Associate farm reporter Carli Davenport spoke with Dana Zook, OSU Northwest Area Livestock Specialist, who emphasized the critical role of hoof health in cattle, comparing it to the well-known horse world adage: “No hoof, no horse.” She agreed this saying holds true for cattle as well, stating, “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of the hoof structure and hoof health to just general productivity over beef cows.” Recognizing the essential role hooves play in cattle productivity, Zook shed light on how producers can identify and manage hoof-related issues, particularly foot rot.
When discussing foot rot, Zook noted that it typically presents as a “sudden onset of lameness” and is usually isolated to “just one or two feet.” She pointed out that one of the key diagnostic signs is “even swelling around the coronary band of that foot.” She stressed that this even swelling is significant because “we have tons of other things that can cause lameness, and foot rot is just one of them.” Being able to distinguish foot rot from other lameness issues helps ensure more accurate treatment and management.
To prevent foot rot, Zook offered practical management tips, particularly relevant during the summer months. “One thing in particular in the summertime is cows standing in ponds, wet muddy areas.” While acknowledging that wet conditions are sometimes a blessing—”we thank the good Lord for that rain”—she explained that these environments soften the hoof, making it more vulnerable to injuries like punctures from “sticks, stones” and providing entry points for harmful bacteria. Additionally, cattle seek out these muddy areas to escape “stable flies that are very painful,” exacerbating the issue.
Zook also stressed the importance of mineral supplementation for hoof health. “Vitamin A is really important,” she said, along with trace minerals such as “zinc, copper, and manganese.” These trace minerals contribute directly to hoof development, especially when provided in bioavailable forms. “We can have two types of minerals set side by side…but one mineral is more available to the animal than the other,” she explained, encouraging producers to look closely at mineral quality, not just quantity.
Finally, Zook addressed whether hoof problems could be symptoms of broader health issues. “It depends,” she said, noting that while not all hoof problems stem from deeper issues, “our baseline is that nutrition.” Good nutrition provides a solid foundation for strong hoof development and acts as a “protective barrier to that interior foot.” Her insights reinforced the idea that hoof health is not only about what’s happening on the surface—but also a reflection of overall herd management and nutrition.
