The importance of hoof health and hoof care
Hoof health in dairy cows
Healthy hooves, healthy cows
Discover the impact of healthy hooves
Good hoof health on the dairy farm is essential for the overall health of dairy cows, the welfare of the herd and optimal milk production. Hoof problems, such as lameness, affect not only the cows’ comfort but also their feed intake and fertility. Hoof care is therefore an important part of health management in dairy herds. Healthy hooves ensure comfortable walking, optimal feed intake and a reduced risk of health problems. Despite this importance, the impact of hoof problems on herd welfare and the profitability of dairy farms is still often underestimated.
Strong hooves and healthy legs
Key factors for good hoof health
Hoof care
Hoof care is essential for preventing hoof problems and reducing lameness. Regular hoof trimming helps maintain the cow’s healthy legs. Preventive measures help prevent hoof problems from developing and contribute to preventing wear and tear.
Prevent lameness
Lameness is one of the most common and costly health problems in dairy cows. Early detection and treatment ensure that cows can walk comfortably again quickly and consume feed efficiently. By focusing on preventive measures, the risk of lameness can be reduced.
Housing
A comfortable and well-designed barn is essential for healthy hooves and legs. Clean, dry floors, combined with sufficient space and light, reduce stress and minimise the risk of hoof problems.
Frequent feeding
Frequent feeding ensures that cows eat regularly and maintain a consistent feed intake, which supports digestion and energy management. Frequent feeding helps to reduce stress and competition at the feed fence, thereby lowering the risk of hoof problems.
Insights
Preventive hoof care is better than cure
Maintaining optimal hoof health starts with preventive hoof care on the dairy farm. By building on a strong foundation, hoof problems are far less likely to occur, which can save both time and money.
The true cost of hoof problems
Research shows that hoof problems have a greater impact on profits than most dairy farmers realise. A lame cow visits the milking robot less frequently. Furthermore, milk from a cow being treated with antibiotics cannot be sold on the market. Cows that are in pain or feel unwell eat less and consequently produce less milk and/or are less fertile.
A literature review on the prevalence of lameness (2023) concluded that 22% of cows on an average dairy farm show signs of lameness. The direct and indirect costs of these hoof problems range from €250 to €380 per cow per year (R. Robcis, 2023). Furthermore, lame cows produce up to 8% less milk daily than healthy cows (M.R.N. Bruijnis, 2010).
Taken together, these figures make hoof problems one of the three most costly diseases on dairy farms and one of the top three reasons for culling cows. This underlines that preventive hoof care and attention to hoof health can be extremely valuable.
What helps prevent hoof problems?
Prevention includes, amongst other things, regular hoof trimming during lactation, when cows are dried off, and when problems are detected. In addition, clean barn floors reduce the risk of infectious hoof diseases spreading within the barn. Optimal feed intake strengthens the cow’s resistance, making her less susceptible to diseases such as Mortellaro. Of course, it is also important to clean the hooves regularly, for example during milking.
Ultimately, maintaining optimal hoof health requires less effort than simply treating problems once they arise, and it also helps to reduce costs in the long term.
Customer stories
Hoof health in practice
Hans Gejl
Danish dairy farmer
When cows’ hooves are healthy, everything just runs more smoothly.
Hoof health
5 factors that influence hoof health
Hoof health is influenced by several factors, which together determine how well a cow can move. This can be summarised as follows:
Mobility
Cows need healthy hooves to walk comfortably and to eat, rest and visit the milking robot every day. Mobile cows are more productive and less likely to suffer from lameness. Strong hooves ensure that cows can walk and function comfortably.
01
Barn design
Freedom of movement is essential for a comfortable and productive herd. When cows have enough space to eat, rest and move around without obstacles, they experience less competition and stress. Comfortable housing supports both hoof health and animal welfare.
02
Barn hygiene
Ventilation, light and dry floors all play a part in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Regular footbaths and proper care are not only important for dairy cows; dry cows and young stock also require attention to prevent the spread of infections.
03
Preventive hoof care
Prevention is better than cure. Regular hoof care, combined with preventive measures such as automatic spray bars or hoof baths, helps to keep hooves healthy. A structured approach to hoof care can easily be integrated into the farm’s daily management.
04
Nutrition
A balanced diet strengthens the hooves and boosts resistance to disease. Particularly during the transition period, a good ration helps to prevent energy deficits that can affect hoof health.
05
Farming insights
Would you like to know more about hoof health?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about hoof health
Lameness can be caused by hoof problems such as hoof rot. However, it can also be caused by poor housing, insufficient space to move around, or nutritional problems that lower resistance. By trimming hooves regularly, taking preventive measures and providing a healthy housing environment, the risk of lameness can be reduced.
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Early detection is crucial. By treating hoof problems promptly and ensuring regular, proper hoof care, chronic issues can be prevented. This includes regular trimming, checking for infections such as hoof rot, and recording recurring problems to identify trends. This helps keep the cows healthy and comfortable on their feet.
Read more in our article: Hoof care for dairy cows.
A clean barn with dry floors prevents slipping and injuries, whilst comfortable lying areas and sufficient space enhance cow comfort. Good maintenance, a clean environment and sufficient drinking water support overall health and reduce the risk of hoof problems.
Read more in our article: How does housing contribute to hoof health in dairy cows?
Preventive hoof care
Ensure healthy hooves with preventive solutions
The Lely Meteor supports preventive hoof care with automatic cleaning and treatment during milking in the milking robot. Discover how the Lely Meteor helps you proactively prevent hoof problems without disrupting your cows’ daily routine.