Foot-trimming protocols to protect hoof health (May 25)

The recent Stride report, which drew on the findings of a nationwide mobility survey, underlines the need for preventative foot trimming to supporting hoof health. And protocols should begin at drying-off.

TEXT JONATHAN HUXTABLE

Optimising hoof health and mobility during transition is key to setting cows on track for a healthy and productive lactation. That said, the transition period, which includes the three weeks pre- and three weeks post-calving, is not the time to be ‘correcting’ hoof problems. “But any cows that develop sub-clinical or clinical lameness during this period need to be treated immediately,” says Zinpro’s Huw McConochie. “These cows are identified as having locomotion score 3 and locomotion score 4 or 5, respectively.”

During the transition period conformational and physiological changes take place in the cow that effect the biomechanics of the hoof, which mean that the structures within the claw are extremely susceptible to damage.

These changes include: loosening of the tendons supporting the pedal bone, changes in connective tissue integrity within the claw capsule, and changes in the composition and size of the digital cushion all take place. “These factors each increase the chances of the pedal bone moving within the claw capsule, which increases the risk of cows developing sole ulcers and white line lesions later in their subsequent lactation,” explains Dr McConochie.

Claw-damage risk

Transition-cow management during this period should, therefore, focus on minimising the risk of damage to the claw. Producers must provide adequate comfortable lying space, ensure easy access to feed, and reduce walking distances and standing times. “The bottom line is that the hoof needs to be protected during this period to prevent lameness from becoming a transition-cow disease,” he adds.

Dr McConochie says that foot trimming during the transition period should be avoided and that producers’ focus should be shifted to the periods before and immediately after transition.

Trim timings

Optimal trimming times for cows during the production cycle has been illustrated in an infographic developed by Save Cows Network (see Figure 1). “It provides a good basis for developing a foot-trimming timing protocol for individual herds,” he says.

Figure 1: Optimal trimming times during the cows' production cycle

That said, many producers say that an early-lactation trim, as recommended, has a negative effect on milk production, particularly on peak milk production and reproduction. But the main reason for this is over trimming cows at this stage, at between 30 and 45 days in milk, which has a negative impact on behaviour.

“When the sole is thinned, the cow may feel some discomfort when walking and, consequently, she will spend more time lying and less time walking to feed and water,” says Dr McConochie. “These changes in behaviour reduce dry matter intakes, increase negative energy balance and have a deleterious effect on production and reproduction. This is probably the reason why the early-lactation trim is not recognised as being positive.”

But, he says, when done correctly, an early trim can prevent many lesions from developing in early-lactation cows. This is because trimming at this stage of lactation provides an opportunity for early identification and treatment of lesions, and the chance to maintain hoof health.

“Renaming the early-lactation trim as an ‘inspection’, rather than a trim, really helps here,” says Dr McConochie. “The focus should be on remodelling the lateral claw on the hind feet. This is extremely effective for one simple reason.

“Trimming feet at the point of drying-off creates a model that protects the corium from trauma caused by pressure from the pedal bone,” he explains. (Figure 2)

Figure 2: Foot-trimming to protect the corium from trauma caused by the pedal bone

“Unfortunately, by early lactation this model, in most instances, has grown out, which leaves the sole completely flat and, once again, increases the risk of trauma to the corium.

“Re-modelling in early lactation is the most important part of the foot-trimming programme.

Digital dermatitis

His second recommendation would be to ‘skip’ the front feet during the early-lactation inspection, unless there is an obvious problem. “Stress needs to be minimised during this inspection,” he adds.

The early-lactation trim also presents the opportunity to treat digital dermatitis (DD). On many units, dry cows fail to be run through the footbath and, in herds where the disease is a problem, this can result in a significant number of cows calving with acute M2 infectious lesions.

“So run dry cows through the footbath, as well as the milking herd, to prevent DD. And treat cows with an infection by cleaning the lesions and removing the biofilm, followed by a topical treatment with a proprietary product,” says Dr McConochie.

His final recommendation relates to heifers. “Only trim heifers’ hooves before calving if there is a known problem with lameness in heifers during their first lactation,” he says. “Over-trimming heifers and creating thin soles is a global problem.”

When heifers join the herd from pasture or bedded housing, they already have a ‘natural’ hoof model.

“Trimming the sole flat on these animals creates a thin sole, as well as an insufficient sole to create an effective model,” explains Dr McConochie. “Heifers that are housed in cubicle sheds will, in many instances, just need modelling and minor corrections to the balance of medial and lateral claws.”

He reiterates that trimming is not required during the transition period. “Keep the focus on a dry trim for all cows and a recheck before three weeks precalving, followed by an inspection after the end of the transition period.

“Lameness is a transition-cow disease but, with correct protocols and cow comfort, we can significantly reduce the risk of poor outcomes for hoof health and herd mobility,” concludes Dr McConochie.