AHDB to hold nationwide seminars on cow lameness
© Tim Scrivener Good cow flow through collection yards and parlours is a key factor in limiting hoof “wear and tear” and reducing lameness, says a leading veterinarian ahead of a summer seminar programme.
As well as supporting efficient labour on dairies, New Zealand dairy veterinarian Neil Chesterton will stress the importance of understanding walking surfaces and cow handling.
The programme of talks, which will travel from Lockerbie to St Austell, could bring major savings, according to seminar organisers AHDB Dairy who calculate lameness at an average cost of 1ppl.
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Seminar subject matter
- Identify main risks to cow hoof health
- Practical and innovative suggestions to minimise damage
- How to work with a cow’s natural instinct
- Reduce lameness incidence and improve overall mobility
AHDB’s Knowledge Exchange senior manager Richard Davies said:
“Neil believes that one of the key factors in the fight against lameness is reducing forces on the feet, and this includes aspects such as cow comfort and cow flow.
“The way we move and handle cows and the surfaces they walk on affects their feet and therefore impacts lameness levels.
“So we need to consider how walking on cow tracks, and handling in and around the milking parlour and around buildings in general all contribute.
“The good news is there are practical ways to minimise foot damage in existing systems, and also when carrying out alterations or building new facilities.”
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Date |
Venue |
In conjunction with |
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21/08/17 |
Hillhead, Kirkpatrick Fleming, Lockerbie DG11 3NQ. By kind permission of Willie Fleming |
Firth Vet Centre |
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22/08/17 |
Gelt Side Farm, Brampton, Cumbria CA8 1TA. By kind permission of Thomas Fisher |
Capontree Vets |
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23/08/17 |
Washfold Farm, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5JZ. By kind permission of Metcalfe Farms |
Bishopton Vets |
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24/08/17 |
Fields Farm, Occlestone, Cheshire CW10 0LZ. By kind permission of Jeremy Platt |
Willows Vets |
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25/08/17 |
Nant y Bach, Llangrannog, Ceredigion, SA44 6RN By kind permission of Chris Mossman |
Andrew Tyler |
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29/08/17 |
Saltby Dairy Unit, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 4RF By kind permission of K & R Wellwood |
Vale Vets |
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30/08/17 |
Oakshill Farm, Pontesbury, Shropshire, SY5 0XQ By kind permission of Longden Manor |
Shropshire Farm Vets
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31/08/17 |
Gourds Farm, Compton Abbas, Dorset, SP7 0ND By kind permission of Steve Parsons |
Friars Moor Vets |
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01/09/17 |
Gateshayes farm, Whimple, Exeter, EX5 2PA By kind permission of L & H Bowker |
Vale Vets |
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04/09/17 |
Trevissick farm, Trearren, St Austell, PL26 6BQ By kind permission of David Treleaven |
Kernow Farm & Equine |
Details of the meetings and webinar can be found on AHDB’s events page.
All meetings run from 10.30am to 2.30pm and include lunch and coffee from 10am.
To book a place, farmers should contact the AHDB Dairy KE Events hub on 01904 771216 or email ke.events@ahdb.org.uk.