In this third article dedicated to the typically autumnal syndromes found in dairy farming, we will address foot problems.
Foot diseases, such as lameness, can be caused by various factors, including laminitis, which is the final manifestation of different conditions that can have various origins, such as inadequate barn management (slippery floor surfaces and lack of space) and nutritional imbalances, with unsuitable rations and low levels of trace elements beneficial to foot health, such as zinc and biotin.
Specifically, between late summer and early autumn, many dairy farms observe a peak in the incidence of lameness, or more precisely laminitis, primarily due to poor management of summer-related issues.
Lameness caused by heat stress results from:
Chemical Factors
To cool the animals, water jets are used, which consequently create humid environments unsuitable for maintaining healthy hooves.
Metabolic Factors
The animal experiences hyperventilation, which leads to a loss of CO2 and reduced buffering capacity of the rumen, increasing the risk of acidosis.
Mechanical Factors
The animal spends much more time standing as lying down reduces heat dissipation.
Combining these three factors puts significant stress on the hoof, leading to an increased incidence of lameness (in the United States, in September, an average of 16% of cows are lame, with a locomotion scoring index of 3 or higher).
From a nutritional perspective, certain trace elements and vitamins like Zinc and Biotin can support bovine hoof health. Similarly, to promote hoof regeneration and hardening, it is useful to perform repeated hoof baths with products containing copper sulfate and zinc (2 – 3 times a week, preferably on consecutive days).
Zinc (Zn)
Very important as it is part of 300 enzymes. It improves wound healing, keratin synthesis, epithelial protection, and hoof hardness. Recommended amounts are between 50-60 ppm, one-third of which should be in organic chelated form or sulfate.
Study on Organic Zinc
In America, a study of 3,000 cows on the use of organic zinc showed that it positively affects hoof health, reducing:
• 30% of white line issues
• 11% of sole ulcers
• 33% of digital dermatitis
THUS, USING ORGANIC ZINC IMPROVES THE ANIMAL’S HEALING CAPACITY AND HOOF HARDNESS.
Biotin (vit. B8)
Improves hoof health:
• moderates white line separation (Midla et al., 1998 – Hedges et al., 2001);
• limits hoof lesions (Campbell et al., 1996);
• reduces sole ulcers (Hegemeister, 1996 – Leisher et al., 1996 – Koller et al., 1998);
Additionally, it increases milk production.
The inclusion rate is 10-20 milligrams/head/day for 6 months to 1 year.
How much would biotin cost you?
4-10 cents/head/day
Is it worth using?
Yes, the benefit is 4 times higher than the cost.
