Swollen hocks are a common problem in dairy cattle and can lead to lameness, reduced production and therefore extra costs. Swollen hocks can result from a lack of lying comfort. With the right barn equipment, you can prevent swollen hocks in cows. In this article, you will read how to prevent thick hocks using barn equipment and housing.
Swollen hocks are often caused by prolonged standing, insufficient comfort in cubicles and poor hygiene. A comfortable stable encourages cows to lie down more, reducing pressure on hocks and claws. This not only prevents heel problems, but also contributes to better overall health and milk production.
To prevent hock problems, you need to encourage your dairy cattle's lying behaviour. One way of doing this is by providing sufficient space and comfort. In a comfortable barn, a cow lies down for an average of 12 to 14 hours a day. Resting ensures that the claws and hocks are relieved, resulting in less swollen front and hind legs.
Get insight into cow comfort in your barn? Read our blog about the Cow Comfort Index.
Comfortable box covering affects the health of the hocks. This is because good cubicle cover distributes the pressure on the hooves. In a hard and rough cubicle, a cow is less likely to lie down than in a springy cubicle that offers grip. As a cow lies down faster and more often, there is less strain on the claws. In addition, good cubicle coverings improve hygiene because they are easy to maintain. Our Meadow Vista and Meadow Valley mattresses and Dual waterbeds are comfortable and hygienic while offering grip.
Because rest affects thick hocks, it is important that a cow has enough rest. In a comfortable stall, a cow lies down more. Besides cubicle coverings, cubicles are also important in increasing the comfort of a barn and thus preventing swollen hocks. For optimal comfort, a cubicle should meet the following requirements:
We offer different cubicle models, such as the Fitbox, the Profit, the Comfort and other cubicles. For extra space and steering, we recommend the matching corrugated waved neck bars and knee bars.
Summary
Swollen hocks are common problems in dairy cows. You can prevent this with the right barn equipment, by:
Experiences of a dairy farmer
Read family Van Ginkel's story about how Dual waterbeds ensure their cows no longer have swollen hocks here.
Have you become curious about our barn design solutions? Then take a look here!