Importance of Lameness in Cattle Breeding

Importance of Lameness in Cattle Breeding

• Decrease in milk yield % 65

• Weight loss % 9

• Death % 8

• Infertility % 5

• Labor expense % 10

• Veterinarian and drug expense % 3

Anatomy of hoof

Foot Bath

for Cattle

Shoe and Application

Hoof Problems

•   Laminitis  is  usually  the  result  of  overeating.  The  intake of absorbable nutrients is much greater than  can  be  utilized  by  the  body,  necessitating  the  oxidation  of  the  surplus  in  the  tissues.  There  is  consequently a congestion of the blood vessels of  the  feet,  folowed  by  inflammation  of  the  tissues  which is manifested by severe lameness.

•  Actinomyces necrophorus

HOOF TRIMMING

Foot trimming is a technique that can be used to extend the useful life of individual animals in the herd, and correct the hoof problems of young splayfooted animals.

Animals housed continuously in dry tie stalls or small pens with little or no exercise seem to develop the most severe hoof problems.

Young animals are often neglected when it comes to foot care.

Make a complete and through observation of all the animals in the herd every month or two.

The rate at which the foot grows and the speed at which it wears are influenced by the environment.

The type of housing influences how much wear takes place on the foot or hoof.

The most common abnormality is excessive toe length.

Foot Rot

Foot rot is a bacterial or fungal infection which causes swelling and cracking of the soft tissue between the toes and in the hoof head.

This condition usually results in lameness.

Lameness can cause reduced milk production and performance in animals.

Foot rot occurs most frequently in cattle housed or fed in muddy or wet surroundings, but can occur in any housing or feeding area.

The ability of the producer to detect the problem early and to treat

it immediately will minimize the harmful effects of foot rot.