lameness prevention

Beyond hooves: The human element in tackling lameness

A key element to reducing lameness on farms is the human interaction. By recognizing and addressing the needs and barriers faced by the hoof health team, farms may be able to better address lameness and impact animal welfare on a broader spectrum.

January 27, 2025

Laura Solano and Demetrio Bautista Ortiz

Lameness is an issue that impacts every part of the supply chain – not just the welfare and health of cows but also the farmers and their teams working to maintain herd productivity, as well as the dairy processors and retailers seeking to build trust in their brand.

Address lameness while the trimmer is away

Ideally, all lame cows should be treated within 24 hours of the cow becoming lame. However, many producers face the challenge of how to assist a cow that becomes lame in between hoof trimmer visits. That challenge can be resolved with proper employee training.

December 18, 2024

Lee Erickson

It is important to provide excellent hoof care to cows because lame cows can go from bad to worse quickly. If a lame cow has to wait to be treated, she can experience longer recovery time, and more necrotic tissue and permanent damage to her pedal bone.

Research Review: Advancements in dairy cattle welfare: Locomotion and housing

November 7, 2024

Research on dairy cattle welfare has increasingly focused on two critical areas: locomotion and housing. Drs. Dan Weary and Marina (Nina) von Keyserlingk have been investigating these issues. In a recent episode of the DFC’s research podcast series, they discussed the challenges of lameness detection, prevention and control and the importance of outdoor access for improving animal welfare.

Addressing a beef cow herd’s needs during winter

Providing safe and comfortable accommodations and plentiful feed and water sources is critical to helping the herd maintain condition and performance over the winter.

October 24, 2024

J. Benton Glaze

The way in which beef producers manage the tasks of "housing" and watering and feeding their cattle during the winter will have a significant impact on the productivity and profitability of the herd.

Hoof care academy focuses on the basics for improved standard practices

A newly developed hoof care course uses education and hands-on training to improve animal welfare on farms.

October 1, 2024

Jenn Coyne

The team of Dr. Jen Walker, Dr. Gerard Cramer and Jamie Sullivan are using their expertise and experience to educate, train and promote the principles of hoof care, and proper functional and therapeutic trimming techniques for improved animal welfare on farms through the Kinder Hoof Care Academy Trimmer Training.

Stay ahead of lameness: A practical checklist for early detection before it costs you money

Lame cows produce less milk than their healthy counterparts. Knowing how to identify a cow before she is chronically lame can aid in treatment and get her back on track before costing you money.

September 26, 2024

Amir Nejati

A streamlined method of visual scoring, which can be performed quickly, consistently and accurately by farm personnel, continues to play a crucial role in managing lameness in dairy herds.

Management of lame cows to improve animal welfare

As caretakers of dairy cattle, there’s a moral and ethical responsibility to reduce the suffering of lame cows. What can we do to manage lameness more effectively and improve animal welfare?

August 27, 2024

Jan K. Shearer

The welfare of a lame cow is affected in at least three ways: 1) it interferes with natural behaviors such as walking, lying down and interacting with herdmates; 2) it impairs normal function by reducing milk production and reproductive efficiency; and 3) the pain impacts the cow’s affective states of physical and mental well-being. What can we do to manage lameness more effectively and improve the welfare of cows that develop lameness?

Foot issues are not always as they appear

Correctly diagnosing foot rot, digital dermatitis and other causes of lameness is crucial in making a treatment plan and getting cattle back to their most productive selves.

August 16, 2024

Zeb Gray

Anybody who has raised cattle for any length of time has probably had to deal with lame cattle. The odds are great that the animal was either suffering from foot rot or a physical injury to the leg or foot.

Healthy hooves lead to a productive life

Digital dermatitis presents a significant challenge for the dairy industry, affecting the well-being and lifetime productivity of cows. Minimize the occurrence and severity of this disease by implementing effective management strategies.

July 30, 2024

Jeff Wheeler

By implementing effective management strategies, such as maintaining optimal hygiene, following proper footbath protocols, early detection and treatment, as well as adjusting the diet to support rumen health, dairy producers can minimize the occurrence and severity of digital dermatitis (DD), also known as hairy heel warts.