A lame cow walks to the feed barrier less, eats less and gives less milk. With well-maintained hooves, you prevent many of those problems. This collection contains tools for trimming yourself, materials for gluing on a hoof block, bandage and everything for a footbath.
Cutting and grinding
Hoof knives come in right-handed and left-handed versions; the Aesculap VC series also has a double-sided version. You use left-handed knives not only if you are left-handed, but also to reach the other side of the claw properly. Hoof nippers with double leverage take less force, and hoof grinding discs of 115 or 125 mm fit an angle grinder. Keep knives sharp with a whetstone and sharpening paste: a blunt knife slips more easily.
Hoof blocks: which system to choose
| System | Suits |
|---|---|
| Demotec Easy Bloc | Ready-made shoe (left, right, XXL) with glue; little preparation |
| Technovit 6091 | Powder and liquid that you mix yourself; also as an Easy portion pack |
| Excellent Easy Hoof Block | Wooden block (11 or 13 cm) or PVC, with glue from a gun and mixing tips |
| Easy2do Glue | Starter pack of 10 treatments for those who glue on a block now and then |
A block under the healthy claw takes the load off the affected claw. Choose the number of treatments by the number of cows you expect to treat per year; loose glue has a limited shelf life.
Bandage and footbath
Kerbl hoof bandage (Vet Tape) is wound around the claw; with a bandage knife or claw bandage cutter, you remove it later without touching the skin. For a footbath, there is a 204 by 83 cm bath, a Vink spray mat and the FlowZone battery knapsack sprayer for spraying hooves in the milking parlour. Use footbath products such as Excellent Toprium, Hoofmix and Salipure according to the label, possibly with ClawFix as an adhesive.
Hoof problems such as foul in the foot or digital dermatitis (Mortellaro) need a diagnosis; have the vet or a foot trimmer take a look. In everything for cattle you will find the other topics, such as minerals and boluses and barn supplies.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a left or right hoof knife?
Many foot trimmers use both, to reach both the inner and outer claw properly. If you start with one knife, choose the one that suits your dominant hand.
How long does a hoof block stay on?
That differs per system and per cow. Check the block regularly and have it removed once the affected claw has healed.
Which footbath product should I use?
That depends on the problem on your farm. Use every product according to the label and agree on the choice with your vet or foot trimmer.