Brief Report on farm visit
Date of visit: June 3rd 2015
Farm 1 at Jeffrey’s Bay
Number of cows: approx. 900 milking
Main observations:
 Huge lameness problem – I estimate 20% cows showed lameness on track
 Lame Cows separated in race - serious white line 10/15
 No drainage between two tracks leading to the milking parlour.
 Exposed riverstone gravel with no walking surface remaining. The herd is struggling to walk
on this surface when in wet weather
 Herding – too much pressure on track (in yard no problem) – cows stepping on large
riverstones (20cm +) Most of the heads were up in the rear group. This accounts for the high
percent of white-line injuries to the feet.
Recommendations:
 The only solution is to concrete both the entry and exit tracks between the milking parlour and
the road. This is especially important because no surface material (apart from concrete) will
cope with the concentration of stock movement and even more so because the cows are
standing here on the track waiting to cross the road.
 Put camber on other tracks and a top top walking surface.
 Essential to compact with heavy vibrating roller
 Desperate need for treatment all the present lame cows by a hoof trimmer and veterinarian –
then farmer treatments can continue with any new cases.
1
www.lamecow.co.nz
www.lowstressdairy.nz