Preventive hoof trimming in dairy cattle: Determining current practices and identifying future research areas

Abstract

Background:The extent to which preventive hoof trimming is implemented on Great Britain's (GB) dairy farms is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine common practices and capture producers' input on key areas that require further research. Methods: An online survey was conducted over a 4-week period from March to April 2017. Results: A total of 338 valid survey responses were received. The majority of farmers undertook preventive hoof trimming (82.4%), and this was significantly positively associated with increased herd yield (p < 0.001). Drying off was the most common time trimming was undertaken, with 72.2% of farmers who implemented preventive trimming doing so at this point in the management cycle. Of those undertaking preventive trimming, 46.4% solely used an external hoof trimmer, 31.7% solely used farm staff and the remainder (21.9%) used a combination of operators. Four over-arching themes were identified within the key research questions; when to trim, why we should trim, how to trim and who to trim. The most frequent questions related to optimal trimming timing, frequency and method. Conclusion: This study highlighted that preventive hoof trimming is a widespread practice on GB dairy farms, undertaken by both external hoof trimmers and farm staff. Despite this, farmers still want to know when they should undertake preventive hoof trimming and which technique they should use.

Partial herd hoof trimming results in a higher economic net benefit than whole herd hoof trimming in dairy herds

“…In a Great Britain´s study producers were surveyed about undertaking preventive hoof trimming. The study results suggest that preventive hoof trimming was associated with increased herd yield [ 26 ]. However, no data was available to quantify the economic impact of prevention as expert opinion could not provide more clarity.…”

“…Hoof trimming is a management strategy with both, preventive and therapeutic potential, for SU [ 25 , 26 ], with regular hoof trimming commonly recommended [ 8 ]. Two different hoof trimming strategies as a management practice in Alberta, Canada, were reported: 1. partial herd hoof trimming, where approximately 18% (±18.3) of the herd is trimmed every 2 months; 2. whole herd hoof trimming, with 6-month intervals between trims [ 13 ].…”

An abattoir study of the prevalence of foot lesions and claw measurements in water buffalo in Egypt

“…In the young age group, an average minimum dorsal wall length of 7.5 and 8.2 cm if the claws were trimmed to a step or to a point, respectively was calculated. A study that investigated current practices of preventative claw trimming in UK dairy herds reported that only 5.9% of respondents reported preventative claw trimming in pre-calving heifers [21]. A randomized controlled trial that evaluated the effectiveness of routine foot trimming of heifers 3 weeks pre-calving and 100 days post-calving in reducing the rst lactation lameness and improving milk production reported that preventative trimming in heifers pre-or post-calving was not associated with lameness prevalence, time to rst lameness, 305-day lactation milk yield, or the type of lesions identi ed during dry-off claw trimming compared with only performing locomotion scoring [46].…”

“…Routine claw trimming has been established as a component of a lameness prevention plan for dairy cattle herds [17][18][19][20], with 82.4% of dairy farmers practicing routine trimming in the UK [21]. Functional claw trimming reduces the risk of lameness development by improving foot balance between the lateral and medial claws, increasing the contact area with the ground [22], resulting in improved grip [23], and reducing external weight from the typical sole ulcer site at the axial sole [17,24].…”

Hoof trimming: The steps to success

“…2 Additionally, questions about when and how frequently to perform hoof trimming are common among farmers. 3 The hoof wall grows at a rate of approximately 7 mm per month, while the normal growth rate of the sole's horn is about 3 mm per month. 4 The rate of hoof wear depends on the animal's environment and daily walking distance.…”