Maintaining hoof health through nutrition

Hooves perform many functions, including supporting the weight of the animal, dissipating the energy impact as the hooves strike the ground or indoor surface, protecting the tissues and bone within the hoof capsule and providing traction for the animal. Hoof health problems such as lameness, sole ulcer, digital dermatitis, foot rot, deep infection, and laminitis may adversely affect animal comfort and welfare. They also cause tremendous economic losses resulting from decreased milk production