According to Teagasc, between 20% and 35% of cows suffer some degree of lameness. Of these cases 90% of lameness is located in the foot, with 80% in the hind limbs, and 80% of these cases in the outer claw.

A recent report stated that lameness is often an overlooked aspect of dairy cow health. This is according to Waterford-based Ned Dunphy of Farm Relief Services (FRS) and veterinary surgeon Ger Cusack of Comeragh veterinary practice.

A variety of factors may contribute to the development of hoof lesions, including: breeding; nutrition; housing design; flooring surface; roadway surfaces; herd management; stockmanship; and disease.

Lameness in early lactation can have a negative impact on the cows’ performance, because of this early intervention when lameness occurs is critical to successfully treat the issue.