10 September 2012

2 minute read

Oceania

The new information is the result of a lameness in dairy cattle webinar trialled by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) and Dairy Australia earlier this year. More than 80 farmers and service providers from around Australia logged into hear the latest methods to combat lameness from well known US hoof care expert Karl Burgi, Victorian vet Dr Jakob Malmo, Dr Neil Chesterton from New Zealand and farm production adviser Peter Best, who specialises in lameness prevention and treatment.

Topics and advice covered includes:

• Prevention and treatment tools and techniques;
• Impact on fertility in both cows and bulls;
• Heat stress as a major contributor to lameness;
• Rate at which the horn of the hoof grows;
• How cow and farmer behaviour influences lameness.

If farmers still have questions around lameness impacting on the welfare, fertility and production of their herd, they can now ask the experts at any time through an online blog created to support the information presented in the recorded webinar.

The webinar presentation and video footage on lameness management taken ‘in the field’ is available at http://www.creomedia.com.au/clients/dairyaustralia/june.html

All you need to do is enter your name and email address to register to view it. The blog is available through the NCDEA at http://gotafe.trainingvc.com.au/course/view.php?id=1194

Farmers will need to email Jillian Goudie at [email protected] for full access to the blog.

Dairy Australia Program Manager for Animal Husbandry and Welfare Bridget Peachey said the webinar presentation and blog were great resources to help dairy farmers get on the front foot with lameness in their herd.

“It’s not only a practical resource to have at your fingertips when you need it but also a great training tool for staff,” Ms Peachey said.

“Minimise lameness and improve welfare while reaping the benefits of more milk and improved fertility for your cows.”

TheCattleSite News Desk