Prophylactic Efficacy of Hoof Health Examination and Hoof Trimming During Mid-lactation to Reduce Incidence of Lameness in Holstein Cows During Late Lactation

To assess the prophylactic efficacy of hoof health examination and hoof trimming in Holstein cows during mid-lactation to reduce incidence of lameness during late lactation. Design randomized field trial. Animals 333 Holstein cows Procedure - At approximately 200 days postpartum, cows were randomly allocated into 1 of 2 experimental groups. Cows allocated in the treatment group (n = 161) were examined on a tilt table for a diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment of hoof disorders or lesions by performing hoof trimming procedures. Cows in the control group (n = 172) were not examined. Number of cows classified as lame during late lactation (approx, 201 to 400 days postpartum) was compared between groups to assess efficacy ...