Hoof health is crucial not only for the amount of milk cows produce but also for their longevity. Unfortunately, in recent years, we have been increasingly faced with hoof diseases, which are a common cause of decreased productivity in dairy cows. Regular hoof trimming is crucial for preventing these diseases.
Hoof diseases pose a significant challenge in dairy farming. Besides milk production losses, they also cause reproductive problems, and the associated pain and discomfort pose a threat to animal welfare. Hoof diseases typically involve inflammation of the hoof wall, which, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can lead to ulcers, skin inflammation, hypertrophic dermatitis between the claws, or interdigital phlegmon. There are many predisposing factors for these conditions (cracks in the hoof, mechanical damage during trimming, inadequate housing), but nutritional errors and the resulting metabolic disorders have the greatest impact. Therefore, the risk of lameness is greater during the initial weaning phase. During this period, milk production increases dramatically, often resulting in a diet that is excessively rich in easily digestible carbohydrates. This results in overproduction of volatile fatty acids during rumen fermentation. In such cases, the digestive system often becomes acidic (acidosis). Initially, acidosis leads to a decrease in rumen pH and reduced protozoal activity (pH <5.5). In advanced cases, beneficial microflora is destroyed and endotoxins are produced. High histamine levels weaken blood vessels, which contributes to vascular disorders in the hoof. Hoof horn, produced under conditions of hypoxia and nutrient deficiency, is of poor quality, increasing susceptibility to infection and inflammation. Furthermore, poor quality horn is prone to cracking and does not fulfill its biomechanical function of bearing the body weight when walking.
Why is correction so important?
Properly built hooves are characterized by a well-formed horn, which constitutes the outer layer. Directly beneath it is a layer of material that protects the subcutaneous layer. However, the most important element is the horn, which grows and wears away throughout the cow's life. In wild animals, the growth of the horn layer is adapted to natural abrasion (approximately 5 mm per month). In farmed cattle, due to increased milk production and changes in the housing system (primarily in barns year-round), this process has been disrupted. This results in overgrown hooves, which cause improper load distribution and increased tendon tension. This, in turn, leads to localized hoof overload and the development of sole ulcers. Therefore, regular trimming becomes essential in every herd. The frequency of trimming depends primarily on the housing system (3-4 times a year for barn systems, twice a year for pasture systems). It is also important to remember the importance of the cows' physiological condition. Due to the high risk of metabolic disorders in the first months of lactation, trimming should be performed regularly in cows during this period.
But correction is not everything!
Of course, it's difficult to guarantee excellent hoof quality in animals with high production potential. However, farmers should strive for this as a priority, especially if more than half of the cows in the herd suffer from lameness. In addition to regular and properly performed correction, the use of supportive products is important. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the products we can offer in this area.
