The Effects of One-Time Hoof Trimming on Blood Biochemical Composition, Milk Yield, and Milk Composition in Dairy Cows

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Although not scientifically proven, hoof trimming has been empirically shown to increase milk yields in healthy dairy cows. In this study, we examined the effect of one-time hoof trimming on blood biochemical composition, milk yield, and milk composition in healthy dairy cows. Eleven cows in the mid to late lactation period that were clinically fit and without hoof disease were subjected to hoof trimming, and metabolic profile tests and dairy herd improving tests were performed before and three weeks after the hoof trimming. The metabolic profiles showed changes in albumin, blood urea nitrogen, ammonia, glucose, and β-hydroxybutyric acid as a result of the hoof trimming. This was indicated by the fact that the cows began to intake more roughage after hoof trimming than prior to hoof trimming, and rumen fermentation became stable. There was no change in milk yield after trimming. However, the milk fat and milk protein compositions were significantly increased after trimming. KEY WORDS: dairy cow, hoof trimming, metabolic profile test.

The effect of temporary deprivation of lying and feeding on the behaviour and production of lactating dairy cows

“…More minor stressors cause less effect -tuberculin testing has been observed to reduce milk yield by 1 kg/day (King, 1976) and visitor disturbances resulted in reduced yield by 0.5 kg/day (King, 1978), both of these for about 2 days. Other researchers have found that a single hoof trimming either improved milk production in late lactation (Tanaka et al, 1994) or it did not significantly adversely affect the milk yield of a small sample of cows with healthy hooves (Nishimori et al, 2006). The benefits of improved hoof health and frictional properties following trimming (Phillips et al, 1998) may provide long-term improvements in the ability of cows to feed, whereas the short-term impact may be a reduction in milk yield as a result of stress.…”

Use of three-dimensional acceleration sensing to assess dairy cow gait and the effects of hoof trimming

“…Proper and regular hoof care promotes longevity, productivity and well being of dairy cows (e.g. Manske et al 2002;Kishimori et al 2006). However, objective evaluation of the effects of hoof trimming on the gait of cows is difficult.…”

Effect of Hoof Trimming before the Dry Period on Productive Performance in Perinatal Dairy Cows

“…It has been reported that metabolizable energy is more preferentially used for milk production and body condition than reproduction after parturition in dairy cows [11]. Nishimori et al reported that hoof trimming during the mid to late lactation period does not affect milk yield, but that the milk fat and protein concentrations are higher [12]. These results support the hypothesis that hoof trimming before the dry period has a more positive effect on milk yield than on weight gain or reproductive status.…”

“…However, inadequate or poor trimming may cause lameness [19], and it is therefore necessary to be performed by practitioners of hoof trimming. Previous studies have reported that trimming has positive effects in relation to reduction of hoof disorder [18] and improvement of productivity [2,5,12]. However, there have been very few investigations of its effect on nutrition and endocrine function.…”

“…In particular, insulin plays a dominant role in Glu regulation and is the only hormone capable of decreasing the plasma Glu concentration. After feeding on large amounts of water-soluble carbohydrate, the plasma Glu concentration is elevated via increased levels of propionic acid in the rumen, and thus the plasma Glu concentration can be used as a reference index of water-soluble carbohydrate intake in cows [12]. On the other hand, it is well known that stress elevates the plasma Glu concentration.…”