Before you house your cattle…
When cattle are housed this winter, pay close attention your cows’ mobility. Over the summer cow tracks can wear claws unevenly, small stones and pebbles can become embedded into the sole and as grass values decline in late summer body condition can follow. This in turn can lead to fat loss in the digital cushion which can increase the likelihood of developing a solar ulcer.
Implement monthly mobility scoring
Monthly mobility scoring is good management practice on any dairy farm, but especially before housing to identify those animals who are not just lame, but more importantly becoming lame. Preventative trimming and early intervention are by far the most effective methods for preventing a problem cow from becoming a chronic long-term issue.
Read more: Lameness in Dairy Herds
How to asses mobility score
Now you know your score, what should you do?
I would recommend the following actions based on the mobility result:
Score 0 – Routine foot trimming
Score 1 – Lift and look – could benefit from some functional trimming – further observation recommended
Score 2 – Lame and likely to benefit from treatment – attend to as soon as practically possible
Score 3 – Examine and treat as soon as possible – if does not cure after 3 consecutive trimming events culling may be the only solution
