Lame, lame, go away! - Totally Vets Healthy Hoof programme
Healthy, productive cows are a key component of high farm profitability. Lame cows are unproductive cows, and the more footsore cows you have, the greater the impact on the bottom line.
It has been estimated that lameness costs between $200 and $1300 per lame cow. The contributors to this cost are lost production, failure to get in calf, culling and treatment expenses. In addition, lameness is arguably the dairy industry's most important animal welfare issue.
With pressure on farmers to make their businesses both more profitable and sustainable in the current economic climate, the Healthy Hoof Programme is a smart example of spending some money to save a lot more money, time, animal pain and people frustration!
The Healthy Hoof Programme is a robust, step-by-step action plan developed by DairyNZ in conjunction with New Zealand dairy farmers, as well as national and international lameness experts. The whole farm team is involved in a long-term, planned approach to reducing lameness.
Through the Healthy Hoof Programme you will receive the tools, training and ongoing support that will improve your understanding of the identification, treatment and causes of lameness on your property.
This is not just another set of folders that will end up sitting on a shelf in the office! A number of experienced dairy veterinarians at Totally Vets are trained Healthy Hoof providers. While there is a standard set of resources provided by DairyNZ, we understand that every farm is different and will take the time to understand how your system works so we can offer practical, workable and affordable solutions. Our local knowledge and wide experience means we have loads of ideas to draw from to apply to your farm.
For more information on the Healthy Hoof Programme, visit the website: www.dairynz.co.nz/healthhoof . To register, phone us at Totally Vets or email admin@totallyvets.co.nz We are more than happy to discuss the programme in more detail, advise on costs etc.
Sign up to this programme and take the first step toward reducing your farm's lameness incidence, improving your animals' health and welfare and achieving your productivity goals.
