Heifer hoof health – setting up your future herd for success
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EmailDo you see fresh heifers coming in with digital dermatitis or corkscrew claw? Learn how foot bathing, hoof trimming and monitoring herd lameness can improve overall hoof health from heifers to mature cows.
Gerard Cramer, a professor at the University of Minnesota and an expert in dairy cattle lameness, recently shared practical insights on hoof health management for heifers. His approach emphasizes the importance of preventative care to avoid chronic hoof issues, promoting productivity and animal welfare through proactive management strategies.
Establishing a healthy foundation
Cramer underscored the importance of initiating hoof care early in heifers to set them up for long-term productivity. Starting with a solid foundation can help heifers avoid chronic lameness issues that often persist in lactation. Farmers can better support heifer transition into the first lactation by proactively addressing hoof health, contributing to their overall health and productivity. Healthy hooves mean fewer cases of lameness, which translates to reduced costs and better animal welfare outcomes.
Digital dermatitis control and foot bathing
Digital dermatitis (DD), a painful bacterial infection that affects hooves, is a primary concern in heifer management. Preventing DD early on helps reduce its occurrence in adult cows and the spread of the disease, making it an essential focus area in hoof health care. Cramer emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean and dry environment for heifers, which significantly lowers the risk of DD. Additionally, regular foot bathing with properly concentrated copper sulfate or formalin solutions can be highly effective. Cramer suggested setting up foot baths where heifers can easily access them and ensuring the design allows for sufficient hoof contact with the solution to maximize effectiveness.
Setting up foot baths can pose practical challenges, particularly in heifer facilities where space and labor may be limited. Cramer shared practical advice for managing foot baths effectively. He emphasized that baths should be designed with appropriate length and depth to ensure that hooves make full contact with the solution, which is necessary for the treatment to work. The frequency and concentration of foot baths should be adjusted based on the severity of DD cases observed. Cramer recommended that the schedule be tailored to each facility's needs to prevent infections effectively.
In managing DD, Cramer highlighted the importance of handling footbath chemicals safely. Chemicals like copper sulfate and formalin are effective but carry health risks if improperly handled. He stressed the need for proper ventilation when using these chemicals and advised wearing protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and face masks to prevent exposure. By taking these safety precautions, farmers can effectively use foot baths to control DD while minimizing the health risks to themselves and their workers.
Understanding corkscrew claw
Another hoof issue in heifers is corkscrew claw, a deformity that alters weight distribution and often leads to thin soles, arthritis and increased culling rates. Cramer explained that high-traction surfaces and competition for feed contribute significantly to the development of corkscrew claws, as heifers often push against each other and put excessive pressure on their hooves. Preventing corkscrew claws involves creating a balanced environment where heifers have adequate access to feed and bedding that reduces traction. Cramer noted that materials such as sand, while comfortable, may increase traction and exacerbate the formation of corkscrew claw. Using bedding materials with lower traction can help mitigate this risk.
Once corkscrew claw develops, it cannot be reversed, making early management critical to prevent progression. Cramer recommended regular trimming every three to four months to manage horn growth and prevent discomfort. Trimming allows for improved weight distribution, which can reduce potential complications, such as ulcers and pain-induced lameness. Frequent trimming can also enhance gait, minimizing the discomfort associated with corkscrew claw and promoting better overall mobility.
Strategic hoof trimming for long-term health
Cramer advocates for a strategic approach to hoof trimming, tailoring it based on housing environment and specific hoof conditions. For heifers housed in low-impact environments that show no hoof issues, trimming may not be necessary. However, regular trimming is essential for those with a history of DD or corkscrew claw or those kept on high-traction surfaces. Cramer’s approach focuses on observing hoof conditions closely and making trimming decisions based on a heifer’s specific needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Key takeaways for farmers
Cramer’s session provided actionable and practical advice for dairy farmers aiming to improve hoof health and reduce lameness in their herds. Implementing preventative care early in heifers helps them have healthier and more productive lives. Monitoring hoof health data over time allows farmers to adjust treatment schedules and chemical usage. Optimizing housing and feeding conditions, including reducing traction in bedding and providing balanced access to feed, helps reduce stress and prevent hoof deformities. By intertwining scientific research with practical farm management, Cramer’s insights empower farmers with effective hoof health strategies to ensure productivity and animal welfare.
To access this webinar episode and others from the Heifer Academy, check out The Heifer Academy YouTube playlist or if you care to listen, check out the podcast. If you have a topic you would like to suggest for future webinars, share it with Cora Okkema, MSU Extension dairy educator.
