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Fast and effective treating hoof disorders in cows
A slight limp. A minor swelling. A faint mark on the sole. They may not look serious at first, but these early signs often lead to bigger problems if ignored.
Every painful step a cow takes costs you milk – and job satisfaction. Hoof problems remain one of the biggest welfare issues and sources of financial loss on dairy farms. Whether you're trimming hooves yourself or working with a professional hoof trimmer, success starts with early detection, targeted treatment and using the right tools.
How do hoof disorders start?
Many hoof conditions are caused by infections, like digital dermatitis or interdigital phlegmon. Others are mechanical, caused by overload, hard flooring or heat stress – such as sole ulcers or white line disease.
Knowing what you’re looking at helps you treat correctly. And with the right materials, you prevent recurrence. That’s why attention during each trim pays off.
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Wood, rubber, or PU: a good block makes all the difference!
Hoof blocks come in different materials: wood, rubber, and PU. Rubber and PU last longer than wood and are more flexible, while wood offers more firmness. The size of the block corresponds to the cow’s “shoe size,” choose the size that fits to the size of the cow. Wood is biodegradable but may wear down more quickly. PU and rubber are not naturally biodegradable and can sometimes cause discomfort in the manure pit. A wedge is used to ensure even wear, while a thin hoof block is used for minor conditions.| Characteristics | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | Supersoft | Biodegradable | Soft | - | |
| Wood | Wood | Plastic: Polyurethane | Plastic: Polyurethane | Plastic: Polyurethane | Wood | |
| Average | Average | Long | Long | Long | Average | |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
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The right hoof glue: what works for you?
Hoof adhesives come in many different types, each with its own favourite among users. They also feature various application systems and connections.| Characteristics | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 ml | 210 ml | 250 ml | 250 ml | 250 ml | 210 ml | |
| Traditional | Easylock, Mounting feet | Screw | Quicklock | Quicklock | Easylock, Mounting feet | |
| 2 minutes | 1.5 minutes | 2 minutes | 2 minutes | 1.5 minutes | 3 minutes | |
| 7 - 9 | 9 - 11 | 11 - 13 | 11 - 13 | 11 - 13 | 9 - 11 | |
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Selecting mixing tips and fittings
Choosing the right mixing tip depends on the type of hoof adhesive you are using and the processing temperature. The mixing tips also match specific connection types.:format(webp))
Easylock connection (210 ml)
The Easylock mixing tip has two openings. There is no twisting mechanism on the mixing tip or the tube. Remove the protective cap from the tube. Place the mixing tip straight onto the tube, this can be done in two ways. Then place the cap back over the mixing tip. Turn the cap a quarter turn to secure it.Locking tabs (210 ml)
Remove the protective cap from the glue tube. Press the mixing tip with legs firmly and straight into the tube — this can only be done in one way. There is no twisting mechanism on the mixing tip or the tube. Then place the protective cap back over the mixing tip and turn it a quarter turn to secure it. Vraag ChatGPTWhich glue dispensing gun fits your cartridge? Find out here!
Choose between an electric or non-electric dispensing gun for the claw adhesive. Make sure to select a dispensing gun that is compatible with either single- or two-component adhesive. The cartridge can be inserted from the top or the side.| Characteristics | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double | Single | Double | Double | Double | Single | |
| Top | Top | Top | Top | Side | Top | |
| - | - | 160/180 ml, double | 200/210 ml, double | 210/250 ml, double | 250 ml, single | |
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Wrap smart: choose the right hoof bandage
Finally, choose the bandage for wrapping the hoof. There are winter and summer versions. In cold conditions, adhesive strength decreases, so winter bandages contain extra glue. This makes the roll a bit harder to unwind, so be careful not to wrap it too tightly.| Characteristics | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| 4.5 m | 10 m | 4.5 m | 4.5 m | 2.25 m | |
| 10 cm | 120 mm | 10 cm | 7.5 cm | 10 cm | |
| Cold months | - | Warm months | 15 – 35 °C | - | |
| 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
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Tip from hoof care advisor Willem:
Having trouble planning hoof trimming? Keep it simple. Add up the total number of treatments per year. Divide that by your working weeks (minus holidays and maize/grass harvest). Then pick one fixed part of the week for trimming.
Example: 200 cows x 4 times per year = 800 treatments. Divide that over 40 weeks, and you’ve got 20 cows per week. Trim 20 every Thursday afternoon and you stay on top of it.
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.
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