Evaluation of the efficacy of prophylactic hoof health examination and trimming during midlactation in reducing the incidence of lameness during late lactation in dairy cows.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of prophylactic hoof health examination and trimming during midlactation at reducing the incidence of lameness during late lactation in dairy cows.


METHODS
Randomized field trial.


METHODS
333 Holstein cows.


METHODS
Cows without apparent lameness were randomly allocated into 1 of 2 groups approximately 204 days after calving. Cows allocated to the treatment group (n = 161) were examined on a tilt table for diagnosis and underwent hoof-trimming procedures, if needed, for treatment of hoof disorders or lesions. Cows in the control group (n = 172) were not examined. Cows were assigned a locomotion score weekly for 28 weeks after allocation to a group. The number of cows classified as lame during late lactation (approx 205 to 400 days after calving) was compared between groups to assess the efficacy of prophylactic examination and trimming.


RESULTS
Incidence of lameness during late lactation was 24% in cows in the control group and 18% in cows in the treatment group.


CONCLUSIONS
The 25% decrease in number of new cases of lameness in cows undergoing prophylactic hoof health examination and trimming during midlactation may be relevant for the well-being of dairy cows and should not represent a major economic burden to producers.
Hernandez
Jorge A
JA
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0136, USA.
Garbarino
Eduardo J
EJ
Shearer
Jan K
JK
Risco
Carlos A
CA
Thatcher
William W
WW
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003612:Dairying / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000473:pathology; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D011322:Primary Prevention