Pain relief for lame cows a game changer
The traditional method to approach lameness involves corrective trimming of the affected area.
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.
It's been a bumper season for maize and other supplements in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Leading farmers from around New Zealand connected to share environmental stories and inspiration and build relationships at the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) national forum in Wellington last month.
AgriZeroNZ, a joint venture fast-tracking emissions reduction tools for farmers, is pouring $5 million in a biotech company to develop a low emissions farm pasture with increased productivity gains.
Fonterra is teaming up with wealth app provider Sharesies to make it easier for its farmer shareholders to trade co-op shares among themselves.
Te Awamutu dairy farmers Doug, Penny, Josh and Bayley Storey have planted more than 25,000 native trees on the family farm, adding to a generations-old native forest.
OPINION: The Government's recent announcement that methane targets will be reviewed is bringing relief to farmers.