At the time of calving, changes occur within the cow causing the ligaments within her hoof to relax. In early lactation, as she loses condition, she is at risk of losing fat from the fat pads (called the digital cushion) located in her hoof. Both of these events mean that the pedal bone within the hoof is less supported making it easier for outside factors to cause tissue damage and bruising. In this webinar Neil Chesterton, New Zealand’s leading lameness expert focuses on 12 cow behaviours and how to best help cows through this vulnerable time in their lactation.

Biography: Neil graduated from Sydney University (Australia) in 1974 and went straight to Inglewood Vets in New Zealand. His interest is the prevention of lameness. In recent years this interest has focused on the importance of herd management on the farm tracks and in the milking parlour. His understanding of cow behaviour is resulting in practical ways for farmers to reduce foot damage and subsequent lameness. He has been investigating the causes of lameness since the early 80's and has had 3 papers published in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal. In 1989 he was awarded the Australasian College Medal for his work in this field. He has produced booklets and teaching videos covering all aspects of lameness in pasture-fed dairy herds. Neil travels regularly around New Zealand investigating herd lameness problems and presenting seminars to farming groups, consultants, and veterinarians. As well as this, he continues his research, presenting results at conferences worldwide and is a consultant to the Healthy Hoof Programme of Dairy New Zealand.

The recording is available here to watch back: