Lameness prevention on dairy farms

Lameness is a major financial loss on many dairy farm.  From farm survey data in a 100 cow dairy herd, on an average 16 cows are affected by lameness per year.  This costs almost £4000 in treatment, reduced production and delayed calving intervals.

The primary signs of lameness are obvious – the cow has an arched back, is obviously limping, and is slow to come to feeding/milking.  Secondary signs of lameness include decreased feed intake, lower milk production, reduced bulling activity and weight loss.  Therefore lameness has a significant effect on the performance of a dairy cow and the overall profitability of the business.  Once a cow becomes lame, it can take her several months to recover, even with the proper care, treatment and nutrition.  As with all herd diseases prevention is better than cure.  There are several methods to help prevent lameness in dairy herds.

Dietary factors are highly significant in predisposing dairy cows to lameness, especially laminitis which is an inflammation within the foot.  Avoid sudden changes in the diet post calving by introducing meal feeding gradually over two weeks.  Limit concentrate feeding to 5  KG per feed and try to introduce some log fibre into the diet, for example, fresh clean hay or straw.  If high levels of concentrate are to be fed replace some of the cereal content with quality digestible fibre sources, for example, sugar beet pulp, citrus pulp or soya hulls.  Ensure a balanced mineral and vitamin profile during the dry cow period.

Footbaths are an excellent preventive measure for lameness.  The main objective is to clean the foot and reduce the incidence of foul, slurry heel and digital dermatitis.  Cows should enter a footbath with their feet already clean as dirty feet will counteract the effectiveness of any product used.  The herd should be walked through a footbath at least once per week.  Ideally for best results a double footbath should be provided, that is, a separate foot wash bath and treatment bath.  There is a range of products to use for footbathing.  Antibiotic footbaths are needed for the control of digital dermatitis with the frequency of use dependant on the severity of the disease.  Consult your vet regarding the appropriate product to best prevent lameness in your herd.  

All cows feet should be trimmed at least once per year with problem cows seen more frequently.  Ideally foot trimmers should be trained in the Dutch method of hoof trimming.  The best time to trim cows feet is at drying off, when the cow is under less stress and the hoof has time to redevelop following any treatment.

Physical characteristics of the feet and legs in breeding stock are strongly hereditary so selecting animals with desirable foot and leg characteristics can minimise future problems with lameness.  Bulls should be selected on locomotion scoring traits and longevity as well as production figures.

The current dairy economic climate means that minimising lameness (and other diseases) is essential.  It is vital to appreciate that lameness is a herd disease problem and not an individual cow issue.  With all dairy cow diseases, prevention is the best option so consider a change in management practices, such as regular foot bathing, to reduce lameness.  Also assess your housing and laneways to ensure that cows feet are kept as clean as possible and to reduce high risk areas, for example, sharp turns, uneven slats. Early diagnosis of the main cause is essential to ensure good control measures can be put in place.

Dairy farmers attending foot trimming a training session as part of Animal Health Challenge