SELECTIONS - Summer 2002
Proper Hoof Care and Reproduction
By Dr. Bill Ayars, staff veterinarian
 Have you ever arrived home at the end of the day and your
feet were so sore you could hardly stand? Imagine how your
cows must feel when they have sore feet.
Most producers know that hoof problems decrease productivity,
but did you know that they also can disrupt reproductivity?
Routine hoof trimming can alleviate painful hoof lesions and
improve reproductive performance.
What causes hoof disease?
Causes of noninfectious hoof disease that can influence the
hoof health of the entire herd include nutrition imbalances,
housing management, level of exercise, cattle behavior and the
environment. Systemic illness, increasing age, poor conformation
and stage of lactation also contribute to noninfectious hoof disease.
Two common causes of infectious hoof disease are interdigital
necrobacillosis (foot rot) and digital dermatitis (hairy heel warts).
Foot rot is caused by bacteria that live in wet, muddy environments.
Cows standing such environments for an extended time have unhealthy
tissue between their hooves, which allows bacteria to enter. Fortunately,
several antibiotics that are effective against foot rot are approved
for lactating dairy cattle.
Hairy heel warts are a little tougher. Presumably caused by an organism
called a spirochete, they can be treated by cleaning the affected area
and applying a tetracycline wrap. For the entire herd, a solution of 8
grams of tetracycline per liter of water may be sprayed on the heels.
A well-managed footbath can control hoof disease. Common footbaths are
5 percent copper sulfate, and 5 percent formalin or 20 percent zinc sulfate.
 |
The claw capsule (the area of the hoof visible to the
eye) includes the wall, sole and heel, and is similar
in composition to a fingernail. The wall is the densest
and strongest area. The weakest area is the white line,
where the wall and sole attach. The heel is the least
dense area, making it susceptible to injury. |
This illustration is the property of the University of
Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tenn.,
and is reprinted with permission.
Which animals are susceptible?
Early-lactation cows, particularly first-calf heifers, are more susceptible
to hoof disease than late-lactation cows.
Sudden increases in nutritional energy, housing changes, establishment
of a new pecking order within the cow herd and poor uterine health are
all causes of metabolic stress. Cattle may respond to stress by releasing
histamine or toxins into their bloodstream. These substances may damage
blood vessels within the hooves, predisposing them to laminitis or sore feet.
Hormonal fluctuations during calving also may influence the development
of hoof disease. The hormone relaxin helps with calving by increasing
the elasticity of fibrous tissues in the birth canal. Relaxin may have
a similar effect on the fibrous tissues within the hoof, permitting the
third phalanx (pedal bone) to move downward, causing damage to the sole1.
How does this relate to reproduction?
Hoof disease, while seemingly simple, can result in a domino effect of
problems. For example, when a first-calf heifer enters the milking string,
her routine changes completely. She has new feed, herdmates and a surface
on which to walk, and is handled differently. Even if she had an uneventful
calving experience, these factors alone can create stress. Add calving
problems and she’ll find it difficult to get on the right track.
In a vicious circle of events, this stress predisposes her to foot problems.
Now she's not only stressed from a change of routine, but hoof problems as
well. She stops going to the bunk to eat since it hurts to walk and stand
to eat. She becomes metabolically stressed, slowing her estrus cycle.
Common sense says that when cows are in heat, those with hoof problems
may not stand or ride due to the pain of being on their feet. Even when
these cows are in heat, their stressed metabolism makes it difficult to
become pregnant.
Research suggests lame cows with hoof lesions were 52 percent less likely
to conceive than non-lame cows2. In addition, the number of breedings per
conception was significantly higher in lame cows with hoof lesions than
in non-lame cows (five compared to three). The median time to conception
was 40 days longer in lame cows with lesions than that of healthy cows.
Post-partum females are susceptible to ovarian cysts. Research suggests
lame cows within 30 days post-partum are nearly three times more likely
to develop ovarian cysts prior to the first breeding than non-lame cows3.
How do I prevent this?
In addition to the management tips shown in Table 1, routine hoof
trimming can help alleviate problems associated with poor hoof health.
The goals of trimming hoofs are to restore the normal claw shape and
weight distribution, to remove unhealthy horn tissue and to treat d
etectable problems. Prior to trimming, animals should be evaluated
both standing and walking.
Look for deficiencies in toe shape and structure, and any reluctance
to place full weight on an individual limb or toe. Then restrain the
animal to maximize the safety of both the patient and the trimmer.
Frequency of hoof trimming depends on factors such as prevalence of
hoof disease, environmental conditions and on-farm management. Consult
your veterinarian or professional hoof trimmer for recommendations.
1Lischer C.J.; P. Ossent. 12th International Symposium on
Lameness in Ruminants: 82-89, 2002
2Hernandez J.; et al. JAVMA 218:1611-1614, 2001
3Melendez P.; et al. 12th International Symposium on Lameness
in Ruminants: 339-342, 2002
Table 1. Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hooves
Prevention is key to maintaining healthy feet. In addition to routine
trimming, these practices can help your cows remain healthy.
- Maximize cow comfort. Housing is a significant contributor to
healthy hooves. Gradually introduce cattle from pasture to concrete
lots. Maintain resting areas so cows will lay down, and provide
adequate space for all activities.
- Keep feeding areas and alleys clean. Prevent animals from standing
in manure and urine for extended periods - these materials can erode heels.
- Maintain a well-balanced, consistent ration. Large amounts of concentrates
can cause rumen acidosis. Acidosis leads to the rapid death of gram-negative
bacteria, causing toxins to be released into the bloodstream. The toxins
damage blood vessels in the corium, resulting in fluid leakage and pain
(laminitis).
- Treat other conditions accordingly. Any systemic disease can result in
the release of toxins into the bloodstream.
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