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Objectives and Rationale
Objectives and Rationale
- Primary Goals: Maintain functional hoof anatomy, treat existing pathology, and prevent future lameness.
- Prevention Mechanism: Restores a more upright foot angle and ensures weight is distributed evenly between the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) hooves.
- Industry Use:
- Dairy: A routine preventive practice.
- Beef: Used primarily as a treatment for existing issues rather than a routine practice.
Hoof Growth and Maintenance Balance
Hoof Growth and Maintenance Balance
- Growth Rates:
- Wall Horn: ~7 mm per month.
- Sole Horn: ~3 mm per month.
- The Balance: Hoof shape is determined by the balance between growth rate and wear rate, which is influenced by housing, flooring, and trimming.
Strategic Trimming Schedule
Strategic Trimming Schedule
- General Frequency: Dairy cattle should typically be inspected and trimmed every 4–6 months.
- Strategic Timings in Dairy:
- Before the first calving.
- Between 60 and 150 days in milk.
- Before the dry-off period.
- High-Risk Animals: Cows with a history of lesions require more frequent evaluation (every 3–4 months) due to permanent changes in internal hoof structures.
Trimming Methods and Techniques
Trimming Methods and Techniques
- Flat Methods (e.g., Functional and White Line): The sole is trimmed to be flat and perpendicular to the metatarsals.
- Sloped Methods (e.g., Kansas): The axial sole is trimmed lower than the abaxial side.
- Dr. Touissant Raven’s Method: A widely used five-step procedure consisting of three functional (preventive) steps and two corrective (therapeutic) steps.
- Modeling: A technique where the horn underneath the flexor tuberosity is removed to decrease pressure in areas prone to sole ulcers.
Common Trimming Errors
Common Trimming Errors
- Overtrimming: Trimming toes too short or soles too thin; excessively removing the abaxial wall or non-weight-bearing heel.
- Undertrimming: Failing to remove enough horn to restore balance.
Record Keeping and Surveillance
Record Keeping and Surveillance
- Standardization: Use of the ICAR Claw Health Atlas to provide uniform definitions of lesions by appearance, location, and severity.
- Essential Data: Records should include Cow ID, diagnosed lesion, and treatment.
- System Integration: Electronic records should interface with herd management software so data can be accessed while the cow is in the trimming chute.
- Advanced Analysis: Data should be linked to individual cow factors like parity, stage of lactation, and production to monitor herd trends and seasonality.
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