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Hoof Lameness |
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Hoof lameness affects at least 25% of dairy herds in Europe and has significant detrimental effects on production
value, animal welfare and disease prevention. Lameness is one of the three main factors of involuntary or premature
culling of dairy cows. Treatments are time-consuming and often complex. Financial losses are estimated to be as
high as 150 Euros per case.
Lameness in cattle can be caused by a variety of factors. Those of infectious origin are highly contagious.
Contaminated animals or during the incubation period can quickly pass on infection to the whole herd particularly
on farms with high cow density and with zero grazing herds.
Digital dermatitis , who accounts for around 20% of all cases of foot lameness, is a bacterial infection of the
epidermal skin of the bovine digit. First reported in Italy in the early 70s, the disease has now spread to most
intensive livestock producing countries worldwide.
Prevention of lameness is clearly better and more economical than treatment. The prevention of Digital Dermatitis
can be achieved by applying the following measures:
- Healthy environment: dry paddock and pasture
- A concrete surface that is neither slippery nor abrasive,comfortable and spacious stalls (it should encourage the cow to lay off)
- Regular hoof trimming (at least twice a year)
- Preventative treatment of the hoof with a system that:
- Does not alter the daily milking routine
- Ensures a continuous hygiene level of hygiene in the collecting
yard
- Protect healthy animals preventing cross contamination risks
- Provides and optimal contact time and efficient cleaning
reaching sensitive areas of the foot
- Is easy to use and not stressful for the animals
This unique Ecolab system is called “Kovex” !
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