Modern dairy management practices have caused laminitis to become a major problem for many dairies. Many cases of laminitis are caused by a sudden change from a low energy dry lot feeding program to the energy dense rations needed for top production. A period of adjustment to the new ration prior to calving or introduction into the high group can stop or reduce the severity of laminitis. Inadequate fiber at any stage of development or production can also cause laminitis. We may have bred cows more disposed to laminitis by selection for higher milk production.
High producers have good appetites and usually are aggressive feeders.
They might be quicker to consume large amounts of high energy rations, creating the acid rumen conditions which can lead to laminitis. Conditions that discourage cows from lying down create unnecessary stress to foot tissues and can lead to or worsen hoof damage from laminitis. Manage cows so that they have clean, dry hooves for as much of the day as possible. Constant confinement on manure covered concrete lots has caused many more foot problems than bulls with inferior genetic merit for foot structure. Where possible, clean, well drained, grass-covered exercise lots should be used.