Basics of hoof health management in cattle
FAST FACTS
Poor hoof health can be caused by overgrown hooves, lesions on the hooves, or laminitis.
Prevention of problems is achieved by ensuring that hoof trimming is done in time and that proper nutrition is in place.
Compromised hoof health results in cattle battling to stand up and walking with difficulty.
Maintaining hoof health in a cattle herd is very important. Gert van Zyl, director at Dairysmid Hoof Trimming, a cattle hoof trimming company, says there are two things to look for when identifying hoof health: length and balance.
He adds that hooves grow at a rate of approximately 5mm/month, with the toe horn being harder than the heal. Therefore, the toe will wear down slower than the heel, causing imbalance.
“This could be because of the field conditions where the cattle are kept and the nutrition the animals receive. The growth-to-wear ratio is implicated, and
