Learning Resources

The resources described below are valuable sources of information dealing with many aspects of bovine lameness and hoof health. For a list of articles on specific topics, click here.

Functional Foot Care and Trimming in Cattle The University of Zurich, Switzerland has produced an excellent 21 minute video dealing with the anatomy and biomechanics of the bovine foot along with a detailed description of functional claw trimming. To access the video, click here. If you are using a Windows-based computer, the Flash version is best (assuming you have Adobe Flash Player installed). For Apple users, choose the QuickTime version.

Bovine Laminitis and Lameness Dr. Paul Greenough, Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Surgery at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, literally ‘wrote the book’ on hoof disorders in cattle. He co-authored ‘Lameness in Cattle’ which for the past 3 decades has been the standard veterinary textbook on the subject throughout the world. Dr. Greenough’s latest work takes that basic veterinary science and applies it to the practical identification, prevention and treatment of claw disorders. This book describes the anatomy of hoof and claw and the causes of lameness, including the importance of genetics, structural conformation of the leg and hoof, nutrition, management, cow comfort and facilities that minimize injuries. The text is extensively illustrated with colour photographs. The book is available from chapters.ca as well as amazon.ca and amazon.com.

Cattle Footcare and Claw Trimming Functional claw trimming, often referred to as ‘the Dutch method’, was developed by Dr. E. Toussaint Raven, a veterinarian with the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands. His classic book "Cattle Footcare and Claw Trimming" is considered the authoritative guide to hoof trimming. This richly illustrated book combines a guide to the causes, progress, treatment and prevention of foot ailments in cattle with a practical manual on claw trimming. It can be ordered from Crowood Press Ltd.

Manual for Treatment and Control of Lameness in Cattle This book includes up to date information on common lameness conditions of cattle and emphasizes the practical aspect of functional and corrective trimming. In addition, it covers the anatomy and pathology of the bovine foot with illustrations of anatomical features as well as detailed photographs of lesions. The book is available from chapters.ca as well as amazon.ca and amazon.com.

Firm Steps: Identifying Lameness in Dairy Cattle This is a CD-Rom set (2 disks) that helps you detect lameness early so you can take the necessary action to improve the welfare of your cattle and reduce the severity of your financial losses. Learn how to gait score by looking at seven specific behaviors that indicate lameness. The Firm Steps CD set can be ordered from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development by clicking here.