Stamp out lameness, says MAFF

2 October 1998

Stamp out lameness, says MAFF

OVER half the national dairy herd suffers some form of lameness each year, costing producers up to £240/case, according to new figures released by MAFF, based on recent research.

Talking at MAFFs lameness display at the EDFE, Brian Pocknee, ADAS dairy husbandry consultant, said lameness is compounded as most producers dont recognise milder signs, or get used to seeing them, for instance, sore or swollen hocks.

"Lameness can also go unnoticed as cows tend to adjust their gait to accommodate any discomfort."

MAFF have drafted a four-point plan to remind producers how lameness can be stamped out in dairy herds. This includes:

&#8226 Environment – providing dry lying areas, right cubicle size, comfortable/clean walking surfaces and easy access to feed and water troughs.

&#8226 Nutrition – tailoring feed to output and body condition, avoiding sudden changes in diet at calving.

&#8226 Genetics – culling out chronic suffers, checking leg and foot conformation in sires, and foot, heel and hock in cows.

&#8226 Infection – seeking vet advice where in doubt, professional trimming, and use of footbaths.

"Often producers only see the direct costs of lameness, such as vet bills and fall in milk sales. But fertility and increase culling can significantly add to the true cost," says Mr Pocknee.

The lameness cost of £240/case takes into account new research from Liverpool University and recommendations made in a recent FAWC report on lameness.