A NORTH Yorkshire company has brought out a new treatment for lameness in dairy cows.

More than 70 per cent of dairy herds are said to be affected with digital dermatitis and secondary infections, causing huge financial losses through loss of yield, fertility and animal values.

Now Masham-based Ritchey claims its Hooftreat Plus can help alleviate lameness symptoms, particularly digital dermatitis.

Adrian Harrison, an award- winning Jersey milk producer from Manor Farm, Leyburn, has seen a "huge improvement" in cattle mobility since he started using it earlier this year.

He has 120 pedigree Jersey cows and followers and, in the past, relied on formalin footbaths, but found they made little impression on digital dermatitis and were unpleasant to handle.

He said: "By contrast, Hooftreat Plus has alleviated all the symptoms, and is much more user-friendly."