Die veearts en die hoefsmid
In die ewig veranderende wêreld waarin ons lewe, is ’n goeie, gesonde verhouding tussen die veearts en die hoefsmid belangrik om te verseker dat die boer op die voorpunt bly.
Focus on hoof care – Part 5: Vertical fissures
In last’s month’s article I focussed on horizontal fissures in dairy and beef cattle. There is a difference between horizontal and vertical fissures, and I want to explain the latter in more detail. A vertical fissure can be described as a fissure or crack on the claw. In the early stages this is only visible…
Focus on hoof care – Part 4: Horizontal fissures
There are two types of fissures, namely horizontal (discussed in this article) and vertical. Both types cause severe lameness and have their own risk factors and causes.
Focus on hoof care – Part 3: How to select for better feet
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?
Focus on hoof care (Part 2): Genetics and conformation
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.
Why more lameness in dairy cows than beef cows? Part 2
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.
Focus on hoof care – Part 1
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.
Lameness: Why Explore This Topic? – Part 1
In association with The Dairy Mail and the MPO, we decided to plough back the knowledge gained over the past 24 years regarding lameness.
The Vet & The Hoof Trimmer
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.