Implications for Lameness Control in Cattle

Themes common to beef and dairy cattle in the prevention of claw horn lesions are enhancements to comfort, flooring, and handling practices, and careful use of hoof trimming to unload pressure on the claws, without the removal of excessive amounts of horn. Infectious lesion control emphasizes the role of individuals in the herd infected with active lesions and the need for close contact and moist underfoot conditions for spread, providing a role for well-managed pen conditions and potential utilization of footbathing and disinfection practices, as well as enhancements to skin integrity and animal immunity.