The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of regular hoof trimming on the incidence of hoof diseases and their impact on the culling of dairy cows. The experiment was carried at the farm located in northern Slovakia, at an altitude of 1000 m asl. The farm kept cattle Red and Black Holstein, Slovak Spotted, Slovak Pinzgau and their cross breeds. The status of hooves was assessed during each hoof trimming. During the first hoof trimming in December 2011, 130 dairy cows were evaluated. During the second trimming in May 2012 114 cows and during the third trimming in November 2012 105 cows were treated. The overall incidence of hoof diseases and the overall incidence of diseases attributable to animal was evaluated (animal was evaluated as sick if at least one limb was affected). The incidence of hoof diseases were assessed in whole herd (all animals), in group of culled cows and in the basic herd (cows treated in all three hoof trimmings – 86 cows). The highest incidence of all diseases was observed in culled animals during the study (46%, 45% respectively). The most common illnesses were ulcers and dermatitis. In the course of all three hoof trimmings the reduction in the incidence of disease in whole herd (mainly due to culling) and also in basic herd (due to the positive impact of hoof trimming) was confirmed. The work highlights the importance of regular hoof trimming in the effective reduction of hoof diseases on the farms.

cows, culling, dermatitis, disease, hoof, ulcer

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia