fbpx
Print this page
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

IFSO urges flood-affected residents to document damage for insurance

Following heavy rain which caused flooding in parts of Nelson-Tasman and sewerage overflows in Marlborough, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging homeowners and tenants to be cautious when cleaning up and to take the right steps to support claims.

National

Machinery & Products

Farming smarter with technology

The National Fieldays is an annual fixture in the farming calendar: it draws in thousands of farmers, contractors, and industry…