16/01/2024

Hoof care for heifers - it can never be early enough

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For hoof trimmer and veterinarian Michael Hulek from the Mühlviertel region, it's important to correct possible malpositions in heifers as early as possible. In an interview with LANDWIRT, he explains this approach in more detail.

What is important for successful breeding and efficient dairy farming?

A few simple measures for calf care are crucial for later performance. Water and concentrated feed should be available from day one. The animals should be encouraged to ruminate quickly so that the rumen develops optimally. The first year is the crucial period in rearing. First-time cows require special attention. They should milk well, integrate into a new herd after birth, and often receive inadequate feed.

What measures do you recommend regarding hoof care for heifers?

Regarding hoof care, in addition to routine care, I recommend a hoof check at dry-off or eight weeks before calving for heifers. This ensures the cow is well prepared for the start of lactation, which is crucial for long-term performance.

Why is it important to also carry out hoof care on heifers?

The need to check cows' hooves regularly is becoming increasingly common. Heifers are often overlooked. Malpositions can be corrected in young animals with minimal effort. Usually, only the larger claw needs to be adjusted to the smaller one. In the corrected pair of hooves, the bones then grow optimally in relation to the foot axis and angulation. A foot assessment should be performed as standard during insemination. A downward glance is sufficient. If a necessary claw correction is performed, nothing stands in the way of a successful and long career as a dairy cow.

In addition to hoof care, you also provide livestock management as a veterinarian. How often do you visit farms, and how do you conduct your visits?

I visit the farmers every other week. I place particular emphasis on prevention. The money that is secretly and quietly lost through suboptimal processes, such as lameness, empty days, or age at first calving, should be kept on the farm. Today, for example, we are visiting a farmer with around 90 cows and his own offspring. Some of the cows require hoof care. The advantage for the farmer is that I am both a hoof trimmer and veterinarian. Any necessary hoof surgery, which thankfully rarely occurs thanks to regular routine visits, can be performed immediately. At the same appointment, all cows receive a gynecological check starting two weeks after birth and are treated if necessary. Starting 30 days after insemination, I check the animals for pregnancy. I can manage up to 30 animals per hour. Examinations are carried out by palpation and, if necessary, with a speculum.

What motivated you to work as a veterinarian, focusing on hoof trimmers, and how did you get there?

For over ten years, I worked exclusively as a veterinarian. I worked alongside an experienced hoof trimmer. When he retired, we couldn't find a suitable successor. I've always been fascinated by the topic of hoof care. I've continually expanded my expertise at lameness conferences so I can provide comprehensive support to cows and farmers. After working abroad as a veterinarian and farm manager, I returned to Upper Austria to work as a hoof trimmer and herd manager. Personally, I've gained a great deal of experience over the past few years on large farms between Kazakhstan and Egypt. In addition to my work for local farmers, I continue to work internationally.

In order to use the results of individual care measures as parameters for herd management, documentation is crucial. How do you record them?

There are a few digital versions on the market, but I personally prefer a sheet of paper that the farmer simply attaches to the stable file. I consider documentation almost as important as hoof care itself.

Your Stocker practical book "Claw Health & Claw Care" has just been published in a completely revised new edition. Why did you write a book on this topic?

There is a wealth of excellent specialist literature on hoof care – but it is written for scientists and veterinarians. A practical guide for cattle farmers with concrete tips and suggestions for working in the cowshed was simply missing. Since the first edition, the conditions for hoof care and also for the cow have changed considerably. Structured training is available for hoof trimmers working on farms. Cattle housing in loose housing has become standard practice. The animals often travel long distances between feeding, lying down, and milking. Hoof health is a key factor in ensuring the cow's well-being and ability to perform well. This book provides a good foundation for practitioners on the subject of hoof care.

You're in demand not only as a hoof trimmer on farms, but also as a lecturer and course leader on cattle hoofs. What is your core message?

There are two aspects that matter to me. First, animal welfare is paramount, and second, profitability for the farmer is important. If the first point applies, the second follows naturally.

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