:format(webp))
Successful hoof trimming in 7 steps
Hoof care is essential to the well-being and productivity of your cows. Regular hoof trimming prevents many problems.
How do I prepare properly? What are the steps for hoof trimming? What products are best to use when caring for the claws after trimming? These questions are answered in this step-by-step guide.
Why you want to lift the claw more often
Lifting the claw more often helps to spot problems early. Healthy claws mean healthy cows. They move more freely and this increases their well-being and production.
A cow that has pain in her claws will eat and drink less and give less milk. In addition, you reduce the risk of infections by checking regularly and prevent costly problems. Lameness can cost between €200 to €400 per cow per year.
Preventive hoof care also makes it easier for cows to walk through the hooftrimming chute.
It starts with choosing a hoof trimming chute appropriate for your cows and working conditions.
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
Step 1: A good start
Hygiene first
Provide a clean and safe work area. Also make sure to first clean the claw itself before using a grinder.Safety
Check if the hoof trimming chute is functioning properly. The cow must be comfortable and well-fixed.:format(webp))
Step 2: Clothing & comfort
:format(webp))
Step 3: Hoof care tools
Useful tool: Claw spreader
The claw spreader is a pair of pliers that can be fixed in place to simplify the assessment and treatment of the intercostal gap. To properly treat that intercostal gap, these pliers are required.
This spreader makes it also possible to clean the hoof crevice with spray and gel.
Using the pliers to hold open the gap provides a clear view to check for any remaining signs of Digital Dermatitis (Mortellaro).
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
Step 4: How to trim?
Follow these steps to trim the hind legs. For the front leg it works the other way around: lower the inner claw and save the outer claw.
Cut the inner claw
Cut the inner claw flat, to a minimum of 5 millimeters in the tip.Cut the outer claw
Lower the outer claw until you have reached the same height as the inner claw. Try to make it flush with the inner caliper.Cut the model
Trim the hoof nice and smooth, do not cut too far forward. Avoid cutting into the area above the ball of the foot.Cut the diseases
This is only necessary when diseases are present in the ball area, such as stink leg.:format(webp))
Step 5: How often should you trim?
3 times a year
Three times a year for all hoofs is recommended by hoof trimmer Joris Bos.6 week system
Every six weeks the hooftrimmer comes on the farm for half a day, to trim all cows around the dry period, the cows around 100 days and the problem cases.Quick to respond
With a hoof trimming system, you are quick to respond to cows with a problem. It makes them easier to treat and to cure the problems.:format(webp))
Step 6: Care and wrapping
For Mortellaro
Use a spray for milder conditions, as well as for the treatment of Digital Dermatitis (Mortellaro). Or use Mortella Heal: a self-adhesive synthetic film that acts like a second skin and supports the natural healing process — without antibiotics or harsh chemicals. Results are visible after just 10 days.:format(webp))
:format(webp)){kind=logo}
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))