Strategic hoof trimming
Evaluation
The cut-off values suggested are based on recommendations in Sweden. Find out which recommendations apply in your country.
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Is there a routine for performing hoof trimming at drying off or at 30–90 days before first calving?
Yes
No, hoof trimming is performed only once per lactation
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Is hoof trimming performed 30–90 days into lactation?
Yes
No, hoof trimming is performed only once per lactation
For best results
Hoof trimming is performed at strategic periods in lactation.
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Lactation stage?
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Why?
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Trimming 1
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90–30 days prior to predicted calving (before first calving for heifers or around drying off)
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Optimise the claw shape and treat any injuries prior to calving
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Trimming 2
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30–90 days after calving
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Correct the claw shape and identify and treat any hoof disorder at an early stage before they become serious
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Trimming 3 (if required)
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Approx. 120 days after trimming 2
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Trimming 3 is required if there was a severe lesion at trimming 2 or if it is a strategy to trim all cows 3 times per lactation |
Tips!
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Calculate how often the hoof trimmer must visit your herd:
- Total number of hoof trimmings per year = (Number of animals in the herd whose hooves are to be trimmed) x 2 + (Percentage of animals in the herd that have had severe hoof lesions in the last 12 months) x herd size
- Number of cows per trimming session = Total number of hoof trimmings per year / Frequency of visits by the hoof trimmer per year (at least 7 times per year*)
- Adjust the frequency of visits from the hoof trimmer until the total number of hoof trimmings per trimming session is optimised. Bear in mind that there also must be time for acutely lame cows and follow-ups!
* The hoof trimmer must visit at least every 60 days if you want to trim the hooves at the intervals stated above, i.e. at least 7 times a year. This may not be practical in smaller herds.
- Total number of hoof trimmings per year = (Number of animals in the herd whose hooves are to be trimmed) x 2 + (Percentage of animals in the herd that have had severe hoof lesions in the last 12 months) x herd size
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Various individualised strategic hoof trimming strategies are possible. For example, hoof trimming can be performed when cows are dried off, even if it is not possible to stick to the other intervals.