Document type : Article published in Web-Agri
Author: Delphine Scohy
Preview: For José Gonzalo, a veterinary pedicurist at Littoral Normand, there are four factors for success in keeping cows' feet healthy and thus avoiding lameness:
Low infection pressure
Hygiene is the first criterion: this requires proper cleaning of the feet followed by disinfection. "The ideal way is to use a foot bath. It allows all four feet to be completely soaked."
The expert also discusses the introduction of new animals, the importance of quarantine and, as a minimum, foot inspection if not treatment before they are introduced into the herd. "Caution should also be exercised by those who put together batches of animals: it would be a shame to transfer lameness within the herd when an animal changes group. »
The base of good legs
"The selection process has already carried out a first triage for leg problems. For the vet, regular trimming is essential in all farms (on average 2 trimmings per dairy cow per year, at dry-off and mid-lactation).
"Diet also plays a role in the quality of the horn. Vitamins and trace elements are essential," he adds. Drying off is also an essential phase: "There should be no lameness at this time. In addition, you need space for the dry cow lots so that they can lie down as much as possible."
Early detection of lameness
The veterinarian encourages farmers to undergo training in curative trimming: "You must be able first to identify a mobility problem in a cow and then to act quickly"
Good movement within the building
José Gonzalo warns about the space allocated per cow: the exercise area must be larger than 3.5 m2/DC, a smaller area would be very detrimental to the health of the feet". He also draws attention to the waiting area, where the herd should not spend too much time. So farmers should be careful of long milking times...
The same goes for cubicles: care should be taken when adjusting them. "The inside of a cubicle should be a cube: the same height and width," he recommends. The cubicle must also be comfortable because the cow will have to spend more than 12 hours a day in it." The expert prefers cubicles with soft flooring (sand or straw).
The vet recommends that you "use steps rather than slopes. 10 cm high and 1 m long. The concrete should also be grooved to prevent slipping."
Last, it is useful to consider creating an infirmary when planning a building. "Lame cows must be able to rest there. Some cows will have to be milked only once a day."
