Hoof Issue

“It is now becoming increasingly probable that standing alone could be the primary cause of claw horn disruption pathogenesis…not just a secondary factor. Sole ulcer is short for standing up disease!”

Nigel Cook, BVSc, MRCVS UWSVM

Source: 2020 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference

Research done by Katie Ballard, a researcher at Miner Institute, graphically illustrates how a cows’ body temperature increases while they are lying down. Cows stand to reduce their body temperature. When comparing cool vs hot days, Ballard illustrated the differences in lying time in the table to the right. On Farm, a cows stood an additional 3.7 hr., Farm B 2.3 hr., Farm C 2.0 hr., and Farm D 2.5 hr. when comparing hot days to cool days.

What time of year do we see the greatest problem with lame cows?

Jose Santos, DVM U of FL, says “It is not uncommon to observe a high incidence of foot problems subsequent to a hot summer … dairy farmers and herdsmen routinely complain about an increase in lameness during the months of August, September, and October.”

In a 4 yr. WI study, Nigel Cook, DVM illustrates the 2 mo. lag between peak temp. and peak development of claw horn lesions.

Reach out to your Parion Nutritionist to benchmark your hoof issues through Aug, Sep, and Oct of 2021. Together prepare a plan to improve heat abatement and cow comfort strategies to cool cows, improve resting time and reduce standing time. Work together as a team to develop a plan to prepare for next year’s heat.