Dairy cow lameness is an important animal health, well-being and economic topic for the dairy industry, with estimates that about one-half of dairy cows will be affected by lameness during their productive life. CDCB is establishing partnerships to develop a hoof health data pipeline from U.S. dairy herds, to advance genetic evaluations and expand management tools.
The strategic planning began with a comprehensive virtual workshop in late September facilitated by CDCB with representatives from USDA AGIL, Lactanet (Canada), Hoof Trimmers Association, University of Minnesota, University of Calgary, Dairy Management, Inc. and Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. Workshop topics included:
- Existing knowledge on dairy cattle hoof health in the U.S. and Canada
- Current trends in genetics and management tools to enhance hoof health
- Current hoof care organizations and related action plans
Development of a pipeline to capture phenotypic information related to hoof health, necessary to enhance the reliability of evaluations and generate additional health management tools for dairy herds
Outcomes of the workshop included the confirmation of intent by all parties to develop a hoof health pipeline, identification of key stakeholders and their involvement, and determination of core leadership to advance the action plan.
Dairy cow lameness is considered an important animal health, well-being and economic concern for the dairy industry, with estimates that about one-half of dairy cows will be affected by lameness during their productive life. Watch for updates as this important collaboration and development continues.
Source: CDCB
