In parts 1 and 2 of this series I explained the factors that influence overgrown feet and how to identify the origin of the problem. I also touched on genetic disorders and how it re-manifests after a trim. This brings us to a frequently asked question: Is it ethical to trim feet?
The role that concrete plays in dairy cow lameness cannot be overemphasised. This is something that was explained in Part 2 of this series. To understand why dairy cows so often become lame in the hind feet, we need to study this aspect.
In part 1 of this series, I explained why we often see cattle with long claws and I touched on the principles that must be kept in mind whenever the subject of feet comes up.
In this series of different reasons why cows go lame, I want to mention a very important principle, namely, the role that concrete plays in lameness.
There have been many myths and different opinions in the past regarding the subject of the bovine hoof. Part of the reason why it is such a frequently discussed topic, is that it is so difficult to work on the feet of cattle. Unlike horses, cattle cannot be trained to lift one foot while standing on the other three legs. In fact, it is extremely difficult for cattle to stand on three legs, which is why specialised equipment is needed.
In association with The Dairy Mail and the MPO, we decided to plough back the knowledge gained over the past 24 years regarding lameness.
In die huidige ekonomiese klimaat met baie faktore wat ʼn uitwerking het op die winsgewendheid van die melkerybedryf, is dit belangrik om op alle faktore te konsentreer om sodoende die spreekwoordelike maksimum sap uit die lemoen te druk, of soveel moontlik melk te produseer. Mankheid by melkbeeste is ʼn groot probleem, nie net in Suid-Afrika…
In the ever changing world we live in, with the effect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution taking effect in the Dairy and Beef farming industry, the Farmer, needs all the support he can get, to stay in front of the curve, with all the available advice out there. The following phrase is very appropriate.