Under the theme “Healthy Hooves to Healthy Herds” the two events will focus on practical approaches to identifying, managing and preventing lameness, with farmers given the opportunity to learn from industry experts and identify specific actions that can be implemented on their own farms.
Lameness remains an important herd health, welfare and economic issue on Irish dairy farms. In herds with a high prevalence of lameness, it is estimated to cost farmers up to €8,750 per 100 cows each year. At a national lameness prevalence of 10%, this equates to an estimated loss of approximately €145 million annually to the Irish dairy sector.
These costs can arise through a combination of reduced milk production, treatment, reduced fertility and increased risk of culling. Lameness is also an important welfare issue, causing pain and affecting a cow’s mobility and normal behaviour. Early identification and appropriate management are therefore key to reducing its impact on both cow welfare and farm profitability.
Join us on the 22nd and 24th of September!
