Besides udder infections and reduced fertility, lameness is among the main reasons farmers have to dispose of their animals early.Healthy claws play a crucial role in achieving optimal performance.When a cow has claw problems, she is less likely to go to the feed fence, resulting in reduced feed intake and lower milk production.

In addition to the economic consequences, claw problems also have a negative impact on animal welfare.The costs of claw problems are mainly due to:

• Reduced milk production due to lower feed intake

• Reduced fertility

• High cost of treatment

Preventive measures can therefore yield significant savings.

How do claw problems occur?

Claw problems arise from various causes, which can be divided into infectious and non-infectious claw diseases.

Preventive approach for optimal claw health

To successfully prevent claw problems, it is very important to control the main risk factors as much as possible.These risk factors play a crucial role:

1. Reduce infection pressure

Maintaining low infection pressure is essential to prevent or control infectious claw diseases.Optimal barn hygiene plays a key role here.Claws stay dry and clean when slats are free of manure, which helps minimize claw problems.Claw baths are more effective on clean claws; their frequency should be tailored to the farm situation.In addition to hygiene and claw baths, creating a comfortable environment for cows is essential.Stressors and the risk of injury (such as sharp corners and overcrowding) should be minimized.

2. Optimizing nutrition

Nutrition plays a major role in preventing claw problems.Avoiding overweight or excessively lean cows is important.Many claw problems arise from rumen acidosis, so a ration with adequate structure and prevention of selective eating is crucial.Improving skin and horn quality requires a balanced intake of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

3. Limiting claw load

Avoiding excessive standing of cows is important to prevent claw problems.Make sure cows do not have to stand unnecessarily long in the waiting area before milking, and avoid uneven tread surfaces that can stress the claws.

The chart below summarizes these preventive measures:

Improve hoof health on your farm?

Apply the measures below.

1. Provide clean and dry barn floor and comfortable cubicles

A dry environment supports the defense function of the horn and skin in the intercostal gap and at the crown rim.Pressure relief while lying down improves blood flow and supplies oxygen and nutrients to the horn-forming cells.

2. Treat lame cows immediately

Prompt intervention in lame animals increases the chance of recovery, reduces infection pressure and minimizes the chance of infecting new animals, especially if the cause is infectious (as in Mortellaro).

3. Strategic claw care

Check the claws of all cows before dry-off and repeat 2 to 3 months after calving.Most claw problems occur during the first 3 months of lactation.

Monthly trimming of cows at the beginning of dry heat, after 2 to 3 months of lactation and for cows needing extra attention prevents problems more effectively than trimming the entire herd at the same time twice a year and also reduces stress.

4. Disinfecting the claws

Use disinfectants selectively (individual versus group treatment) depending on infection pressure and stage of lesions.

5. Optimize nutrition for optimal claw and skin resistance

Good horn quality and healthy claw skin are essential for good claw health.Daily provision of a balanced ration containing vitamins (such as biotin), minerals (such as calcium) and trace elements (such as copper, zinc, selenium and manganese) significantly improves claw health.

6. Monitor the body condition of cows

A body condition score of 3 to 3.5 at calving and a maximum decrease of 0.5 to 1 point after calving is recommended.Low-condition cows are more likely to have claw problems due to a thinner fat pad in the claw, which absorbs shock and distributes the cow’s weight across the claw.

Cows in negative energy balance also use this fat pad for energy, on the other hand, cows with excessive fitness overload their claws.

7. Pay attention to claw health in bull selection and cull cows with recurrent claw problems.

Discover the range of Herbavita to prevent claw problems in cows. Our experienced advisors will gladly visit you for tailored advice. Click here to request a no-obligation consultation.

Emilie

Regulatory Affairs Officer – Veterinary Surgeon