Hoof health is of great importance not only for the amount of milk cows produce, but also for their longevity. Unfortunately, in recent years we have increasingly encountered the problem of hoof diseases, which are a common cause of decreased productivity in dairy cows. Regular hoof correction is key to the prevention of these diseases.
Hoof diseases are a serious challenge in dairy farming. In addition to the loss of milk production, they also cause problems in reproduction, and the pain and discomfort associated with them pose a threat to animal welfare. Hoof diseases typically include inflammation of the hoof wall, which, if undiagnosed and untreated, can lead to ulcers, skin inflammation, hypertrophic dermatitis, or between the hooves. There are many factors that predispose to these conditions (hoof fractures, mechanical damage during correction, inadequate maintenance system), but the greatest impact is due to nutritional errors and the resulting metabolic disorders. Therefore, the risk of lameness is higher during the initial distribution phase. During this period there is a rapid increase in milk production, which means that the diet is often too rich mainly in easily digestible carbohydrates. This results in an overproduction of volatile fatty acids in the rumen fermentation process. In such cases, acidification of the digestive system (acidosis) often occurs. Initially, acidosis leads to a lower pH in the rumen and reduced protozoan activity (pH <5.5). In advanced cases, there is destruction of beneficial microflora and production of endotoxins. High levels of histamine cause weakening of blood vessels, which affects the vascular system in the hoof. Hoof horn produced under hypoxic and nutrient deficient conditions is of poor quality, which increases susceptibility to infection and inflammation. In addition, poor-quality horn is prone to breakage and fails to perform its biomechanical function of carrying body weight when walking.
Why is hoof trimming so important?
Correctly built hooves are characterized by a well-shaped hoof horn, which is the outer layer. Immediately below it is the material that protects the subcutaneous layer. But the most important element is the hoof horn, which grows and abrades throughout the life of the cow. In wild animals, the growth of the horn layer is adapted to natural abrasion (about 5 mm per month). In farm cattle, due to increased milk production and changes in the housing system (mainly year-round housing), this process has been disrupted. The result is overgrown hooves that cause improper load distribution and increased tendon tension. This, in turn, leads to localized hoof overload and the formation of sole ulcers. Therefore, regular correction becomes an essential procedure in every herd. The frequency of correction depends mainly on the maintenance system (3-4 times a year for the barn system, twice a year for the pasture system). It is also worth remembering the importance of the physiological state of the cows. Due to the high risk of metabolic disorders in the first months of lactation, correction should be carried out regularly in cows during this period.
But correction is not everything!
Of course, it is difficult to guarantee excellent hoof horn quality in animals with high production potential. However, breeders should strive for this as a priority, especially if more than half of the cows in the herd have lameness problems. In addition to regular and properly performed correction, it is important to use supportive preparations. We encourage you to learn more about the products we can offer in this regard.
