We all know that routine checks and hoof trimming can help to prevent lameness on your dairy. We recently sat down with Chip Hendrickson, our hoof care expert, to ask him some important questions on hoof trimming and timing. How often should I be trimming my herd? There is a significant difference between hoof-checking your herd and hoof-trimming your […]
Footbaths are an essential part of your hoof care routine to prevent lameness and disease. It is important to use footbaths for the prevention AND treatment of hoof problems. Far too often, we see dairymen initiate a footbath routine only after an outbreak has occurred. If implemented properly, a consistent footbath routine will be one of the best things […]
Building a new barn can be an exciting experience. However, don’t overlook the importance of hoof health in design and materials. Poor stall design can increase the amount of standing time for the cow, leading to an increase in the risk of lameness or hoof problems. Stall surface options, such as sand or mattress beds, are another […]
A lame cow is an economic liability on a dairy farm. On a 500-cow dairy with a lameness incidence rate of 20% and a per-cow cost of $90, lameness can cost a dairy operation $9,000 a year. A Wisconsin study estimated the total cost of a lame dairy cow to be as high as $300 per case. […]
Limiting the spread and severity of digital dermatitis is a common concern for dairy producers. Digital dermatitis — also known as hairy heel warts or foot rot — typically affects confined dairy cows. Young animals and cows that have calved recently have been shown to be particularly vulnerable.1 The disease is also emerging in beef […]
Mastitis and lameness are two common care problems for dairy cows – and their owners! Both cost producers time, production and money. However, both diseases can be viewed as similar in ways of prevention. Early detection is the first step in preventing both mastitis and lameness. Prevention of lameness can be as simple as having […]
Spring time means freshening heifers for many dairy producers. New cows in the milking herd bring increased milk production and perhaps a few other things, like digital dermatitis. To control the spread of digital dermatitis, studies have suggested that treatment of the disease must start with heifers. “Digital dermatitis control must start during the heifer-rearing period,” […]
Although the winter months may bring a schedule of its own, your dairy footbath schedule should not fall to the wayside. Proper footbathing at regular intervals helps prevent the spread of infectious hoof diseases. It can also lead to less lameness from painful dairy cow hoof problems. Some producers may wonder, what is the main criterion for […]
Winter is an important time to keep hoof care health in mind. Footbath schedules and treatments may alter due to freezing temperatures. Although many anti-microbials may not be active during the winter months, hairy heel wart bacteria remain effective throughout the year. Research done by Dr. Nigel Cook shows that January through March are when […]
Digital dermatitis (hairy heel wart) is an ongoing battle for many dairy producers. In this recent article in Dairy Herd Management, Dr. Gabe Middleton outlines how producers can identify the stages of digital dermatitis, and different ways of treating an outbreak. Common treatments for digital dermatitis are topical salves and footbaths. HealMax Spray from AgroChem is a spot-on application that can […]
