Laura Elizabeth Deeming

Citation

Thesis Title
Development of methods to evaluate hoof conformation and lameness in New Zealand dairy goats and the effects of trimming regimes on goat hoof health

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Lameness is a serious welfare issue in dairy goats. A potential risk factor for lameness is hoof overgrowth and the poor hoof conformation (e.g. shape, size, and angles of the hoof) that results. Dairy goats are typically housed indoors and lack opportunity for hoof wear; thus, overgrown hooves are a common issue. However, there are few data evaluating hoof conformation, or best practices for maintaining a structured hoof that minimises lameness in commercially housed dairy goats. Ms Deeming developed and validated a hoof conformation assessment, and developed a novel gait scoring system that facilitated a full range of lameness detection. She used the methods developed to investigate the impacts of hoof trimming regimes. Ms Deeming’s findings suggest that to achieve good conformation and long-term hoof health, hoof management strategies should consider the timing of first hoof trimming, subsequent trimming frequency, and the provision of an environment that promotes hoof wear.

Supervisors
Professor Ngaio Beausoleil
Dr Jim Webster
Dr Gosia Zobel
Professor Kevin Stafford