Should we trim heifers pre-calving?

Abstract

Functional foot trimming of dairy cows at dry-off to prevent claw lesions during the subsequent lactation is extensively practiced on most modern dairy operations. With increasing frequency, the feet of first-calf heifers are also trimmed in an attempt to achieve adequate conformation of the hoof to accommodate periparturient metabolic changes, minimize the consequences of transitioning to new time budgets, and, sometimes, to adapt to different walking surfaces. Although it is assumed that trimming the feet of heifers prior to calving follows a one-fits-all rule, research on the impact of this practice is lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect that trimming the feet of first-calf heifers prior to parturition has on the incidence of claw lesions during the first lactation.