DairyCo

The Effect of Forage Type on Foot Health in Dairy Heifers

Published 15 January 10

Foot lameness, caused by lesions affecting the horn of the claw, is the most commonly identified cause of severe lameness in the dairy cow. The lesions are most usually found in the sole (eg. sole ulcers) and/or the white line (eg. septic penetrations) and the damage to the soft underlying tissue results in prolonged pain and so presents a major welfare problem in dairy cattle.