The Effect of Hoof Trimming on Milk Yield in Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Hoof trimming is necessary for conformation and health of cattle. It is performed to prevent hoof lesions and maintenance the symmetry and shape of claw. At the same time it is a stress factor in dairy cattle. The aim of the study was to investigate the stress effects of hoof trimming on milk yield in healthy dairy cattle. Twenty Simmental dairy cattle were used as material. Functional hoof trimming was performed for all cattle. Dairy milk yield was measured before and after hoof trimming period. There were personal increases and decreases of milk yield recorded in animals. However, these increase and decrease were not statistically significant. As a result of this study hoof trimming is necessary for claw health and prevention for foot diseases. In healthy dairy cattle it causes stress and to decreases in milk yield. On the other hand the hoof trimming time, environmental factors such as flooring system and management style, and the animal related factors such as lactation period and stage, number of milking, breed and age affect the milk yield with hoof trimming positively or negatively. Keywords : Cattle, Dairy, Hoof, Milk, Simmental DOI : 10.7176/JSTR/5-5-07