How to stop lameness in its tracks | Ep. 89

Do we really know the cost of lameness? And more importantly, what can we do to stop it? In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan speaks with Winston Mason, a Veterinarian and Epidemiologist at EpiVets, and Frank Portegys, Senior Area Manager at DairyNZ for the King Country region. They cover the common causes of lameness, the direct and indirect costs, and effective strategies for reducing its impact. Find out what the early signs of lameness are and why quick action can make all the difference.

Tools and resources:

• Identifying lame cows - DairyNZ
• Lameness Scoring Shed Poster
• Healthy Hoof video 
• Find a Healthy Hoof Provider - DairyNZ

Have feedback or ideas for future episodes? Email us at talkingdairy@dairynz.co.nz

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 3:46 What is dairy cow lameness and how big is the problem?
• 6:00 How much is it a problem on-farm this year?
• 7:20 What's the white line?
• 7:58 What's the real cost of lameness?
• 11:35 What the study of cow hoof bones shows
• 15:05 What can farmers do to manage lame cows?
• 19:52 The four point plan
• 24:41 What farmers are doing in practice to manage lameness
• 25:59 Different patterns of lameness in heifers
• 27:54 New information on dairy cow lameness
• 29:10 Where to start treating lameness
• 30:39 What help's available for farmers looking to prevent and treat lame cows
• 32:01 Episode summary