Healthy Hoof: workshop

The Healthy Hoof Programme focuses on prevention of lameness with information and training on management and treatment.

It helps professionals working with their farmer clients to manage lameness on dairy farms, based on five key steps:

  1. Diagnosis and action plan
  2. Skill development: prevention and treatment
  3. Monitor and record lame cows
  4. 6-monthly progress updates
  5. Revise action plan

This 3-day practical and interactive workshop provides veterinarians and large animal veterinary technicians the opportunity to learn directly from world renowned lameness specialist, Neil Chesterton. Non-veterinary personal working in this area are also invited to register. Attendees will learn skills to deliver the Healthy Hoof programme to help farming clients prevent and reduce lameness. These include: producing effective reports, understanding how to deliver training to clients, and appreciating the marketing and coaching role. Attendees will also have access to Healthy Hoof tools, on-going support and DairyNZ resources.

Details


Dates: Tuesday 28 November - Thursday 30 November 2023
Location: Veterinary Clinic Morrinsville, 62 Moorhouse Street, Morrinsville

Description

Format

The 3-day workshop is a mix of theoretical and practical.

  • Day 1: Classroom with practical elements
  • Day 2: Farm and classroom
  • Day 3: Classroom

There are limited spaces for the full workshop, however registration for the first day is also available.

Download the timetable here [PDF]

Topics

  • Lameness theory
  • Observing cow flow and herd management
  • Treating lame cows
  • Track and shed design
  • Conducting a lameness investigation.

Learning objectives

  • Learn how to influence change with your dairy farm clients.
  • Develop skills in prevention and treatment.
  • Improve diagnosis and monitoring of lame cows.

Learning outcomes

  • Reduced lameness leading to increase animal welfare and profitibililty.
  • Improved staff performance.

Tutor

Neil Chesterton BVSc: Neil graduated from Sydney University (Australia) in 1974 and came straight to Inglewood in New Zealand, where he is still in clinical practice. His interest is the prevention of lameness in pasture fed dairy herds. In recent years this interest has focused on the importance of herd management on the farm tracks and in the milking shed. His understanding of cow behaviour is resulting in practical ways for farmers to reduce foot damage and subsequent lameness. As a result of this work and his contribution to veterinary practice in New Zealand he was awarded an Honorary BVSc by Massey University. Neil has been investigating the causes of lameness since the early 80s and has had three papers published in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal. In 1989 he was awarded the Australasian College Medal for his work in this field. More recently he was the 2013 recipient of the Golden Glove award given by the Society of Dairy Cattle Veterinarians of the NZVA. He has produced booklets and teaching videos covering all aspects of lameness in pasture fed dairy herds.

Cost

3-day workshop: $1895 (limited to 10)

Day 1 only: $600 (limited to 10)

Contact

Shannon Leader
Events Manager
shannon.leader@vets.org.nz

Support

The Healthy Hoof Programme is provided by DairyNZ and delivered by NZVA.