Good Practice based on Current Knowledge

• Keep accurate records on lameness to tackle the disease properly.
• Select breeding bulls with high 'locomotion' indices.
• The feet of any bought-in animals should be thoroughly checked for lesions and given a footbath in zinc or copper sulphate. The animals should preferably be bought from a herd that has no known history of foot rot.
• Preference should be given to keeping animals in straw yards over winter; use adequate bedding and hygienic measures.
• If cubicles are used, these should be of good design and adequate bedding used to ensure comfortable lying times and prevent injuries.
• Maintain concrete surfaces on the farm in good condition to reduce bruising of the sole.
• Scrape slurry frequently to improve overall foot health.
• Improve cow track conditions to reduce sole penetration and bruising.
• Prevent the development of lameness lesions by applying sound routines of foot bathing and foot trimming.
• Minimise the risk of laminitis by adopting feeding practices that promote good rumen function, particularly in early lactation.
• Ensure healthy feet in first lactation heifers to minimise lameness. They should, preferably, be kept separately from older cows during the first lactation and housed in straw yards.
• Monitor feet health by regular herd 'walk past' and/or feet examination on individual cows to detect problems early and correct accordingly.