Improving trimming and treatment skills through a collaborative approach

It has been just over a year since a new Lantra-approved programme of foot trimming courses for farmers was launched through a collaborative partnership between the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) and the Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board (CHSCB). With an increasing focus on lameness due to its impact on welfare, productivity and sustainability, the aim of the courses is to provide evidence-based, accredited training at appropriate levels.

Lameness can be challenging or sometimes overwhelming for farmers to tackle, especially when they receive inconsistent or contradictory advice. Recent years have also seen a huge increase in the evidence base surrounding hoof trimming and treatment and it is important to ensure that these key messages reach all of those involved in providing advice around foot care. Therefore, the training partnership was designed to raise the standards of hoof trimming and treatment at every level; farmer, vet and hoof trimmer.

Another key aspect of the programme is the creation of strong vet–trimmer partnerships which are crucial when it comes to tackling lameness, not only on farm but at national level. The recently launched GB Dairy Cow Welfare Strategy (Ruminant Health and Welfare, 2023) lists ‘Healthy Feet’ as one of its key target areas with the ambitious goal of every UK dairy farm having a lameness management programme on farm by 2028. A successful programme needs all key stakeholders in lameness to be involved and on board, however, often the hoof trimmer can be overlooked. Therefore, working towards stronger vet–trimmer working relationships is crucial to the success of the strategy.