Happy hooves make for happier cows

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/David Bates
HAPPY HOOVES — Dallas Parmenter, right, came to Lilley Farms in Smyrna last month to trim the hooves of cows. Joining Parmenter are Jim, left, and Perry Lilley.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    Tired and aching muscles are easily rejuvenated after a relaxing massage. Spa treatment of the face, neck, shoulders, back, legs and feet can make anyone feel more vivacious. What a spa can do for a person, hoof trimming can do for a cow.
    That’s right. Hoof trimming is equivalent to getting a pedicure for them. But, it also benefits the farmer and milk producers, as well.
    “The importance of keeping cow’s hooves trimmed is very crucial to the animals’ hoof health and to her milk-making abilities. If farmers do not keep a ‘functional’ hoof trimming program the cows could develop disease and overgrowth throughout the herd,” said Dallas Parmenter, professional trimmer of Washington, Maine.
    Last month, Parmenter was in Aroostook County at the Lilley Farms in Smyrna and Cowperthwaite Farms in Littleton. The Lilleys and Cowperthwaites provide milk for Houlton Farms Dairy in Houlton.
    “Lameness, is no doubt one of the biggest problems dairy producers are facing today,” Parmenter said. “Scheduled functional trimming can significantly reduce lameness by preventing disease from developing.”
    Parmenter noted it is essential to trim a cow’s hooves twice a year or more.
    “That provides the best possible claw balance, toe angle and weight distribution,” he added.
    Another advantage to trimming the hooves of cattle is found in the profit line.
    “The biggest way is financially,” said Parmenter. “For instance, cows that are lame and have a hard time mobilizing themselves, are not making money, in fact, it’s costing money.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/David Bates
ENJOYNG HIS WORK — Dallas Parmenter of Washington came to Aroostook County recently to trim the hooves of cows at Lilley Farms in Smyrna.
    The reason for the expense is lameness in the cow, according to Parmenter.
    “If the cow can’t walk, she won’t eat, drink and has a hard time conceiving in pregnancy,” he explained. “So, if a routine maintenance trimming for the herd is kept, it allows for healthy hooves on the cows.”
    The cows are placed in a portable unit that lifts and cradles the cow to bring comfort, while Parmenter grooms the hooves. As the cow is lifted and supported, the action of light squeezing provides the cow comfort. Again, just like a relaxing massage does for a human.
    Parmenter offers several management steps for a herd.
    “Set up and schedule routine trimming,” he said. “Set up a hoof bath and train employees to detect lame cows. Also, keep good hoof health records to help with management decisions and improved cow comfort.”
    Parmenter reminds farmers that healthy hooves equals happy cows, which provides higher profits.