Hoofsure HELP

Lameness reduced by farmers on the Hoofsure HELP Service

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Arthur Hanna, runs 130 Holstein Friesian cows in Armoy, Co Antrim, and recently availed of Provita Hoofsure HELP service. Arthur explained they had been using traditional footbathing products, but the lameness problem was still getting worse. However, since starting the Hoofsure HELP programme and following the more aggressive daily plan set out by Kieran Donnelly from Provita, his herd lameness levels have dropped significantly.

 

“Initially in November 2017 around 60% of my herd had active DD so footbathing with Hoofsure Endurance 5% was done every day for 3 weeks, we also spot-sprayed bad cases with Hoofsure Endurance 25% or Hoofsure Combat ready to use spray which forms a film for extra protection.  I could soon see the DD healing with scabs going brown or black and falling off.  The dilution rate was reduced every 3 weeks and the protocol is currently a daily footbath of Hoofsure Endurance 2%.  The same mix lasts for 2 days so it’s economical to use. Hoofsure Endurance has helped me reduce the DD problem down to around 10% and I have less lame cows, but I will keep control measures in place. The cows are now milking better as they are not annoyed by sore feet. I can recommend it to other dairy farmers with confidence, but for it to work it must be used according to a tailored plan under the Hoofsure HELP service.”

 

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Hoofsure Endurance reduces lameness for Armoy farmer

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Arthur Hanna, who runs 130 Holstein Friesian cows in Armoy, Co Antrim, recently availed of Provita Hoofsure HELP service.  Lameness is a major challenge in dairy herds across the globe.  Infectious conditions are the biggest contributor towards lameness, with Digital Dermatitis (DD) the most commonly seen condition which can spread quickly throughout the entire herd if left unmanaged.  This painful infection affects the skin around the hoof mainly at the back of the cleft between the claws and due claw.  Lameness reduces mobility, comfort, feed intake, milk yield, fertility and ultimately gross margin.  Milk yield can be reduced by at least 1 litre per cow per day.

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Visit Provita at the Royal Ulster Winter Fair

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Provita Animal Health are pleased to be exhibiting at The Royal Ulster Winter Fair on 14th December 2017, at the Balmoral Showgrounds. This is an established and highly successful event in the agricultural calendar and is an ideal opportunity for farmers to speak to the Provita team for farm-specific advice and great special offers. Visitors will also see top class cattle compete for the title of Supreme Champion.

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Team effort delivers Digital Dermatitis success story on Co Antrim dairy farm

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Provita continues to provide its Digital Dermatitis advisory service with great effect, to dairy farmers throughout Northern Ireland. A case in point is the relationship that has built up between the company and Broughshane milk producer Allister McCullough, who manages the 120-strong Rocavan Holstein herd with his father William John.

“The cows are currently averaging 10,500L with good butterfats and proteins,” said Allister.

“Our plan is to increase cow numbers up to 130 by bringing in additional home bred heifers. The herd is milked courtesy of two Lely robots. We also strive to get as much grazed grass into the cows’ diets. And to this end, we invested in a Lely Graze way system last year.”

Allister is quick to confirm that lameness-related problems, particularly those caused by digital dermatitis, are no longer an issue within the herd.

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Provita launches Digital Dermatitis App

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Provita has launched a new Digital Dermatitis (DD) app, which dairy farmers can download to their phone by simply filling out a form on the Provita website. The new app which is available for IOS and Android systems was launched at the recent UK Dairy Day, held in Telford, Shropshire.

 “We got a tremendous response from farmers who attended the show,” confirmed Provita’s Tommy Armstrong.

 “And we are expecting a strong demand for the app from dairy farmers in Northern Ireland over the coming months.

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Big reduction in Digital Dermatitis with the Hoofsure HELP service

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“Regular footbathing is crucially important where the control of digital dermatitis is concerned,” confirmed Provita’s Tommy Armstrong.

“As a company we are committed to devising new strategies that will help dairy farmers to both control and treat the problem.”

Provita run a Hoofsure HELP programme for farmers who are using Hoofsure Endurance on their farm. A fully trained member of Provita staff will arrange a visit, score the cows’ feet using our new app and design a unique footbathing and spot spraying plan for the farm. This recommended hoofcare programme is designed specifically for farms with regular reviews and assessments to monitor progress and return on investment.  

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