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Moving promptly against lameness in cows deals to their pain and can reduce long term hoof damage, says Shoof International, which markets Walkease hoof blocks.
Early intervention reduces the duration and severity of lameness although its not always possible to eliminate it, Shoof says.
The blocks are for use when lameness is detected early. They are a new style claw prosthetic made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a product more commonly used in the supports of running shoe soles.
Used with a fast drying cyanoacrylate adhesive, Walkease offers a fast and effective way to address lameness early.
It works by elevating the affected claw, allowing the animal to transfer weight to the healthy claw. This speeds recovery via increased mobility and function (a reduction in locomotion score).
Blocks compress down naturally over 10-14 days of wear so the healthy claw suffers no ill effects.
The blocks are claimed inexpensive, easy to fit and make for quicker recovery.
Lameness takes toll on cows and farm performance. A lame cow produces less milk, loses condition and takes longer to cycle. The good news? Catching it early and treating it promptly gives her the best shot at a quick, full recovery — and helps keep your herd’s productivity on track.
The traditional method to approach lameness involves corrective trimming of the affected area.
According to the DairyNZ’s lameness cost calculator, lameness costs over $500 per lame cow – due to lost production, having to withhold milk from treated animals or reproductive problems.
DairyNZ has calculated that the cost of lameness in a 550-cow herd with 20% lame cows per year amounts to direct and indirect costs of $750 per cow.
Early detection of lameness is a crucial factor in maintaining a profitable and healthy dairy herd.
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