UK Herd Mobility Improvement Requires Farmers Data

In order to create a new hoof-health registry in the UK, dairy producers are being encouraged to submit their foot trimming and hoof-health information. The goal of the AHDB-created registry is to assist farmers in their efforts to breed for increased herd mobility.

According to the Levy Board, hoof-health records have an opportunity to enhance the genetic indices they generate. It is hoped that by including more hoof-related features, the register would significantly lower the frequency of lameness in cows.

According to a new University of Liverpool study, lameness has a greater heritability than previously thought. This was especially true for sole haemorrhage (29%), and sole ulcers (35%).

Dairy producers must complete a web-based application from the University of Liverpool in order for the data about foot clipping from their herd to be used.