19th November 2021 - Module One: Technical Aspects of Lameness Disorders
23rd November 2021 - Module Two: Delivering the Healthy Feet Programme
25th November 2021 - Module Three: RoMS Accredited Mobility Scoring
About the Healthy Feet Programme
The AHDB Healthy Feet Programme was first launched in 2011. It followed extensive research at Bristol University (The Healthy Feet Project) in how to successfully help farmers reduce their lameness. The HFP is delivered by Mobility Mentors who are specially trained in herd lameness control and advisory skills. Since then, AHDB-funded research has further enhanced our understanding of lameness reduction. The HFP has also been extensively “road tested”, demonstrating that it works. Now entering its second phase, a refreshed HFP offers better tools, clearer materials and new Mobility Mentor training.
Who can become a Mobility Mentor?
This course is open to anyone, however, only the following are able to become Mobility Mentors:
- Qualified vets with at least 12 months experience
- CHCSB fully audited foot trimmers or Licenced NACFT trimmers (former Category 1)
- Farm consultants/advisers who have attended the Royal Agricultural University Level 4 course on Bovine lameness and professional cattle foot trimming
New Mobility Mentor Training Programme
Mobility Mentor training consists of four separate modules which must all be undertaken in order to become a fully trained Mobility Mentor and be able to deliver the AHDB Healthy Feet Programme.
The four modules that must be completed are:
MODULE ONE: Technical Aspects of Lameness Disorders
This one-day workshop will be delivered online and cover the common lameness disorders, their aetiology and management. Delegates will learn the most up to date evidence-based approach to the treatment and prevention of lameness to lay the foundation for delivery of the Healthy Feet Programme.
Delegates do not have to complete this module if they can demonstrate they have previously attended the BCVA Advanced Lameness CPD Course, the RAU Level 4 Bovine Lameness and Cattle Foot Trimming Course or the 3 day Blowey/Bell
Lameness Course.
MODULE TWO: Delivering the Healthy Feet Programme
This one-day workshop will also be delivered as an online workshop and cover all aspects of the AHDB Healthy Feet Programme (HFP) and the recently launched HFLite. Delegates will learn how to deliver the programme, familiarise themselves with the available HFP resources and learn about the provenance of the programme and the importance of facilitation and mobility scoring.
MODULE THREE: RoMS Accredited Mobility Score Training
In order to become an approved Mobility Mentor, RoMS accreditation is now required. This involves attending an accredited mobility scoring course (see www. roms.co.uk for list of approved trainers) and passing the RoMS exam.
MODULE FOUR: Facilitation Skills
This will be a one-day, face to face, practical workshop to develop delegates’ facilitation skills and enable them to facilitate farm team meetings and the development of their Mobility Contract, and then how to follow this up with the farm
team to ensure its successful implementation.
Following completion of Modules 1-3, delegates will be granted a ‘provisional Mobility Mentor licence’. A full delivery licence will be granted once delivery of at least one HFP or HFLite and completion of Module 4 within 12 months of the provisional licence being granted.
Key Learning Outcomes
On completion of all four modules, delegates will:
- Understand the importance of lameness in the dairy industry and the role of the vet in planned healthy feet management
- Have an in-depth knowledge of the most up to date research on lameness aetiology, risk factors and control points
- Understand the principles of the AHDB Healthy Feet Programme
- Develop enthusiasm and confidence to deliver the Healthy Feet Programme and HFLite to farmers
- Learn an effective approach to herd lameness investigation and control, including assessment of four key areas: infection pressure; hoof and horn quality; forces on feet and early detection, prompt effective treatment (EDPET)
- Learn new advisory and coaching skills to help farmers to develop and implement their plan.
