Why your herd require frequent hoof trimming? The first and foremost reason to do this is to prevent lameness in the cattle. Identifying and treating lame cows, and making adjustments and manage the herds as they get larger is critical for the ongoing success of the dairy cattle. Preventing lameness is not only important to the welfare of the cows, but it also has economic implications.
Further, regular hoof trimming makes the herd less prone to structural lameness and bacterial-caused lameness retained in manure slurry. Knowing the correct time to trim cows and doing it properly are crucial factors in maintaining healthy hooves.
What Is A Normal Hoof Growth?
Typically, the hoof grows at a rate of two inches per year, and weight-bearing must occur on the outer horny portion. The level of nutrients your cows intake stimulate the hoof growth.
Why is Frequent Hoof Trimming Essential?
The reason for lameness in cows can be quite complicated, as many factors are interrelated. The main reason is often related to cows walking on their claws (hooves) with an unbalanced or compromised weight-bearing surface.
Overloading or excess weight-bearing surface can make the claw unstable, sensitive, and more prone to lameness. Thus, cows’ hooves need to be trimmed for two reasons:
● Restoration of adequate weight-bearing within and between the claws of each foot.
● Early determination of hoof lesions.
It is crucial to note that not all cows require trimming because over-trimming can lead to higher chances of lameness.
When Should You Trim?
While hoof trimming is appropriate to be done twice a year, the presence of bacteria can increase the need for trimming as it may help reduce some of the pain associated with the diseases commonly digital dermatitis- known as hairy heel warts.
These bacteria are often there in manure slurry. A heel with an imbalanced structure and for hooves with overgrown toes will be more prone to bacterial invasion as it will contact more slurry.
Trimming twice a year from cattle hoof trimming schools serves as a good maintenance routine while trimming after the inception of lameness serves as corrective hoof trimming. However, avoid over-trimming, as it can be destructive to the stability of the hoof as bacterial penetration can cause pain and render lameness.
How Can You Analyze The Right Hoof Trimmer?
A higher toe angle (52 degrees approx) may result in more soundness and lowered susceptibility to infections, such as footrot. The difference in heel heights can also contribute to the formation of ulcers.
If your farm is dealing with a high incidence of infections, you must consider a hoof trimmer. Hoof trimmers should also equalize digit height. An ideal heel should be 1.5 inches from the hairline to sole.
Maintaining a good trimming schedule and evaluating the quality of the trimmer can reduce lameness and thereby increase milk production.
Conclusion:
The herd owners must take a preventative approach instead of a curative approach.
It is advisable to start by identifying the lameness rate in your herd. If it exceeds, you should consider hoof trimming sittings more often.
While some producers prefer trimming the entire herd in one go, others prefer to do trimming on a monthly basis. Both ways are great, but make sure to keep proper records if you are following the latter one.
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