Dairy Event 2010: Act promptly on lameness

Early identification and prompt treatment of lesions or injuries to cows’ feet is the most effective way to avoid more costly treatment, says DairyCo extension officer Jo Speed.

“Regular mobility scoring is the key to getting on top of problems before they impact on the wallet.

“Too often mobility problems only become obvious once the cow is visibly struggling to walk, but by this time a cow will be scoring a three on the DairyCo mobility scoring system and will have serious foot health problems.”

And although more farmers are mobility scoring it is still not a part of routine checking on many farms, she says.

But with regular scoring, ideally once a month, farmers can quickly identify those cows scoring a two that may benefit from treatment. In many instances these cows will recover more promptly than those not trimmed until they are visibly lame.

“Early treatment will also help to prevent any infection or disease spreading,” stresses Ms Speed.

Dairy Event and Livestock Show

Jo Speed will be speaking alongside Nick Bell of Bristol University Healthy Feet Project at seminar sessions to be held in the Farm Health Planning area of the Dairy Event and Livestock Show. There will be two sessions a day, one at 12:40pm and another at 4:00pm.

For more information about the event visit www.fwi.co.uk/dels2010