A new series of short videos on dairy cow lameness has been launched online by Animal Health Ireland (AHI).
The series was officially launched on Wednesday by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Noel Grealish at the Teagasc dairy open day in Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork.
The sound cow innovation programme (SCIP), which is an EIP-funded initiative, was launched with the aim to pilot a lameness control programme on Irish dairy farms.
Speaking at the open day, Teagasc researcher and chair of the AHI Hoof HealthCheck technical working group Dr Muireann Conneely said that lameness is one of the most pressing health and welfare challenges facing Irish dairy farms.
“Recent Teagasc research found that approximately one in 10 Irish dairy cows is lame at any one time, with levels rising to over 30% in some herds,” she said. “The top 20% of Irish herds maintain lameness prevalence below 5%.”
Series
The first in the series of videos on dairy cow lameness explores why lameness matters, not just for animal welfare, but also for farm productivity, sustainability and public trust.
The sound cow innovation programme (SCIP), which is an EIP-funded initiative, was launched with the aim to pilot a lameness control programme on Irish dairy farms.
In addition, AHI Hoof HealthCheck programme manager Michelle McGrath said SCIP will be a first step to having a lameness control plan for all farms in Ireland.
“The SCIP programme is key in highlighting a preventative approach to lameness in dairy herds, while complementing how farmers are successfully approaching lameness.”
Read more
New AHI plan to tackle dairy cow lameness
Donegal farmers invent new hoof care system
A new series of short videos on dairy cow lameness has been launched online by Animal Health Ireland (AHI).
The series was officially launched on Wednesday by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Noel Grealish at the Teagasc dairy open day in Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork.
The sound cow innovation programme (SCIP), which is an EIP-funded initiative, was launched with the aim to pilot a lameness control programme on Irish dairy farms.
Speaking at the open day, Teagasc researcher and chair of the AHI Hoof HealthCheck technical working group Dr Muireann Conneely said that lameness is one of the most pressing health and welfare challenges facing Irish dairy farms.
“Recent Teagasc research found that approximately one in 10 Irish dairy cows is lame at any one time, with levels rising to over 30% in some herds,” she said. “The top 20% of Irish herds maintain lameness prevalence below 5%.”
Series
The first in the series of videos on dairy cow lameness explores why lameness matters, not just for animal welfare, but also for farm productivity, sustainability and public trust.
The sound cow innovation programme (SCIP), which is an EIP-funded initiative, was launched with the aim to pilot a lameness control programme on Irish dairy farms.
In addition, AHI Hoof HealthCheck programme manager Michelle McGrath said SCIP will be a first step to having a lameness control plan for all farms in Ireland.
“The SCIP programme is key in highlighting a preventative approach to lameness in dairy herds, while complementing how farmers are successfully approaching lameness.”
Read more
New AHI plan to tackle dairy cow lameness
Donegal farmers invent new hoof care system
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