Animal Health Ireland launches events to help farmers prevent cattle lameness
(Left to right) Michelle McGrath, Hoof HealthCheck programme manager at Animal Health Ireland; Ger Cusack, chair of the Hoof HealthCheck Technical Working Group, Maura Langan, Commercial and Technical manager with Norbrook, launching the “Healthy Hooves to Healthy Herds” events. Photo: Maria Kelly
New events focused on lameness in cattle will be taking place this September to address the €145m cost of lameness to the Irish dairy sector.
Animal Health Ireland (AHI), supported by Norbrook and Provita, has announced the event under the theme ‘Healthy Hooves to Healthy Herds’.
The two events will focus on practical approaches to identifying, managing and preventing lameness, with farmers given the opportunity to learn from industry experts and identify specific actions that can be implemented on their own farms.
The events will take place on:
- 22nd September – Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Drumcrow, Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan, H12 E392.
- 24th September – Michael Walsh, Ballyking, Ballyroan, Co. Laois, R32 V803.
Both events will begin at 11am, with refreshments available on the day.
AHI have reported that in herds with a high prevalence of lameness, it is estimated to cost farmers up to €8,750 per 100 cows each year. At a national lameness prevalence of 10%, this equates to an estimated loss of approximately €145 million annually to the Irish dairy sector.
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The cost of individual cases can also be significant, with a case of White Line Disease estimated at €226, Mortellaro (Digital Dermatitis) at €201, Foot Rot (Foul) at €308 and a Sole Ulcer at €536 per cow. These costs can occur through a combination of reduced milk production, treatment, reduced fertility and increased risk of culling.
Lameness is also an important welfare issue, causing pain and affecting a cow’s mobility and normal behaviour. Early identification and appropriate management are therefore key to reducing its impact on both cow welfare and farm profitability.
The events aim to provide farmers with practical information on key areas of lameness management, including identifying lame cows, understanding the causes of lameness and taking steps to manage and prevent problems within the herd.
AHI Hoof HealthCheck Programme manager Michelle McGrath said: “Healthy feet are fundamental to cow health, welfare and performance, and taking action early can make a significant difference to the impact lameness has on a herd.
“There is also a very real financial impact for farmers.
"That is why prevention and early identification are so important. Identifying a cow early and taking appropriate action can help protect her welfare and performance while also reducing the potential financial impact on the farm.
“These events are about practical, achievable steps. We want farmers to come along, hear the latest information on good lameness management and leave with simple tips that they can apply on their own farms. We are delighted to be bringing the Hoof HealthCheck programme directly to farmers and look forward to meeting them in Ballyhaise and Ballyroan.”
Commercial and Technical manager with Norbrook, Maura Langan, said: “Norbrook and Provita are excited to have this opportunity to support AHI’s inaugural ‘Healthy Hooves to Healthy Herds’ events. Lameness can have a significant impact at farm level, but these events will highlight ways of reducing lameness levels through prevention, early detection and appropriate treatment."
The Healthy Hooves to Healthy Herds events are open to farmers, farm families and anyone in the industry with an interest in dairy cow lameness. They will provide an opportunity to learn, ask questions and share experiences around lameness prevention and management.
For further information and event details, visit the AHI website.
