I KRUUSE Hoof Treatment Lameness The first visual sign of a painful hoof condition is often lameness. Lameness should always be addressed, not only because of ethical considerations but also because it can lead to a negative spiral of problems for the cow impacting both animal welfare and production. Consequences n Increased cortisol levels n Lower conception rates n Metabolic problems n Udder problems Negative Side Effects n Fearful animals n Unwanted behaviour n Increased staff risk Painful conditions A painful condition will over time lead to increased cortisol levels as a stress response. High cortisol levels lead to lower conception rates - according to studies up to a 22% decrease in pregnancy rates. This means a longer calving interval and fewer lactation periods. Pain will also affect the cow’s behaviour since prey animals tend to become more fearful when in pain. Kicking or bolting will make handling more dangerous for the staff. If the pain is severe, it will make the cow reluctant to get up and stay up long enough to eat sufficiently, leading to metabolic problems like ketosis and increasing the risk of left displacement of the abomasum (LDA). Even udder problems like mastitis or trauma can originate from lameness. An infected hoof wound can transfer pathogens to the teat and trouble getting up can lead to traumatic teat injury. The cost of lameness! The cost of Digital Dermatitis is estimated to 67-250 € per lactation Laminitis is estimated to cost 250-520 € Cost includes treatment, decrease in milk yield and delayed reproduction Milk yield loss averaged 8.6% during a 5-month lactation period www.kruuse.com
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