Hoof Trimming Workshop For
Dairy Workers Planned, March 2nd & 3rd

 

From Dr. Mario Villarino
Hopkins County Extension Agent

 

Hoof trimming of the dairy cow is an activity often overseen by dairy workers. The health of the hoof is critical to maintain proper integrity of the dairy cow, allow appropriate feeding and movement around the pens. If a dairy cow suffers from hoof problems, her food consumption might diminish and as a consequence, milk production might drop.  Preventive care of the hoof, by using proper diet and care of the hoof is critical to maintain a healthy cow. However, since the problems in the hoof are often detected too late and most of the time by the herd veterinarian, dairy workers often do not realize the importance of preventive and proper maintenance of the hoof. 

To provide proper training to the dairy worker, Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Delta/Franklin, Hopkins, Rains, Van Zandt and Wood counties have organized the 2010 Hoof Trimming for Dairy Workers Workshop to be held at the Hopkins County Extension Office in Sulphur Springs, March 2 and 3rd. The workshop will be conducted in Spanish.  Dr. Jan Shearer, Professor and Dairy Specialist from Iowa State University will explain proper hoof trimming techniques, anatomy of the hoof and its importance, tools of the trade and functional trimming concepts. The workshop will include a hands on portion scheduled for March 3, 2010, followed up by a live demonstration at a local commercial dairy. 

The workshop is sponsored by ZINPRO. Lunch will be provided for March 3rd, sponsored by PFIZER Animal Health.  The workshop is free but registration is required. Please call the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to reserve a place. The workshop is limited to 20 participants.

 

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