Select Sires

Proper Hoof Care and Reproduction
Transcript of Select Sires' Reproductive Moment Program
on DairyLine Radio Which Aired May 1, 2003
With Dr. Bill Ayars, staff veterinarian,
Select Sires Inc.

Today’s Reproductive Moment deals with proper hoof care in reproduction. And with us is Dr. Bill Ayars, staff veterinarian at Select Sires.

Dr. Ayars, for a long time producers have known that hoof problems decrease productivity, but they are now learning that hoof problems affect reproductivity too. What are the main causes of hoof disease?

There are two types of hoof disease - infectious and non-infectious hoof disease. Non-infectious hoof disease can be caused by nutrition imbalances, a sudden change to a more abrasive walking surface or excessively wet or dry conditions. In addition systemic illness, age or confirmation and stage of lactation may contribute to hoof disease.

Infectious hoof disease typically is seen as either foot rot or hairy heel warts. Foot rot is caused by bacteria that prefer to live within wet muddy conditions, cows standing in such an environment for an extended time have unhealthy tissue between their hooves, which allows bacteria to enter. Hairy heel warts presumably are caused by an organism called a spirochete, which is highly infectious but can be controlled using topical sprays and foot baths.

Which animals in the herd are most susceptible to hoof disease?

Early-lactation cows are more likely to have hoof disease than late-lactation animals, with first-calf heifers the most susceptible. When transition cows enter the milking string, they experience a sudden increase in nutritional energy, housing changes, establishment of a new pecking order and poor uterine health - all of which may cause metabolic stress. Cattle often respond to stress by releasing histamine or toxins into their bloodstream. Unfortunately, these substances can damage the blood vessels within the hooves and predispose them to laminitis or sore feet.

Hormonal fluctuations during calving also can increase susceptibility to hoof disease. The hormone relaxin helps with calving by increasing the elasticity of fibrous tissues in the birth canal. Relaxin can have an effect on the fibrous tissues within the hoof, permitting the bone within the hoof to move downward and cause damage to the sole.

So how does this affect reproduction?

Common sense tells us when cows are in heat, those with hoof problems may not stand or ride due to the pain of being on their feet. This can lead to inaccurate heat detection, which can reduce pregnancy rates.

Research suggests that lame cows within 30 days after calving are nearly three times more likely to develop ovarian cysts before first breeding when compared to non-lame cows. In addition, research shows that lame cows are four times less likely to conceive at first service, and they have a significantly higher number of services per conception than cows that are not lame.Since pregnant cows are extremely valuable to producers, it’s important to use all available tools to prevent lameness and other hoof problems.

What can producers do to prevent hoof problems that can hurt reproduction?

Even cows on well-managed, high-producing dairies experience hoof problems. That’s why routine hoof trimming is important as it enables early detection and treatment of hoof disease. The ideal time and frequency depends on the prevalence of hoof disease in that herd, environmental conditions and on-farm management. Producers should consult their veterinarian or professional hoof trimmer for hoof-trimming recommendations that are best for their herds.

Copyright 1996-2003 Select Sires Inc. Last updated 1-May-2003.

Select Sires Inc., 11740 U.S. 42 North, Plain City, Ohio 43064 / Phone: (614) 873-4683 Fax: (614) 873-5751