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As we rely on our feet to get us through the day, cows depend on their hooves for almost everything they do.
Caring for cow hooves is more than just a good practice; it’s crucial to their well-being and longevity. So, many of us wonder: Is hoof shedding a part of natural cow hooves care—or is there more to the story?
Cow hooves may wear over time, but they do not shed. Therefore, regular trimming is essential to maintain proper growth, thickness, and balance. Lack of trimming may lead to lameness, which impacts the animal’s health and the farm’s economy.
Hoof maintenance isn’t just a chore—it’s a cornerstone of healthy cattle management. In this article, I’ll dive into the ins and outs of hoof trimming, unpack the complications that can arise from neglect, such as cattle lameness, and offer advice on keeping those hooves as healthy as possible.
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The Impact of Untreated Cow Hooves
A cow with long hooves or lameness drains every farmer’s finances. I frequently share this advice with my clients: neglecting hoof care leads to adverse financial results. No calculator can show positive numbers when it comes to lame cows.
How Fast does a Cow’s Hoof Grow?
Cow hooves grow throughout the animal’s life. The average hoof growth rate is 2 inches (5 centimetres) per year. In some herds, we see longer hooves between trimming sessions, which is often due to the environment where the animal is – for example, flooring, moisture, walking distances, etc.
As a hoof trimmer, I’ve seen how different surfaces—like the harshness of concrete versus the give of a grassy field—can affect a hoof’s wear pattern. The sturdier wall horn and the weight-bearing sole horn also wear down at different rates since cows are essentially walking on the tips of their toes.
Hoof Shedding Happening in Cows’ Hooves?
Cows don’t shed their hooves like snakes shed their skin. Instead, the inner and outer claws of the hooves wear down at different rates, causing certain areas to become higher as the hoof changes shape over time.
When I trim a cow from a dry environment such as a dry cow lot, tie-stall barn, or dry pasture, the sole turns into a white, flaky powder that falls out over time. It’s important to note that this flaking doesn’t happen to the wall horn. That’s why we don’t use the term ‘shedding’ when referring to cow hoof care.
Consequences of Neglecting Cow Hoof Trimming
When the shape, length of the hoof, and thickness of the sole deviate from the normal for this cow, this could lead to imbalance and unequal weight distribution. As cows walk on the equivalent of human toe tips, a slight difference in their hooves could upset their balance.
To keep the hooves in balance, I recommend scheduling regular hoof-trimming sessions. These procedures prevent overgrowth and ensure that an optimal hoof shape is maintained. I explain the importance of maintenance trimming schedules in my article on how often a cow needs trimming.
Regular hoof care isn’t just a checkbox on the daily chores list—it’s a fundamental part of keeping your herd healthy and productive. A little problem, like an overgrown hoof or a minor irregularity, can snowball into lameness if left unchecked.
Think of it simply: how you feel wearing a boot that just doesn’t fit right all day. That nagging pinch isn’t something to shrug off, is it? It’s the same for our cows. Their well-being hinges on their hooves being in prime condition so they can stride over to the feed bunk, stand easily, and just be their best cow selves.
Lack of Hoof Trimming Leads to Lameness
Lameness is a term for restricted mobility or difficulty walking due to hoof problems. Thus, it may be a disease symptom. In North America, lameness has a prevalence rate of up to 55%.
Cows suffering from lameness feel pain and anxiety. They have difficulty eating, moving, and performing other functions needed for their survival.
To maintain prime hoof health, we must watch for the early signs of lameness in our cows. Spotting those subtle changes early on—a slight limp, a hesitant step—can make all the difference.
To monitor your herd’s well-being, consider using a locomotion scoring system. The regular use of this method can catch subtle signs of discomfort and address them before they become more significant issues.
The locomotion scoring system that is universally used by hoof trimmers, veterinarians, nutritionists and farmers is as follows:
5 Steps to Trim Cheat Sheet
| Score | Category | Description/Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Normal | - The cow has a flat/level back while standing or walking - Normal gait |
| 2 | Mildly Lame | - The cow has a flat/level back while standing but a slightly arched back while walking - Normal gait |
| 3 | Moderately Lame | - The cow has an arched back while standing and walking - Affected gait: limited or short strides in one or more legs |
| 4 | Lame | - Cow has an arched back at all times - Affected foot/hoof can still carry limited weight, but cow prefers shifting weight to other hooves - Affected gait; deliberate, limited steps |
| 5 | Severely Lame | - The cow has an arched back at all times - The cow does not get up (recumbent) |
Locomotion scoring is an excellent tool for benchmarking and setting goals. It is of utmost importance that we know our protocols are working. If not, we must adjust to improve the herd’s hoof health.
Our blog post featuring the ABC chart of dairy hoof diseases compiled by three hoof care professionals provides more information.
Lameness and Diseases Have Economic Repercussions
Dealing with lameness and hoof problems isn’t just about treating the symptoms; it’s about keeping your farm thriving. We understand how challenging it can be when your animals are in discomfort.
Not only do you face the direct costs of treatment, but you also have to contend with the indirect hit to your farm’s productivity. A cow not feeling her best won’t be able to feed, grow, or produce milk properly, leading to a noticeable dip in income.
It has been estimated that cow lameness can result in losses ranging from $185 to $333 per case, depending on the animal’s age. As the cow ages, the costs of treatment and losses increase.
When dairy cows face lameness, it can hit hard—cutting milk production by up to 15%. And we know that less milk means less money in your pocket, not to mention the extra vet bills. That’s why focusing on hoof health isn’t just good for your cows but also for your bottom line.
In the heart of the livestock world, there’s a saying we can’t ignore: “No feet, no meat.” On behalf of all hoof care professionals, trimming is not just care; it’s an investment. It pays to trim!
How Often Should Hooves Be Trimmed?
Keeping up with regular hoof trimming is vital for your herd’s health. But how often should you do it? Ideally, aim for a trim every six months. Remember, if your cows are walking on surfaces that are either too soft or too hard, they might need more attention. Those conditions can affect their hooves, asking for extra care. It’s all about watching and knowing what they need—healthy hooves mean happy cows.
The bi-annual trimming schedule does not include corrective hoof trimming, done when a case of lameness is identified. A lame cow needs attention as soon as possible.
For exceptional cases like older cows, those with prior hoof health issues, or large animals, it’s crucial to hire experienced hoof trimmers. Skilled professionals ensure safe, effective trimming protecting the cow and handlers.
Sure Steps’ guide helps pinpoint the best times to trim a cow’s hooves. For example, it’s wise to hold off trimming when the cow is close to calving unless she’s showing signs of lameness. Your cow’s comfort comes first.
Final Thoughts
Many cows need more than just relying on the natural wearing process because it can lead to overgrowth and imbalance. Through regular hoof trimming, farmers can prevent lameness, mitigate disease risks, and ensure the well-being of their cows. Let’s prioritize proper hoof care and create a sustainable future where our cows can roam comfortably and thrive.
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