{"id":57574,"date":"2021-09-14T19:54:01","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T19:54:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zinpro.com\/boost-hoof-health-prevent-dairy-cow-lameness-zinpro\/"},"modified":"2023-07-19T13:10:47","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T18:10:47","slug":"boost-hoof-health-prevent-dairy-cow-lameness-zinpro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zinpro.com\/en_na\/resource-center\/blog\/boost-hoof-health-prevent-dairy-cow-lameness-zinpro\/","title":{"rendered":"Bring a Comprehensive Hoof Health Management Program to Your Dairy Producers"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a dairy nutritionist or consultant, your success is probably judged by how well the producer\u2019s herd performs; and your ability to improve the herd\u2019s performance may be limited if there are issues beyond your area of expertise. This could include lameness, heat stress, transition cow management, cow comfort and a host of other challenges. While it\u2019s impossible to be an expert on every challenge you encounter, the key to solving the issue is knowing where to go to fill your knowledge gap and having the tools to help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dairy Lameness and Hoof Health Are Still a Challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dairy producers are continually battling lameness in their operations. Lameness is a complex issue, and prevention requires a comprehensive program. As a key advisor on the dairy, they will likely turn to you for help, but you may not know where to start if you\u2019re not a hoof health expert. As you try to add value to your customers\u2019 dairy operations, it\u2019s frustrating to not be able to solve the challenges they are facing because you don\u2019t have the right information or resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using Relevant and Applicable Tools on Modern Dairy Farms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Zinpro\u00ae FirstStep\u00ae Dairy Hoof Health & Management Program<\/a> is a unique tool that arms you with the resources needed to complete a comprehensive overview of the entire operation. It will help you quickly identify the key bottlenecks limiting your client\u2019s success. Created in partnership with renowned hoof health expert Nigel Cook from the University of Wisconsin, Zinpro FirstStep is like having over 40 years of Zinpro expertise at your fingertips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our program puts you in the driver\u2019s seat to provide your customers with informed recommendations for improving their herd\u2019s hoof health. The improvements will even extend well beyond lameness and hoof health, allowing you to bring true value to their business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Zinpro FirstStep program provides 19 assessors that help you evaluate and focus on the key constrictions of performance. Additionally, it includes a resources section to educate you on the processes of analyzing the conditions on the farm, along with economic calculators to help you and the dairy farmer understand the value of your recommendations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zinpro FirstStep helps you add value to your services on a dairy operation. Let\u2019s explore how it works. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zinpro FirstStep in Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Zinpro FirstStep program includes a comprehensive suite of assessors to help you become a hoof health and management expert. By accessing the program on your computer, mobile device or tablet, you can make informed recommendations for preventing lameness in three steps:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Assess  <\/li>
  2. Analyze  <\/li>
  3. Improve  <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Assess<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    During this step, you will enter information about the conditions on the farm that are causing lameness and other hoof health issues. Some assessors are:   <\/p>\n\n\n\n