HERD HEALTH

For 29 years, Hugh Smythe has made a living by making cow comfort a priority. As a hoof trimmer, he spends his days making sure cows throughout British Columbia can put their best hoof forward.

Lameness is a sign of pain resulting in an abnormal locomotion, gait or posture. It is a major economic, productivity and animal welfare issue in our industry.

As dairy producers seek more ways to sharpen the pencil on profitability, they are examining each area of the farm budget for cost-saving opportunities.

Treating digital dermatitis with tetracycline has long been a standard approach, but now is the time to seek alternative methods of treatment, starting with proper identification and prevention.

In a previous article in Progressive Dairyman, I broke out the cost analysis for contracting trimming compared to bringing the task partially or completely in-house.

Beginning in September 2019, dairy producers will need to comply with the requirements under the biosecurity module of proAction. This module is made up of seven requirements which all producers must complete or implement on their farm.