increase font size
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.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) says it is backing aspiring dairy farmers through a new initiative designed to make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking easier.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.
