Lameness is a year-round challenge, but late spring can be particularly tough for Waikato and Taupō dairy farmers. With mating season approaching, lame cows can cause:
Before the rush of mating, take time to reduce lameness issues and keep your herd moving.
Early identification of lame cows is key to faster recovery and better animal welfare. Hoof problems often start small and worsen over time. If you catch and treat them early:
Tip: Train farm staff to check for lameness every time cows walk to and from the shed. Mark and draft affected cows promptly for examination.
When treating a lame cow, the most important step is to lift the foot and inspect it. Skipping this step and going straight to antibiotics can:
Most lame cows do not need antibiotics. Common causes in NZ include:
Only digital dermatitis and foot rot consistently require antibiotics. The rest can often be treated with hoof trimming, pain relief, and time.
Learning to diagnose and trim hooves is a valuable skill. Our Taupō veterinary team can:
Contact your local Waikato or Taupō vet clinic for advice, treatment, or to book a training session.
📞 Call us today – let’s keep your cows moo-ving this season!
