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29 Sep 2022

How to achieve better hoof health

If your goal is to have healthy, high-producing and low-maintenance cows in the herd for several years, hoof health is an important issue you can’t ignore.

Lameness caused by hoof disorders is among the biggest challenges that face the dairy industry. Hoof problems not only cause pain and distress for dairy cattle but also have a huge impact on the economy of dairy farms.

The costs related to lameness are enormous and include: 

  • Fertility problems
  • Veterinarian and medicine expenses
  • Costs of preventive measures
  • Lost milk production
  • Culling costs
  • Genetic impact from losing the potentially best-performing daughters
  • Extra time and labour costs
VikingJersey Better Hoof Health

If your goal is to have healthy, high-producing and low-maintenance cows in the herd for several years, hoof health is an important issue you can’t ignore.

There are many factors that have an impact on hoof health and the prevention of hoof disorders. Hoof trimming is a common management practice among dairy farmers for curing and preventing hoof diseases.

The environment also has a major influence on hoof health. Of course, management practices such as nutrition and feed, along with various preventive measures (e.g. foot baths, calcium hydroxide) also have a major impact on hoof quality.

However, genetics also play a key role in dealing with hoof disorders.

 

Breed for better hoof health and stay profitable

To ensure the profitability of your dairy farm, the prevention of hoof disorders is the best approach. Choosing the right bull has a significant impact.

Between the introduction of the Hoof Health Index in 2011 and until 2021, the Nordic countries have improved the genetic level of hoof health for the three dairy breeds:

  • +6 index units for VikingHolstein bulls
  • +11 index units for VikingRed bulls
  • +2 index units for VikingJersey bulls

With consistent focus on breeding, you can achieve genetic progress for hoof health and improve your bottom line. 

The Hoof Health Index includes 10 hoof disorders grouped into seven sub-traits.

EBV 110 and EBV 120 mean less hoof disorders.

Find the right bulls to improve hoof health
The Hoof Health Index includes 10 hoof disorders grouped into seven sub-traits

Hoof health key management practices

  • Keep cows’ hooves properly shaped once or twice a year. Optimally – once at dry-off & around 100 days in milk. Heifers: 3-4 months before calving.
  • Aim for the shortest possible waiting time at milking
  • Ensure that there is enough space. One feeding place (60-90 cm) and one cubicle (120 cm) per animal, especially pregnant and new calvers
  • Limit fixing to shorter periods around feeding and possibly disease treatment
  • Avoid heat stress, and use fans (also over the cubicles). Start using a water spray system when temps reach 20°C
  • Ensure well-balanced nutrition and use of proper feeding management practices. Avoid rapid feed changes.
  • Keep the stall and walkways clean, dry and free from sharp objects:
    • Housed systems - use rubber floor in critical areas
    • Grazing system - avoid mud by spreading sand on the walkways and lanes.
Check out more management tips to improve hoof health
VikingHolstein Better Hoof Health

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