Foot care needs to include preemptive practices to reduce incidence of lame cows.

• At least twice yearly, hooves should be examined and trimmed if needed.  Routine hoof trimming corrects the claw angle so that weight is evenly distributed between the two claws of each foot.  Cows should be evaluated and trimmed as needed around 80 to 120 days in milk and at dry off.  Trimming only last 4-6 months.
• Minimize contact of hooves with manure through routine scraping of concrete surfaces.
• Footbaths are used 4 times weekly to prevent, not treat, hairy heel warts.  Breeding age and older heifers should go through the footbath in addition to cows.

• Author:  Donna M. Amaral-Phillips