Gerard Cramer, a professor at the University of Minnesota and expert in dairy cattle lameness, recently shared straightforward advice on improving hoof health in dairy heifers. His message is clear: start early with preventative care to avoid long-term hoof problems, boost productivity, and ensure animal welfare.
Start with Healthy Hooves
Cramer stressed that good hoof care starts early. Heifers with healthy hooves are less likely to develop lameness, a costly and painful issue that can persist into lactation. By focusing on hoof health from the start, farmers can help heifers transition smoothly into their first lactation, leading to better overall herd productivity and lower care costs.
Fight Digital Dermatitis with Foot Baths
Digital dermatitis (DD) is a common and painful hoof infection that can spread quickly. Cramer highlighted key strategies for controlling DD:
- Keep it Clean: A clean, dry environment reduces the risk of infection.
- Use Foot Baths: Regular foot baths with copper sulfate or formalin help prevent and treat DD. Baths should be designed so hooves fully contact the solution.
- Safety First: Handle footbath chemicals with care. Wear gloves, goggles, and masks, and ensure proper ventilation to protect workers.
Cramer also noted that footbath schedules and chemical concentrations should be adjusted based on the severity of DD in the herd.
Prevent Corkscrew Claw
Corkscrew claw is a hoof deformity that can lead to serious problems like thin soles, arthritis, and increased culling. It’s often caused by high-traction surfaces or competition for feed, where heifers push against each other.
To prevent corkscrew claw, Cramer recommended:
- Balanced Feeding: Ensure heifers have equal access to feed to reduce competition.
- Better Bedding: Choose low-traction bedding materials to reduce stress on hooves.
For heifers that already have corkscrew claw, regular trimming every three to four months can help manage the condition by redistributing weight and reducing discomfort.
Trim Hooves Strategically
Hoof trimming isn’t one-size-fits-all. Cramer suggested tailoring trimming schedules to each heifer’s needs:
- Heifers in low-impact environments with no hoof issues may not need regular trimming.
- Heifers with a history of DD, corkscrew claw, or those on high-traction surfaces benefit from routine trims.
The goal is to monitor hoof health closely and trim only when needed to maintain optimal hoof function.
Key Takeaways
Cramer’s advice boils down to a few simple actions:
- Start Early: Focus on hoof health during the heifer stage to prevent future problems.
- Clean and Safe: Keep environments clean and dry and handle footbath chemicals safely.
- Tailored Care: Adjust trimming schedules and hoof care to the specific needs of each heifer.
- Reduce Stress: Optimize housing and feeding conditions to prevent hoof deformities.
By following these steps, farmers can reduce lameness, lower costs, and improve the overall welfare and productivity of their herds.
