Background:
Hoof disorders resulting in lameness are a considerable expense for dairy producers, including the cost of treatment and indirect expenses from nonsaleable milk, reduced milk production, poor reproductive performance, and deteriorated welfare, which affects the sustainability of the dairy enterprise. A single incidence of a hoof lesion such as a sole ulcer, white line separation, or digital dermatitis can cost between $232 and $622 in direct and indirect costs. While hoof health and mobility can be impacted by many factors, research has shown that genetic selection is an effective strategy to make consistent, cumulative progress in these traits. However, there is no official national evaluation related to hoof health or mobility currently available with the largest hurdle to accomplishing this being the lack of accurate phenotypes.
Timeline:
Beginning November 2021; First stage implementation targeting late 2025
Objectives:
- Develop a data pipeline to collect novel phenotypes related to hoof health and mobility
- Develop a better understanding of cow mobility, hoof health, and their interaction
- Implement a new genetic evaluation that will aid producers in selecting animals with genetically superior hoof health and mobility
- Determination of the economic impact of these traits and their incorporation into the lifetime net merit selection index
Deliverables:
- Genetic evaluation for hoof health and mobility
- Enhanced net merit that includes direct selection for improved hoof health and mobility
Partner Institutions and Investigators:
Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding
Dr. Kristen Parker Gaddis
Dr. Javier Burchard
Dr. John Cole
Dr. Ashley Ling
University of Minnesota
Dr. Gerard Cramer