Animal Health expert Muireann Conneely joins Emma-Louise Coffey to discuss hoof health and the mobility of the national dairy herd.
Muireann makes reference to an ongoing trial where an average of 14% of the dairy herds examined have sub optimal hoof health.
Poor mobility and lameness causes stress and pain to cows as well as reduced milk production and overall farm profit. Milk yield is affected for up to 8 weeks prior to a dairy cow showing clinical signs of lameness.
In order to prevent poor mobility and clinical lameness farmers should score cow mobility regularly, ensure roadways are in good condition and treat for lameness early.
For more information:
http://www.ultimatehoofcaresolutions.com/index_files/Process.htm