Computerised claw trimming database programs as the basis for monitoring hoof health in dairy herds

Regular documentation and recording of udder health, reproduction and metabolic status are common practices on dairy farms. However, recording of claw health is less commonly undertaken. Computerised claw trimming documentation and analysis programs have been developed in Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, United States, and Austria. Such programs enable automatic analysis of recorded data including the presence/absence of claw lesions, their severity, and exact location (lateral, medial, fore and hind claws, interdigital or in predetermined claw zones) as well as the overall incidence and prevalence of lameness. Analysis of such data, particularly of numerical values, allows comparisons to be made between consecutive visits within one herd as well as between herds. Additionally, computerised programs can include interfaces that link to other herd health management programs or to data available from national breeding associations. Greater use of computerised claw trimming database programs would provide a valuable basis for monitoring and improving claw health and lameness in dairy herds.