More than 300 attendees from more than a dozen countries gathered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, for the Hoof Trimmers Association’s Hoof Health Conference on July 16-19. The four-day event brought in the hoof trimming trade’s renowned experts from industry and academia, speaking on topics such as digital dermatitis (DD) and animal welfare.
Among them were University of Wisconsin researchers Dr. Dorte Dopfer and Dr. Arturo Gomez, who presented new integrated control and prevention plans for DD in both cows and heifers based on extensive research.
Gomez shared data from a recent study that estimates the prevalence and associated losses of this infectious disease among heifers. With one-quarter of heifers exhibiting DD prior to calving, severe cases can result in a loss of 500 pounds of first-lactation milk.
Dean Foods’ Director of Dairy Stewardship Jennifer Walker, DVM, Ph.D., addressed the topic of dairy animal welfare and lameness, emphasizing the important role of hoof health professionals.
“If you are trimming every cow two to three times each year, you have a significant impact on the welfare of the cows on that dairy,” Walker said.
Hoof trimmers sharpened their knives and their skills with on-farm demonstrations and lesion scoring at Wisconsin dairies. They also trimmed more than 200 cadaver feet as part of a research project that examines trimming styles and methods led by University of Minnesota’s Dr. Gerard Cramer.
In association news, Allen Schlabach of Fredericksburg, Ohio, finished his term as Hoof Trimmer’s Association president, handing the gavel over to Canadian Vic Daniel.
“One of the highlights of the conference is that it breaks down communication barriers between trimmers and researchers,” Daniel says, who also served as the conference co-chair.
Noting that the event serves as an exclusive opportunity for university representatives to interact with the professionals that are trimming hooves on farms every day, he adds, “We are looking for ways to gain and grow and to take these ideas back to our clients.” PD
PHOTOS
PHOTO ONE: Vic Daniel (right) assumed the role of president of the Hoof Trimmers Association. He is shown here with outgoing president Allen Schlabach (left). Photo courtesy of the Hoof Trimmer’s Association.
PHOTO TWO: Dr. Dorte Dopfer unveiled new prevention and control strategies for digital dermatitis in heifers, along with an app for monitoring the disease during pen walks.
PHOTO THREE: At 90 years young, George Lowery, one of the grandfathers of hoof trimming tools and innovations, made the trip from Ohio to attend the conference with his daughter, Georgia Hofka.
PHOTO FOUR: Companies in the hoof health business from around the world shared their products and services through an indoor trade show.
PHOTO FIVE: An outdoor trade show displayed the latest in trimming chute innovation as well as caught the curious eye of inner-city onlookers in the greater Milwaukee area. Photos by Peggy Coffeen.
Peggy Coffeen
Editor
Progressive Publishing
