Evaluating the impact of mid-lactation hoof trimming on first lactation dairy cows

Routine hoof trimming around dry-off is a common preventa­tive practice for lameness on commercial dairy farms. Incor­porating a second routine hoof trimming around mid-lactation has been shown to reduce lameness. However, the addition of a second routine hoof trimming represents an additional cost to the farmer and, as a result, must benefit the farm economically and the cow from a welfare standpoint. Conflicting evidence with regard to hoof trimming frequency and timing brings into question whether all cows benefit from a hoof trimming at mid-lactation or if certain populations can be omitted from mid-lactation trims to allow for the prioritization of those cows that will most benefit from its use. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of providing a mid-lactation hoof trimming to first lactation dairy cows at 114-120 DIM on lesions occurrence at the subsequent trimming and time to next lesion occurrence.