Healthy Feet Programme
Most of you are probably already aware that the 3rd round of funding from The Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme (FFIS) has now been launched. The round will close on Friday 4 April 2014. Unlike previous rounds, they will start processing applications as soon as they arrive. Therefore, you are strongly advised to apply as soon as you can. Grant is paid in arrears, so successful applicants will need to purchase and install the items before claiming the grant from them. However, it is important to note that all grant claims will need to be received by the RDPE Delivery team by the 31 January 2015.
We noticed that on the list are also foot trimming crushes, automatic footbaths, cow mattresses, rubber matting in the parlour or collecting yard and grooving of concrete in these areas.
It seems to be an ideal time to have a look at lameness on your farm and have a tailor-made plan to improve it. The average prevalence of lameness on UK farms is 33%, which means that at any time 33 cows per 100 cows are not walking 100% sound! With an average case of lameness costing around £300, due to treatment cost, reduced milk yield, poorer fertility and increased cull cost, we can easily see how it would be very cost-effective to reduce lameness on your farm.
DairyCo has launched the Healthy Feet Programme (DHFP), which aims to help dairy farmers reduce the number of lame cows on their farms by identifying and applying the right management techniques. They found that farms enrolled on this programme, on average, reduced their lameness by 10%, saving £3000 per 100 cows per year!
Lame cows cost time and money, and are a problem not only because of potential welfare issues, but also because, like any on going problem, they can affect staff morale.
Lameness is a term which covers many conditions: some are caused by infection, and some by physical and management factors. An understanding of which types of lameness are present, coupled with a structured approach to tackle the underlying causes is required to tackle lameness effectively.
The DairyCo Healthy Feet Programme is a step-wise approach which will help dairy farmers make important progress towards diagnosing the problems, devising an action plan and develop the skills necessary for long-term lameness control. Both Ingrid and Ruth are trained providers and will facilitate the whole process and act as one-to-one advisers, or 'mobility mentors'.
Please get in touch to discuss this exciting opportunity by calling us on 01363 772860 or emailing the Farm Team. We are offering a mobility package, which will comprise quarterly mobility scoring of the entire herd and an initial investigation of the causes of lameness on your farm and a plan to help to tackle it.
