animal and the dairy farm, fostering a sustainable and humane environment for livestock.A total of 338 valid survey responses were received. The majority of farmers undertook preventive hoof trimming (82.4%), and this was significantly positively associated with increased herd yield (p < 0.001). Drying off was the most common time trimming was undertaken, with 72.2% of farmers who implemented preventive trimming doing so at this point in the management cycle. Of those undertaking preventive trimming, 46.4% solely used an external hoof trimmer, 31.7% solely used farm staff and the remainder (21.9%) used a combination of operators. Four over-arching themes were identified within the key research questions; when to trim, why we should trim, how to trim and who to trim. The most frequent questions related to optimal trimming timing, frequency and method. Conclusion This study highlighted that preventive hoof trimming is a widespread practice on GB dairy farms, undertaken by both external hoof trimmers and farm staff. Despite this, farmers still want to know when they should undertake preventive hoof trimming and which technique they should use.