By Bergsten, C., Meddelande Svensk Husdjursskotsel, 1990
Description
Foot sole haemorrhaging scores reflecting extent and severity of the condition were calculated from photographs taken after hoof paring on 2 occasions in 5 trials with from 20 to 350 dairy cows or heifers housed in stalls and divided into 2 or more groups. The score was significantly higher in herds with laminitis than in unaffected controls. Haemorrhaging was commoner on back than on front hooves and in first-calvers, affected by loss of grazing, than in older cows. The laminitis problem could be reduced by distributing concentrate 4 times daily, allowing long feeding times, supplying roughage before concentrate and housing on a soft, rather than concrete, flour. Incidence was less in spring-calving than in autumn-calving heifers. The combination of calving, high-concentrate feed in early lactation and hard flooring encouraged hoof problems
Foot sole haemorrhaging scores reflecting extent and severity of the condition were calculated from photographs taken after hoof paring on 2 occasions in 5 trials with from 20 to 350 dairy cows or heifers housed in stalls and divided into 2 or more groups. The score was significantly higher in herds with laminitis than in unaffected controls. Haemorrhaging was commoner on back than on front hooves and in first-calvers, affected by loss of grazing, than in older cows. The laminitis problem could be reduced by distributing concentrate 4 times daily, allowing long feeding times, supplying roughage before concentrate and housing on a soft, rather than concrete, flour. Incidence was less in spring-calving than in autumn-calving heifers. The combination of calving, high-concentrate feed in early lactation and hard flooring encouraged hoof problems
We welcome and encourage discussion of our linked research papers. Registered users can post their comments here. New users' comments are moderated, so please allow a while for them to be published.