February 16, 2026
Healthy hooves, healthier cows
Every glass of milk begins long before the milking parlor. It begins with a cow taking a step.
Day after day, dairy cows walk, stand, feed and rest thousands of times. These movements depend on a simple but critical foundation: healthy hooves. When that foundation weakens, performance, welfare and efficiency quickly follow – regardless of how advanced the dairy operation may be.
Building cow welfare from the ground
In modern dairy farming, animal welfare and productivity are inseparable. Hoof health sits at the center of both. When cows move comfortably, they eat better, rest longer and perform more consistently. When they don’t, the effects ripple quickly through the entire operation.
When mobility defines performance
Lameness remains one of the most costly and widespread health challenges in dairy farming. It often develops gradually, affecting cows well before obvious symptoms appear.
Hoof-related disorders reduce feed intake, lower milk yield and increase the risk of culling. Pain limits movement; limited movement undermines performance. Over time, even mild cases erode productivity and animal well-being.
A 2023 review in The Veterinary Journal found an average global lameness prevalence of 23%. That figure highlights how common the problem is – and how much potential performance is lost before it is addressed.
From a welfare perspective, hoof health is fundamental. Healthy hooves allow cows to express natural behaviors such as walking, feeding, and resting comfortably. From an economic standpoint, preventing hoof problems is significantly more cost-effective than treating advanced lameness cases, a principle well known in other areas of herd health management.
The hidden costs beneath the surface
Hoof disorders rarely affect just one aspect of farm performance. Their impact spreads across the entire operation:
- Reduced milk production due to lower feed intake and stress
- Lower fertility rates, as lame cows show weaker or delayed estrus
- Increased veterinary and labor costs linked to treatment and recovery
- Higher culling rates, shortening productive lifespans
- Negative effects on farm reputation
In total, these costs can amount to €100 - €300 per incident, often more for severe chronic cases. The largest share of the losses is typically driven by reduced milk revenue and shortened cow lifespan. When combined, these factors make hoof health a key driver of herd efficiency and long-term business sustainability.
From reaction to prevention: rethinking hoof care
The most effective hoof care strategies focus on prevention, not reaction. Regular trimming, clean walking surfaces, balanced nutrition and consistent hygiene reduce risk long before lameness appears.
Preventive hoof hygiene plays a particularly important role in controlling infectious diseases such as digital dermatitis. When applied consistently, it keeps bacterial pressure low and supports healthy skin and claw condition – improving comfort and stabilizing herd performance over time.
From cow comfort to business performance
A structured hoof care strategy delivers measurable benefits at several levels:
- For the herd: improved mobility, comfort, longevity and overall health
- For the farm: more consistent milk production, smoother daily routines and fewer emergency interventions
- For the business: better cost control, stronger animal welfare credentials and improved return on investment
In an industry under increasing pressure to produce more with fewer resources, every efficiency gain matters. Healthy hooves help maintain productivity, strengthen competitiveness and prepare farms for future challenges.
Making preventive hoof care part of everyday farm life
To simplify and standardize preventive hoof care, many modern dairy farms are adopting automated solutions. Systems such as the GEA PedicoSprayer integrate seamlessly into daily cow traffic, delivering accurate and repeatable hoof hygiene without adding labor complexity.
Combined with PedicoPré cleaning and PedicoCare products, the system provides a complete preventive approach: PedicoPré ensures powerful and consistent cleaning, while PedicoCare promotes and maintains healthy hooves and skin by its organic minerals. Together, they support an efficient and reliable hoof care routine as part of everyday barn management.
By delivering targeted hoof care as cows move naturally through the barn, solutions like the PedicoSprayer offer an efficient combination of technology and chemistry and promote vitality for maximum lifetime yield.
Customer feedback
After 6 to 8 weeks, almost all mild infections improved or were recovering, and severe cases showed relief. This proves the Hoof Care System effectively supports optimal hoof care and keeps the herd healthy.”
– Heinrich Scharlau, Rheine, Germany
Healthy hooves as a cornerstone of sustainable dairy farming
Hoof health deserves consistent attention and strategic planning in every dairy operation. By prioritizing preventive care, farmers protect animal welfare, stabilize performance and strengthen long-term profitability.
Every sound step a cow takes supports a more resilient, efficient and future-ready dairy farm.
Podcast Dairy Farming Insights
Écoutez GEA Dairy Farming Insights, le podcast d'information et de divertissement, pensé par la communauté de l'élevage laitier !
Que vous soyez un éleveur expérimenté, commenciez tout juste ou soyez simplement curieux d'en savoir plus sur le monde du lait, joignez-vous à nous pour explorer cet univers en évolution constante qu'est l'agriculture et en découvrir grâce à de nombreux témoignages les challenges, les innovations et les réussites. Nous parlons de ce qu'est une production laitière moderne, orientée vers le futur et basée sur les piliers de la Next Generation Farming (en français « La traite nouvelle génération ») : bien-être animal, flexibilité et développement durable.
Rejoignez notre « cowmunauté » (« cow » signifie vache en anglais) pour voyager dans le vaste monde de la production laitière. Vous verrez, chaque épisode est une mine d'informations et une source d'inspiration !
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