The overall hoof health in dairy cows plays a critical role in ensuring productivity of farms Not only does it impact the well-being of cows, but also the output of milk yield and reproduction rates. Lameness is one of the most prevalent health issues on cattle operations and can be attributed to many factors that range from management style to nutrition (Moreira et al., 2019). Hoof lesions are one the main drivers of lameness and can cause significant concern for dairy farmers. Hoof lesions can be categorized into various types, including sole ulcers, digital dermatitis, white line disease, and laminitis (Omontese et al., 2020). Prevention and management of these lesions are essential to maintain the productivity and overall welfare of dairy herds.
Lesions can lead to ulcers and digital dermatitis which can have lifelong effects on some cows. The environment in which a cow spends her life can hold significant influence on the frequency of hoof lesions (Omontese et al., 2020). Whether it be a pasture-based or confinement system, each style comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks when it comes to the condition of the hoof. Traditionally, dairy cows were raised in pasture-based systems, but with increasing technology and specialization in dairy farming, many herds are now housed in confinement systems; these include tie-stall barns or freestall barns with concrete flooring.
The design of these barns can aggravate hoof lesions, harbor infection due to soiled bedding compaction and limit the amount of movement cows can participate in. In confinement systems, cows have constant contact with concrete flooring which causes abrasion and will wear the hoof down over time. Wear and tear on the hooves for long periods of time can lead to sole ulcers and white line disease (Somers et al., 2005). Additionally, standing on concrete can increase the pressure on certain areas of the hoof and risk injury or infection.
In contrast, pasture-based systems provide naturally softer footing. Grass and dirt surfaces offer better traction than concrete and will reduce the risk of injury during estrus behavior. However, muddy or wet pastures can introduce challenges, as excessive moisture weakens hooves and can predispose cows to digital dermatitis and other infections (Omontese et al., 2020).
On the positive side, cows on pasture have more freedom to move around, which may improve circulation and hoof health by reducing the time spent standing on hard surfaces. In freestall settings, cows have the option to move around but are still constricted to the area of the pen. In addition, many barns have freestalls that are overcrowded, which can lead to longer periods of standing time. As previously stated, this can lead to pressure related issues. More natural movement and grazing can help maintain hoof wear and prevent abnormal growth patterns that can lead to lesions (Fabian et al., 2014). Additionally, walking on varied terrain can provide a natural method of trimming hooves, helping to maintain proper hoof shape and reduce the buildup of overgrowth, which can lead to injuries.
In confinement, cows are often restricted in their movement. Systems such as tiestalls do not allow for movement at all due to the cows being tethered to their bedding area. This system can lead to issues with digital dermatitis due to the buildup of manure and bedding impaction on the hooves if not monitored closely. One certain benefit of freestall housing is that it allows the manager to observe locomotion and detect health issues early on. Additionally, grooving carved into concrete flooring increases the traction and prevents potential damage of the hoof from slipping. Both systems can be complemented by a scheduled footbath that will clear up pathogens and bacteria found in the manure that may cause infection. On pasture, footbath treatments are rarely used.
In conclusion, hoof lesions are an ever-present issue that dairy farmers deal with, but with proper management techniques these issues can be caught early on and will reduce the efficacy of infections that lead to expensive solutions. Regardless of the housing system a farmer chooses, it is crucial to implement comprehensive hoof health management practices. These include consistent monitoring, prompt treatments, and proactive measures to prevent hoof problems. By prioritizing hoof health and continuously refining management strategies, dairy farmers can ensure the well-being of their herds, enhance productivity, and ultimately achieve long-term success.
— Sommer Thompson