A greater understanding of the dynamics of lameness in dairy herds can be obtained from improved record keeping systems and an understanding of how lame cows interact with the environment. The herd trouble-shooter needs to determine the extent of the lameness problem, the main causes and their trigger factors, and understand how cow comfort and adequate hoof care can resolve lameness. This article by N. B. Cook presents an overall plan for the investigation.
A guide to investigating a herd lameness problem>>

The prevention of any disease requires a thorough understanding of what causes it, its etiology. This paper discusses the structure of the foot, how dysfunction of the corium (‘coriosis’) leads to the production of defective hoof horn and finally the on-farm factors that lead to defective hoof formation.
Preventing and treating lameness>> by R. Blowey.

There are also two new cow comfort tools on the web site:

Diagonal Lying Problem Decision Tree>>
Flowchart for evaluating freestalls>>

This study from Argentina, conducted by R. Murray and P. Guidice, evaluated how an increase in heat detection through an activity meter system can contribute to the reproductive performance on a dairy in grassland conditions. One of the system's advantages is the night heat observation which is difficult to do visually when cows are in the field at night.

Heat detection analysis using an activity meter in grassland systems>>

Management principles of most successful businesses can be identified as:
1) organize work to maximize efficiency and productivity;
2) train and motivate workers to implement work systems;
3) monitor both the work and work systems to ensure desired results are attained.

The following article is a summary of two papers by T. Fuhrmann, and it focuses on two of the key pieces of this process: Motivating Workers and Monitoring the Work Process.
Dairy business management principles>>