Written protocols should be in place and reviewed annually with your veterinarian and employees to ensure that certain procedures are carried out appropriately.

Goals:

To reduce the occurrence of lameness in the herd and quickly identify and treat lame cows

How to assess:

Review the hoof health/lameness prevention protocol to confirm that the following information is included and that appropriate criteria are being met:

Review the hoof health protocol to confirm that the following information is included and that appropriate criteria are being met:

• Should aim for moderate lameness in less than 15% of the lactating herd and severe lameness in less than 1% of it
• Plans are in place for routine hoof trimming
• A schedule exists for regular lameness and lesion scoring
• A plan is in place for what to do with unresponsive lameness (action within 30 days and follow up within 90 days)
• Signed by VOR

A template is provided as a guideline; farms may write their own as long as minimum content is met.

National Dairy FARM Program

• Routinely survey hoof, feet, and leg health for potential lameness
• Maintain clean facilities with routine maintenance
• Routine hoof trimming for each animal twice a year
• Routine footbath solution for cows to use as they exit the parlor
• If lameness is found, segregate the animal to properly treat in a way that minimizes pain
  • Keep separate until full recovery, milk/meat withholds, and pain management have been satisfied
• Record treatment