Research has proven that with each incidence of lameness the loss of milk production, lowered conception rate, and treatment cost exceeds $120 and over 90 percent of foot rot cases, digital dermatitis and sole ulcer cases can be treated.
Finding cows early and treating them right away will shorten the duration of disease and limit the probability of relapse, but the knowledge and training of the hoof trimmers in paramount in a herd program that lowers lameness.
A Master Hoof Care training will be held on June 6-7 at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa. This course is a hands-on training program for instruction in hoof care and trimming.
Trimming techniques are designed to correct claw horn overgrowth without over-trimming, balance weight bearing within and between the claws of each foot, and finally, create a stable weight bearing surface on all claws. The lab will consist of instruction on knife sharpening techniques, the treatment of lameness disorders including the proper application of foot blocks for relief of weight bearing in diseased or injured claws and practice trimming with knives and grinders.
Dr. Jan Shearer, Dairy Extension Veterinarian at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine will teach this class. Dr. Shearer’s primary areas of interest for many years has been lameness, euthanasia and welfare of cattle. In addition, he can present in Spanish for students having difficulty following in English.
The tuition is $750 total (divided into 2 checks), the second check is to cover manuals, DVD, set of knives, gauges, and other educational material, feet, student help and food; both checks are due by the beginning of class.
For more information contact Leslie Shearer, ISU, CVM, MHC Coordinator at lshearer@iastate.edu with your COMPLETE contact information including name, phone, address, position (e.g. Veterinarian, dairyman, trimmer etc. If you have further questions please call 515.294.2836 or text 352/538-0168.
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