Effects of Hoof Trimming on Feed Consumption, Milk Yield, Oxidant and Antioxidant System in Dairy Cows with Hoof Deformities
Authors: Yakan Selvinaz
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Hoof Trimming Effects on Dairy Cow Metabolic Health Lameness from hoof deformities significantly impacts dairy cow productivity, yet the metabolic consequences of corrective trimming remain poorly characterised. Researchers tracked 12 Brown Swiss cows in mid-to-late lactation across six measurement points (before, during, and up to 18 days after therapeutic trimming), recording daily feed intake and milk yield alongside comprehensive blood biomarkers of oxidative stress (total oxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) and antioxidant defence (vitamins A, C and E, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione). Corrective trimming produced immediate, measurable improvements: feed consumption and milk yield increased significantly within the post-treatment period, whilst markers of oxidative stress (TOC) decreased substantially whilst antioxidant parameters—glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, vitamins E and C—all increased significantly, suggesting resolution of the systemic inflammatory response associated with lameness. Vitamin A levels remained unchanged, and effects persisted through day 31 post-trimming. These findings demonstrate that addressing hoof deformities through professional trimming not only restores production metrics but actively resolves the oxidative stress burden that lameness imposes on systemic health—a compelling case for prompt intervention and regular preventative hoof care protocols in dairy operations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Corrective hoof trimming in lame dairy cows with deformities improves feed intake and milk production, with measurable increases in both parameters
- •Hoof trimming reduces systemic oxidative stress and supports the body's antioxidant defenses, indicating improved overall health and recovery from lameness-related inflammation
- •Consider hoof trimming as a cost-effective intervention to restore production performance and physiological health in affected dairy cattle
Key Findings
- •Hoof trimming increased feed consumption and milk yield in dairy cows with hoof deformities (P < 0.05)
- •Hoof trimming reduced total oxidant capacity and oxidative stress index (P < 0.05)
- •Hoof trimming increased total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and vitamins E and C (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001)
- •Vitamin A levels showed no significant change following hoof trimming (P > 0.05)