Health of Dairy Cows’ Hooves in Balanced Feeding
Lameness is a multifactorial condition influenced by the environment, genetics, lifestyle, and nutrition. These critical factors directly impact hoof health in dairy cows and high productivity. Thus, hoof health in dairy cows is a constant priority for nearly every farm. Regular monitoring of hoof health can prevent additional costs: 40% for lost milk production, 30% for reproductive disorders, and around 30% for treatment expenses. In monetary terms, one clinical case can result in additional costs ranging from USD 350 to 700.
Cow hooves are horny formations at the ends of their “fingers,” derived from the skin and representing modified nails. The main structural protein involved in hoof horn growth is keratin, whose proteins provide the structural basis for the horn’s unique properties and its protective function against various environmental factors.
Causes of Lameness in Dairy Cows:
Infectious causes. These are associated with pathogens that cause hoof diseases, including conditions like foot rot, Mortellaro disease, and others, depending on the pathogen introduced to the herd.
Non-infectious causes. Housing conditions, genetics, and unbalanced feeding impact hoof health by causing varying levels of acidosis and deficiencies of several nutritional factors, the effects of which have been proven through numerous studies worldwide.
Unbalanced feeding of cows is the primary non-infectious cause of hoof disease. It acts through the acidosis condition and a deficiency of several nutrients (zinc, selenium, calcium, copper, manganese, and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E). A deficiency of these elements, as proven by numerous studies globally, leads to hoof diseases. Additionally, unbalanced feeding lowers immunity, promoting the development of infectious hoof diseases.
VITAGRO NUTRITION is always attuned to the needs and health of dairy farms, creating high-performance feeding programs. For hoof health in lactating cows, they have developed the VitaMix Premium Lacto Cow Hoof vitamin and mineral complex, designed to enhance immunity and strengthen hoof horn growth. The complex includes all necessary nutrients—zinc, selenium (both in inorganic and organic forms), calcium, copper, manganese, and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E. It also contains chromium propionate (an essential element in energy metabolism that controls insulin receptors and glucose metabolism), as well as macro- and microelements and biologically active substances. The premixes include a therapeutic dose of biotin, niacin, and protected niacin.
Research on the continuous use of the VitaMix Premium Lacto Cow Hoof complex has shown a significant improvement in hoof health and condition in dairy cows and reduced culling rates. This proves that feeding cows balanced in essential nutrients is one of the primary factors in preventing lameness in lactating cows. However, the polyetiological nature of lameness remains relevant, and the problem is complex, continually requiring innovative solutions.