How does proper hoof care benefit livestock?

Proper hoof care is essential for livestock as it prevents lameness and maintains mobility. Healthy hooves support the animal's weight and allow for proper movement, which is crucial for overall well-being. When livestock experience hoof issues, such as overgrown hooves or infections, they may develop pain or discomfort, leading to lameness. This can significantly impact their ability to feed, socialize, or escape from predators, ultimately affecting their health and production efficiency. By ensuring that hooves are well-maintained, owners can help livestock remain active and mobile, which promotes better feeding behavior, social interaction, and overall quality of life.

While other factors, such as feed intake, reproduction rates, and growth rates, are important, none are as directly impacted by hoof care as mobility and prevention of lameness. Healthy, mobile animals are typically more engaged in their environment, which naturally contributes to their overall health and productivity.