Directorate of Extension Education and Department of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana organized a one-day workshop on “Lameness in Dairy Animals- Causes and Alleviation” for veterinary officers of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab. The technical session kicked off with a lecture on “Functional Anatomy of Bovine Hoof” by Dr. Devendra Pathak. He discussed the anatomical structure of the hoof and the predisposing factors leading to lameness. He explained the importance of maintaining the structural integrity of the hoof for health and welfare of the animals.
Dr. Swaran Singh Randhawa, Director of Clinics familiarized the participants with the different forms and causes of lameness in dairy animals. He emphasized that nutritional mismanagement is one of the most important cause of lameness. It is important to plan the diet of dairy animals according to the production status of the animal. He also demonstrated the technique of “Functional Claw Trimming” for diagnosis and treatment of lameness. The participants were apprised of the various methods of treating hoof abnormalities and learned about the most commonly occurring lesions in the hoof of the animals. Mr. Sukhjeet Singh Kahlon, Managing Partner, Maxima Nutrition demonstrated different products for the prevention and treatment of lameness.
Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor pointed out that lameness is often overlooked by dairy farmers due to lack of awareness. Delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to heavy economic losses to the farmers. He encouraged the veterinarians to create awareness regarding lameness among the farmers for early diagnosis and its alleviation. He lauded the efforts of the Directorate of Extension Education in creating awareness regarding relevant issues related to livestock farming.
Dr. Parkash Singh Brar , Director of Extension Education, added that lameness is a huge challenge to the dairy industry of the nation due to its negative impact on both reproduction and production of dairy animals. He told that the workshop will be useful in sensitizing the veterinarians on management and treatment of lameness. Veterinary Officers across the state and faculty from the Department of Veterinary Extension Education attended the workshop.