Should We Have A System To Identify Lameness In Sheep?

Facing hoof problems in a sheep flock can be overwhelming. Producers are often left to sort out hoof problems on their own. This can be partially because cattle are difficult to treat and require the help of professional hoof trimmers who can help producers to identify hoof lesions, as well as perform proper trimming.

- Anri Strauss

With sheep being smaller and flocks bigger, it is often not worthwhile for professional hoof trimmers to work on sheep, leaving sheep producers in the dark when it comes to hoof problems. Perhaps it is time to revisit this issue and discuss the value of having a system to identify lameness in sheep.

Identifying the problem

Hoof problems are seen most frequently in the rainy season. This is because the wet ground causes hooves to soften and allow pathogens into the hoof more easily. Another major problem is when long hooves crack or break. Producers do not always have time to trim hooves, but the advantages of hoof trimming are so numerous that it cannot and should not be ignored any longer.