When you are taking care of animals, their health is a high priority all year round. However, there are some risk factors that are more prevalent at certain times of the year, and in dairy farming, the autumn can be a tricky time. Cows are often coming to the end of their lactation period at this time, and may be in calf, and certain farming practices may also increase the risks.
Did you know that cases of lameness in the autumn are significantly higher than in the spring? The risk can almost double in the autumn, and bruises, ulcers and White Line Disease are all more common. Fortunately, there are many ways to protect your cows, and this will help to reduce the risks and keep them healthy and well. Read on for our top recommendations for reducing the risk of lameness in the autumn.
Protecting your Cows in the Autumn
Making slight adjustments to your practice can make a big difference to the health of your herd, and we suggest the following:
- Consider Pasture Allocation.
It is standard practice for farmers to move their cows into paddocks in the autumn to extend their grazing season, and this can increase the risk of lameness because it usually involves the animals walking further for milking. This may not be a problem in itself, but it is important to consider the surfaces your animals are walking on, as uneven paths and surfaces can lead to significant hoof damage. Small pebbles and grit can be a big issue, and smooth, compacted surfaces are a much safer option so you should inspect any roadways and paths used by your animals with this in mind.
- Think About Cow Flow.
The way in which your cows move from milking to pasture and to their sheds can have a big impact on the health of their hooves, and when overcrowding or pushing occurs, there is a higher risk of hoof damage. Ensure that your cows can move through wide, unrestricted spaces wherever possible to reduce the risks of harm, and do not rush them as this will increase their stress levels, which also increases the likelihood of hoof damage.
- Identify Cows At Higher Risk.
The risk of lameness in the autumn is much higher for cows that were treated for lameness during the spring, so it is important to identify these animals and use selective trimming to reduce their risk of recurrence. Some farmers find it helpful to group cows with a history of lameness together and keep these animals in paddocks that are nearer to the milking yard to minimise the distances they walk each day.
- Use A Footbath.
You should have a footbath protocol to prevent infectious diseases, and this should be scheduled routinely throughout the year, especially in the autumn. Our experienced team will be happy to help you find the best products to use in your foot bathing and maintenance practices.
- Carry Out Regular Hoof Trimming.
Hoof trimming should be carried out routinely to keep hooves in optimum condition and to enable early identification of any concerns about hoof health. The Inspect4 Rollover Crate is an excellent option, enabling you to restrain your animals with ease and maintain your own comfort while you work. This is designed to make it easy to carry out all hoof care tasks, as well as teat sealing. You can see our crates in action here.
Protect your Cows with HoofCare Direct
Here at HoofCare Direct, we know that it can be stressful and costly when your cows are not in good health. We have a comprehensive selection of hoof care and maintenance products, including high quality trimming knives, adhesives and hoof blocks. We also offer an extensive range of cleaning products and disinfectants for your animals and equipment, so you can find the best solutions for your herd.
Our hoof trimming crates are designed to lighten your workload, making it easier to secure your animals safely and carry out essential hoof care tasks without risking injury to yourself or your animals. You can see a full demonstration of the Inspect4 Mobile Hoof Trimming Crate on our website, and our experienced team will be happy to show you how it can revolutionise your cows care practices. Give us a call to find out more.