Hairy Heel Wart, (Digital Dermatitis), a condition well-known to dairy producers, is quickly becoming an issue for beef producers as well. According to Dr. Jan Shearer, ISU Extension Veterinarian at Iowa State University, there has been an increase in incidence of DD, causing a significant problem for the beef industry. Digital Dermatitis causes heel erosion and eats […]
Copper sulfate is a staple on many dairy operations these days, thanks to its efficacy in treating and preventing hoof health problems. Copper sulfate is bacteriostatic, binding to and neutralizing pathogens in organic matter that can cause digital dermatitis and other problems. After 150 cow passes or so, the used solution is traditionally mixed with manure waste […]
The multiple challenges of fighting the “good fight” against infectious hoof disease can make it tough to gauge the real extent of lameness in your dairy herd. They can also inadvertently lead to some cows being retreated for the same stubborn hoof lesion at every trimming, while others who may need it go untreated. Noted […]
With cold weather right around the corner, it’s important to make sure your hoof health regimen is ready for the months ahead. Winter conditions present several challenges. Freezing temperatures can prevent footbath set-up, and many anti-microbials are negatively affected by lower temperatures. Bacteria that cause hairy heel wart, on the other hand, are not as affected, and […]
Lameness is one of the most devastating diseases impacting animal welfare and profitability in U.S. dairy operations. Economic losses commonly associated with lameness include treatment costs, reduced milk production, decreased reproductive performance, and premature culling. Some cited costs include: $6,000 per 100 cows per year, based on a fatality rate of two percent, an increase in days […]
Formaldehyde has long had a place in dairy footbath programs. It’s an effective hoof hardener, a powerful disinfectant, and costs less than copper and zinc sulfate. But formaldehyde has some serious drawbacks. Here are the top 5 reasons – in reverse order — why dairy producers should rethink the use of formaldehyde in their footbath programs: • Reason #5: […]
