Lameness In robotic systems
Good foot health is critical on any dairy farm, but even more so in robotic milking systems where cows must be self-motivated to visit the robot for milking.
Lame cows lay down less, eat less and visit the robot less, which can significantly affect the amount of milk produced per robot.
There are lots of ways farmers can try and reduce lameness. Vet and CowSignals® founder, Joep Driessen suggests thinking about the following as part of his HoofSignals® training.
- Lame cows can be found on almost every farm in the UK, the average figure is thought to be around 31%, but there is a huge amount of variance within this from 0 to 75%
- Joep Driessen the founder of the CowSignals® Training Program suggests around 80% of cows will be suffering from at least one infection in the hind claw
- The average cost of a single incidence of lameness in the UK has been quoted to be as much as £180 to £225 including the cost of treatment, loss of yield and potential for a shortened productive life.
Four success factors for reducing lameness:
- Hoof quality – strong hooves
- Low pressure
- Low infection – no dirt + moisture
- Early, effective treatment.
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For more information about using HoofSignals® to benefit your robotic system, please call the Feed Line on 01278 444829.
