The effect of environmental factors on the occurence of hoof diseases in Irish dairy cattle herds

Abstract

Lameness and hoof diseases are on-going problems that affect every herd owner in Ireland to some extent. From this study I have seen the impact that the environment in which the cow is living, has on the health status of the hooves. Regardless of the measures put in place lameness and hoof diseases will remain an economic issue as the housing during the winter periods and the walkways from pasture during grazing season are integrated as part of the cow’s life as a result of increasing intensity of farming. From this study farm 1 has demonstrated that lameness can be reduced to a low number through improvement and good maintenance of these areas. The other farms are also beginning to improve facilities in order to increase the herd health status of the cows. However as the farms in Ireland are owned by each farmer and their income stems from this business, these improvements take longer to carry out due to the financial burden of this. It is clear to see that the surroundings and the management of the cow, does have an effect on the hoof health. If this is inadequate it can and will increase the incidence of hoof diseases in the herd.