The Hoof Trimmers Association (HTA) holds a Hoof Health Conference every 18 months. To ensure distinct parts of North America are represented, they hold these meetings at various locations. This year's conference was Feb. 22-24 in Orlando, Florida.

How much does a footbath solution affect mineral concentrations in the soil once manure is applied? That is the question regional dairy educator Aerica Bjurstrom and her colleagues at the University of Wisconsin have tried answering.  

Footbaths have been used for over 25 years for the control of infectious hoof diseases. In drawing on years of consulting with farms all over the globe, there are do's and don’ts to consider when designing a footbath and implementing practical protocols.

Imagine being at the helm of a bustling airport, managing the incessant comings and goings of countless flights each day. 

In heifer and milking barns, more dairy cows are developing the hoof abnormality known as corkscrew claws, which increases lameness, shortens the productive life span of cows and decreases operational profitability.

With heat stress comes lameness and negative impacts on hoof health. In fact, heat stress is one of the biggest factors contributing to dairy cow lameness.

Due to the significant negative impact on cow welfare and the complexity of the issue, multiple farm advisers are often involved in lameness management.