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Hoof Health / Lameness Prevention 


Written protocols should be in place and reviewed annually with your veterinarian and employees to ensure that certain procedures are carried out appropriately.  ​

Goals:

To reduce the occurrence of lameness in the herd and quickly identify and treat lame cows

How to assess:

Review the hoof health/lameness prevention protocol to confirm that the following information is included and that appropriate criteria are being met: 

Dairy Well
Review the hoof health protocol to confirm that the following information is included and that appropriate criteria are being met: 
  • Should aim for moderate lameness in less than 15% of the lactating herd and severe lameness in less than 1% of it
  • Plans are in place for routine hoof trimming
  • A schedule exists for regular lameness and lesion scoring
  • A plan is in place for what to do with unresponsive lameness (action within 30 days and follow up within 90 days)
  • Signed by VOR
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A template is provided as a guideline; farms may write their own as long as minimum content is met.

National Dairy FARM Program

  • Routinely survey hoof, feet, and leg health for potential lameness
  • Maintain clean facilities with routine maintenance 
  • Routine hoof trimming for each animal twice a year
  • Routine footbath solution for cows to use as they exit the parlor
  • If lameness is found, segregate the animal to properly treat in a way that minimizes pain
    • Keep separate until full recovery, milk/meat withholds, and pain management have been satisfied
  • Record treatment

Try the practice protocol
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