Lameness
Lameness is a major health and welfare problem that results in poor body condition, milk production and fertility as well as the need for higher herd replacement rates.
Below is a table of the main causes of lameness in beef cattle.
| Condition | Symptoms and causes | Treatment |
| Digital Dermatitis | Inflammation (bacteria) of skin around the hoof – starts at the back of the hoof but spreads | Antibiotics |
| Foul of the foot | Inflammation (bacteria) between the claws – foul smell if pressed | Footbathing (5% formalin) |
| Laminitis | Inflammation of the laminae – below the outer horny wall of the foot – caused by physical injury or high concentrate diets | Ration correctly and introduce to high energy diets gradually |
The main ways to prevent the majority of these lameness issues is to routinely care for the cows’ feet by regular hoof trimming. This allows the farmers to know if there are any issues early on, before the cow shows signs of lameness.
Foot bathing can eliminate low level infections while antibiotics and vet advice might have to be relied upon in severe or repeat cases.
Animals that don’t respond to treatment should be culled – lameness should be a part of the culling policy.