By Umar Nsubuga
Agnes Akello rears cows and she says when it rains, her cows walk with difficulty.
Dr Muhammad Kiyemba, a veterinary doctor says when the ground becomes wet, the hoof is likely to get painful sores.
“This is worse when the ground becomes muddy. A wet ground is a good breeding ground for germs. Secondly, when the hoof is always wet, it becomes softer and, therefore, easier for germs to penetrate. That is why foot rot and other hoof diseases are more common during the rainy season,” he explains.
Once the hoof gets sore, Kiyemba says cattle cannot walk properly. In veterinary terms, this is referred to as lameness even if one leg is not necessarily shorter than the others.
“Cattle that are suffering from lameness cannot graze properly since they feel pain while walking. Thus they produce less milk and may not grow fast enough,” he states.
He advises farmers to get a veterinarian to examine and treat the hooves. But also, he says they can do the following to protect their cattle.
-Keep the resting areas of cattle dry. Remove cow dung daily. Do not allow mud to develop.
-Do not make a kraal in an area where rainwater gathers easily. Avoid placing the kraal in an area with loose soil.
-Cattle should sleep on a concrete floor or rammed earth because these are easier to clean.
-Trim hooves of cattle periodically.
