Dairy farms -- Malta

Abstract

The dairy industry is considered as one of the most economically important agricultural sectors. Considerable changes have been done to the industry over the years but there is still room for improvement. Those who work close to farmers will surely recognise the hard work and the amount of sacrifice farmers put in their work. They practise what they think is best for their business and are afraid of changes and suggestions that may require changing their routine. Cattle dairy farming required intensive labour. Due to this farmers are so hooked up with their jobs that they forget the importance of certain management skills, one of them being cattle hoof trimming. The aim of this study is to outline the important aspects of hoof trimming. The farmers' opinion regarding the subject was also taken into consideration. A general view of the most common hoof problems in the Maltese territory was carried out both through visual observation during hoof trimming in different dairy cattle farms and also by means of an intensive research on statistics. Dairy farmers were interviewed independently to see their point of view regarding the matter and whether they carry out preventive, curative or do not perform hoof trimming at all. The farmers' lack of proper knowledge was one of the major problems that were encountered continuously. Other problems include certain diseases that could have been avoided if preventive measures were taken in the first place. A healthy herd will increase efficiency and production