Sunday, 30 June 2019 18:54

Hoof blocks keep away lameness

Written by 

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.

www.walkease.co.nz 

More like this

An intelligent eye on cows

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.

Kicking lameness into touch

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.

Kicking lameness into touch

Lameness in dairy cows can have a significant effect on a businesses' bottom line, with vets suggesting that each case has a cost implication of $400-500, made up of increased labour, vet bills, drugs and of course lost production.

Featured

Editorial: Right call

OPINION: Public pressure has led to Canterbury Police rightly rolling back its proposed restructure that would have seen several rural police stations closed in favour of centralised hubs.

National

Machinery & Products

New McHale terra drive axle option

Well-known for its Fusion baler wrapper combination, Irish manufacturer McHale has launched an interesting option at the recent Irish Ploughing…

Amazone unveils flagship spreader

With the price of fertiliser still significantly higher than 2024, there is an increased onus on ensuring its spread accurately at…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Fonterra vote

OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.

Follow the police beat

OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter