Lameness prevention

Lameness has been estimated to cost the Northern Ireland dairy industry £11 million per year. Each case costs the individual dairy farmer as much as £170. Prevention and treatment of lameness is thus an important issue on dairy farms.

A group of Armagh and south Tyrone farmers recently attended a foot trimming demonstration as a follow up to their Animal Health Challenge. Albert Johnston, the local CAFRE Development Adviser, organised the course on the farm of David and Alan Gallagher, Dungannon. Brian Scott, a professional foot trimmer, addressed practical issues involved in treating and preventing lameness.

Most cows need to be trimmed at least once a year with acute cases trimmed as they occur. Locomotion score should be used to select cows that need attention. A balanced claw gives foot stability and allows even weight distribution reducing the risk of lameness. If a cow has a lameness problem in one claw, the hoof should be trimmed so that the “good claw” bears more of the weight. In some cases, this may require the application of a hoof block.