Digital Dermatitis worries?

For many dairy farmers, hoof health is not a first priority. It’s a time-consuming task, and its impact is often underestimated. However, studies and practical experiences show that proper hoof management has a direct effect on milk production, animal welfare and business results. Hoof care specialist Marius van Laer shares his experiences and insights on how farmers can achieve significant improvements with the right approach.

From problem to prevention
"Many farmers see hoof care as a necessary evil. It often only happens when a cow becomes lame, but by then, the damage has already been done", Marius explains. "I regularly visit farms where cows with severe hoof problems only receive
treatment when it's almost too late." To change this, Marius collaborates with veterinarians and feed advisors to raise awareness among farmers about the
importance of preventive hoof care. "We organise hands-on 1-to-1 training sessions where farmers learn to trim and care the hooves themselves. The realisation of what a difference preventive approach can make only truly sinks in when they experience it firsthand."

The key factors for healthy hooves
What distinguishes farms with excellent hoof health? According to Marius, there are three essential pillars. “Firstly, regular hoof care is essential. "The farms I particularly enjoy visiting follow a strict routine, strategically trimming their
cows’ hooves every six to eight weeks while proactively addressing lame cows in between. Secondly, barns should have clean, dry floors and comfortable resting areas. This makes a big difference. Treating hooves is pointless if cows return to unhygienic conditions afterwards. Finally, farmers who prioritise hoof health, carefully follow treated cows and monitor the results, can detect any potential issues before they escalate." Lely provides Farm Management Support through expert advisors who visit farms, help farmers identify hoof health risks, and offer practical solutions to prevent problems.

 

Supportive technology
Innovations like the Lely Meteor automatic hoof sprayer help farmers take hoof health to the next level. The hooves can be washed and cared during the milking process. "One of my clients had serious issues with Digital Dermatitis. After implementing a structured trimming schedule and using Lely Meteor, we saw improvements within a month", says Marius. "The great thing about this technology is that it integrates preventive care into the daily routine, without adding any work for the farmer."

Changing the mindset
Hoof problems are among the three most costly dairy farm diseases and a leading cause of culling. However, a lot of farmers are not aware of the impact of lameness. Therefore, the biggest challenge remains changing the mindset, says Marius. "Some farmers wait until the problem becomes impossible to ignore. But if a cow is already lame, you’re too late. My message is simple: invest in prevention, and you will see it pay off. Healthy hooves lead to healthy cows, making farm operations not only more efficient but also more enjoyable."