Vol. 12, Special Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Jettaboina Saikiran, Prasanna SB, Mahadevappa D Gouri, Mahesh Kumar G, Umashankar BC, Anil Kumar GK, Nagesh AM and Shankarappa Bhajantri

Abstract:
Lameness in milking cows is a serious problem in the dairy enterprise which affects the health and well being of animals. The present study was aimed to know the effect of hoof trimming intervention on alleviation of lameness in dairy cattle before and after hoof trimming. Twenty lame cows were selected for the study and lameness index score was allotted to them (0-5 score). The nutrient requirements of the animals were met through concentrate feed and ad libitum green fodder. Lameness index score was recorded before week of hoof trimming (HT) and days after hoof trimming intervention it was recorded on 0^th day, 3^rd day, 6^th day, 8^th day, 11^th day, 14^th day. Lameness Index Score (LIS) was given before and after hoof trimming and severity of lameness was compared before and after hoof trimming. It was observed that significant improvement (p˃0.05) in lameness index score was observed from 8^th day post Intervention when compared with before week of hoof trimming. Based on these observations, the intervention of hoof trimming demonstrated a favourable impact on both lameness and the enhancement of Lameness Index Score (LIS) in dairy cows. This innovative and improved approach involves the utilization of an angle cutter for hoof trimming, which is both safe and painless in comparison to the traditional hoof cutter method that often leads to bleeding hooves and involves Labor-intensive procedures.