Hoof Care programmes have been developed by Dairy Direct over years of first-hand experience dealing with lameness on Irish Farms. Rapid growth of dairy herd sizes leads to increased incidents of lameness. Around 37% of our national herd (ref Teagasc survey) are affected by some form of clinical lameness. The need to structure an easy, yet effective footbath routine, and regular hoof trimming is paramount to control.

Hoof Care programmes
top dairy hygiene tips

Farmers need to be conscious not to over-size or under-size a footbath, 150 cows through a 200 litre bath is recommended to ensure disinfection is at its optimum

Building an effective footbath routine

Each farm will consider different factors when deciding on a footbath routine. Herd size, yard layout, the position of the foot bath and environmental issues all play a key part in tailoring a foot bath routine specific to every farm.

  • Ensure the footbath area is well-ventilated, well-lit and nonslip to encourage the natural flow of the herd.

  • A well-placed footbath on the exit will allow ample opportunity for the herd to discard muck and debris prior to the footbath.
  • Footbath requires adequate depth to cover the hoof and adequate length to take several steps.

  • Farmers need to be conscious not to over-size or under-size a footbath. 150 cows through a 200 litre bath is recommended to ensure disinfection is at its optimum.

  • Maximise the cow’s ease of flow through the footbath with an obstruction-free, easy route.
  • A steady pace will allow correct contact time with the foot bath solution and make for a more stress-free process.
Building an effective footbath routine

The cost of lameness

Clinical lameness alone is estimated to reduce milk yields by 350kg per lactation. A case of clinical lameness is estimated to cost €160 – €300 per cow. Facts: 90% of lameness is in the foot, with 80% in the hind limbs and 80% of these cases in the outer claw.

top dairy hygiene tips

The volume of your foot bath determines the chemical ratio. The right chemical ratio is vital; too much can be harmful, and too little can be wasteful. Ask our specialist to help determine your specific calculation

Early warning signs

When a cow shows physical signs of lameness, the issue has existed for weeks, even up to a month beforehand. Earlier signs to watch for a reduction in feed intakes, drinking less, resting more, last in line for milking, lower yields, and poor body condition. Cows will mask the discomfort for weeks before the lameness becomes visually obvious to the eye. The importance of regular foot bathing, therefore, keeps on top of the underlying issues before they develop into more serious issues, which will cut profits (increase the cost to an average of €10000 per 100 herds per year *ref Teagasc survey). The Impact lameness has on cows goes beyond their milking performance leads to low fertility rates, and leaves the animal more vulnerable to illness.

cow shows physical signs of lameness

Frequency, Dilution and Routines

  • The frequency and chemical solution in a footbath should change with the seasons.
  • Fresh chemicals in the footbath are essential. If it looks dirty, it is more likely to contaminate. Guide of 150 cows per 200 litres of solution.
  • The volume of your footbath determines the chemical ratio. The right chemical ratio is vital; too much can be harmful, and too little can be wasteful. Ask our specialist to help determine your specific calculation.
  • Consult with our hoof care advisors to help develop your foot bathing strategy.

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