Risk Factors in Hoof Health in Dairy Cows

Risk Factors in Hoof Health in Dairy Cows
Introduction
In recent years, livestock farming has undergone significant technological and productive changes. In the face of global economic processes, the only way forward is to be competitive. In our conditions here in La Laguna, Torreon, Mexico, intensifying production involves significant specific changes in animal welfare. This is a key aspect that does not correspond to just one aspect or particularity but to an entire team working in a stable.
The presence of lame cows would not be considered of major importance if the incidence were only occasional. The animal would be treated with more or less success, and that would be the end of it. However, the number of lame cows has marked a considerable percentage in some cases, qualifying it as one of the most prevalent and costly conditions.
 Lameness in dairy cattle is one of the most common reasons why a large number of cows are prematurely sent to slaughter. Adding to this loss is reduced production, withdrawal of milk due to medication use in affected cows, and the cost of treatment, there is a direct economic impact.
With similar importance to mentioned above, and qualifying it as an indirect loss, poor reproductive development can be seen, as the conception rate in affected animals decreases, there is low dry matter intake, marked loss of body condition, and a possible relationship with the onset of another secondary disease such as mastitis. Therefore, economic losses occur as a result of the consequence rather than the “disease” itself.
The etiology of lameness is multifactorial, and although we generally divide lameness by metabolic, mechanical, and infectious origins, it means that there are various factors and combinations of them that, when reaching a critical point, trigger the disease. Therefore, the evaluation of the lesions present in the affected hoof, with a correct diagnosis, will mark two paths to follow: the first is the adequate treatment for a quick recovery, and the other, perhaps more important, is the data collection that can indicate where we should start to prevent, which is much cheaper. Here lies the importance of having stable staff trained to carry out this work.
Feeding and its influence on lameness
Nutrition is one of the most important factors that can play a determining role in lameness problems in dairy cows. There is much discussion about the relationship between nutrition and lameness concerning the level of fun...