Selective dairy breeding could help prevent lameness, boost productivity | Animal Lovers

Dairies could increase their efficiency, reduce their carbon footprints and improve the health of their herds if they considered foot warts and other hoof ailments when they develop breeding plans, suggests a new study led by UC Davis researchers.

“Most dairy breeding programs select for milk production but the results of this study indicate that the cow’s conformation, particularly in terms of hoof health, also should be considered,” said Anita Oberbauer, professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Animal Science and lead author of the study.