composition. “This enables us to provide our customers with even more targeted advice,” says Barth. In the new LCA, the environmental


impact of species, and the developmentally appropriate feeding of swine, broiler chickens, and laying hens with balanced amino acid profiles and low crude protein content, was evaluated according to the following criteria: global warming, acidification and eutrophication potential; blue water consumption; land occupation; and respiratory inorganics. The analysis included feed raw material


production, animal husbandry, and manure treatment emissions. “We have found that our feeding concepts


and amino acids can have significant effects in reducing climate change and nitrogen- based emissions,” says Dr. Michael Binder, responsible for Sustainability Development in the Animal Nutrition business line. “Their application can reduce acidification, eutrophication and the release of respiratory inorganic substances induced by ammonia.” The study also demonstrates another


advantage of low protein feeding regimes: the option to use regional raw materials with a lower environmental footprint.


LAMENESS COULD COST DAIRY FaRmeRS Up to £13,600 a YeaR


IN DECREASED MILK YIELD Early detection is key for dairy farmers to stay on top of lameness cases and prevent the impact being seen in the bulk tank, particularly those milking on a robotic system. Despite being a top priority to reduce


cases in UK herds, including industry initiatives such as ‘Lameness Month’ this July, Wynnstay dairy specialist, Beth May, says lameness is still one of the highest costs to a dairy business. “Cows with a locomotion score of 2


(mildly lame, walk arched) or 3 (moderately lame, stand arched) will produce 4 to 9% less milk than a non-lame cow. This is roughly 1.5L/cow/day less. This is because a lame cow will stand more, eat less and ultimately have less energy left over for milk production,” explains Miss May. “With the UK average running at 30%


lame cows in the herd, this is equivalent to 48,500L less milk across a 200-cow herd (9,000L cows) and £13,600 PA in lost milk. This is not considering the other long-term impacts lameness has on fertility, culling rate, number of replacements needed on-farm, additional labour, trimming and vet’s bills.” For robotic herds, Miss May says it is


even more critical to keep a close eye on early cases. Lame cows in a robotic system are likely to need fetching more for milking, so it will impact the average number of visits and therefore milk yield. “As you don’t see the cows walking


to the parlour on a daily basis, there’s less visual inspection of the cow’s mobility and


hoof condition, making it more difficult to easily pick out cows for early treatment. “To get on top of cases requires an early,


proactive, preventative approach rather than reactionary cures.” Miss Mays explains a few ways to keep


cases at bay. “Consider monthly locomotion scoring or mobility scoring sessions with a ROMS accredited scorer to assess your current level of lameness and help pick out any cows for early treatment. We would advise recording at least 10% of the herd on a monthly basis, near the exit of the robot, so you can see them walk to a cubicle or feed fence. Furthermore, assessing in low pressure areas of the shed, such as loafing areas or wide passageways will allow you to assess cows walking freely and will give a more accurate record. Keep a track of results to monitor problem cows and those who may be borderline locomotion score 2.” When it comes to trimming, Miss May


notes this is only done because of overgrowth or trauma to hoof. “They’re only overgrown or damaged because something in the environment is not right,” she explains. “This could be because of inadequate


flooring, sharp corners and/or turns in sheds or the parlour, inappropriate cubicles impacting lying times or even inadequate nutrition. I would recommend working with an independent consultant to assess where the cause or problem areas are, and review where changes can be made in the short, medium and long-term. This could include alterations to floors with rubber matting or simple tweaks to rations.” When it comes to nutrition, she notes


that zinc has been proven to support hoof structure, to prevent lameness risk. “Availa Zinc is the only proven


performance mineral to reduce incidence of hoof lesions, such as digital dermatitis, ulcers or white line disease, by up to 30%. As well as lameness prevention, by supporting keratin production in the hoof, Availa Zinc is also proven to support against mastitis and reduce cell counts, due to its role in the formation of the keratin plug closing the teat canal after milking,” she adds. “To stay on top of cases requires a


proactive lameness management plan, taking into account all possible causes and quickly reacting with treatment to prevent the impact hitting the milk tank,” Miss May concludes.


IMPROVE DAIRY PERFORMANCE


ONE STEP AT A TIME The FirstStep®


Dairy Hoof Health


and Management Program from Zinpro Corporation is an innovative approach to moving from simply managing the implications of foot health issues to proactively preventing them and improving the on-farm situation. Speaking at the launch of the company’s


newly-updated FirstStep Program, Zinpro’s Regional Manager for Europe and South Africa, Tim Horne, said that identifying and removing bottlenecks on the farm was key


to improving dairy herd performance and ensuring sustainable production. “Whether you want to do a


comprehensive overview of your entire operation or a deep dive into a few key areas, FirstStep’s extensive suite of assessors has the flexibility to give you the answers you need and the confidence to make informed decisions,” he says. “Lameness is a major cause of poorer


performance, higher treatment costs and reduced longevity in dairy herds,” asserts Dr Huw McConochie, Dairy Nutritionist with Zinpro. “The consequences can be managed by a focussed assessment of the causes and a structured approach to prevention. This is what the FirstStep Program has been developed to deliver.” The FirstStep Program provides a


systematic and fact-based assessment of the overall dairy operation, focussing on the important issues affecting hoof health tailored to the individual farm and herd.The assessment can include locomotion scoring, the hoof trimming schedule and technique, management and hygiene of footbaths, environmental factors such as walking surfaces and cubicle design, identification of foot lesions, and nutrition. “Once the assessment has been


completed, the data gathered are analysed to develop actionable recommendations in an automated and customizable report addressing the core improvements to make. This means farmers can focus first on those areas of their management which will deliver the best return first, replacing guesswork with a fact-based approach. “The program also includes access to


a comprehensive resource library including training videos and other visual resource tools to educate all those working with dairy cows about the benefits of improving hoof health and how to achieve it. This FirstStep Program provides


consultative value on the farm by bringing more knowledge and competencies. Farmers should experience peace of mind by having healthier animals, improved performance and better herd profitability. “There’s more pressure than ever


on dairy producers to improve animal performance while ensuring high levels of health and wellbeing. These demands go hand in hand in well-managed herds and the FirstStep program will help take out the guesswork out of improving hoof health and driving profitability,” Dr McConochie concludes. For more information on the FirstStep


Dairy Hoof Health and Management Program or other performance solutions from Zinpro, such as Availa®


local country representative. FEED COMPOUNDER JULY/AUGUST 2021 PAGE 59 Dairy, please contact your


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