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Hoof Health & Housing

Dairy cow housing facilities are a double edge sword when it comes to hoof health and  lameness. Built right and managed properly, housing facilities can limit the problem and aid recovery. According to Dr. Nigel Cook at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, achieving and maintaining high level dairy production are directly related to hoof health and lameness for every dairy farm.
 
UW-Extension Waupaca County Agriculture Agent Greg Blonde focuses on hoof health and its relationship to dairy cow housing and facilities in the factsheet Hoof Health & Housing.  Specific topics covered on the following pages:
  • Stall Dimensions
  • Stall Surface
  • Alley Dimensions
  • Stocking Rates
  • Flooring
  • Grooving
  • Parlor Holding Area
  • Ventilation
  • Pasture Access
Hoof Health & Housing is one of several factsheets in a hoof health series called “Walking Strong” developed by UW-Extension Dairy Team members.  Other factsheets include:
  • Economics of Dairy Cattle Hoof Health
  • Footbath Management
  • Hoof Health & Nutrition
  • Ideal Footbath
  • Proper Foot Wrap Application
  • Recording Hoof Health Events

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