HERD HEALTH

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (“pinkeye”) has been a problem for cattle producers for more than 100 years. It is a highly contagious ocular disease that results in serious monetary losses for cattle producers.

It’s no surprise that dairy producers are always looking for ways to improve herd health, especially within the fresh cow members of the group. After all, the benefits of investing in healthy practices almost always outweigh the work.

Hoof trimming has progressed significantly over the last three decades. Until the ’80s, cows went to pasture daily, which allowed for natural hoof wear.

New regulations around tetracycline use and availability means there will now be some red tape around the antibiotic commonly used to treat digital dermatitis.

Digital dermatitis (DD) is the number one cause of lameness among dairy cows around the world, but some herds are saying “no” to these painful lesions with a “zero tolerance” policy that works.

Many dairy producers point to freezing winter weather as a reason to reduce or eliminate footbath use.