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It is only natural and financially responsible to cut costs wherever possible; however, it is important to not make knee-jerk reactions that could potentially reduce income. With milk prices being at record lows, and commodities high, reducing income as a result of cutting cost would be counterproductive and only set in place a long line of problems and costs to follow.
Proper hoof care management during the dry period is crucial to the cow’s ability to recover and replenish body condition. After a long, productive and taxing lactation, it is imperative that the cow is able to restore its nutrient reserves and recuperate.
When it comes to hoof trimming, are you getting precision balance – or are you just getting smaller hooves?
Hoof comfort has a major effect on milk production, reproduction, longevity, cull rate and overall herd health.
After more than 28 years working as a hoof trimmer in the dairy industry and, like many others, seeing the many changes within the dairy industry, I think a simple question has to be asked: “Why is lameness increasing as an issue?”
The answer is the modern dairy industry still has not recognized the requirements for the hoof to function “normally.”
About 12 people meet at Mountain View Dairy in Delta, Utah, twice a year. Their goal? To trim the hooves of the farm’s 3,000 dairy cows. The hoof trimmers have participated in this bi-annual working vacation since 2003, and they have seen many herd health benefits.
After more than 28 years working as a hoof trimmer in the dairy industry and, like many others, seeing the many changes within the dairy industry, I think a simple question has to be asked: “Why is lameness increasing as an issue?”
