Hoof disorders - Cattle

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.

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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.

Ask our specialist for advice

Good tools ensure better results

Diagnosing is one part of the job. But successful treatment depends on what you use. Discover on this page what sets each product apart – and which ones fit your way of working.

Go to hoof glues

Go to hoof blocks

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
	Hoof block, woodProduct information	Hoof block, woodProduct information	TP Block hoof block polyurethaneProduct information	TP Block hoof block polyurethaneProduct information	TP Block hoof block polyurethaneProduct information	Hoof block, wood wedge shapedProduct information
	-	-	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
	MS GluePro hoof glueProduct information	MS Gloof hoof glue MDI free, 210 mlProduct information	MS Gloof hoof glueProduct information	MS Gloof hoof glue quicklock, 250 mlProduct information	Black Magic hoof glue XXL, 250 mlProduct information	Technovit-2-bond claw glueProduct information
	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.

Traditional connection (160 ml)

Simply place it on the cartridge and twist a quarter turn. It locks behind two small tabs. Can be fitted in any orientation.View mixing tip (traditional)

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.View mixing tips (easylock)

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 ChatGPT View mixing tips (locking tabs)

Screw connection

First, remove the white cap and take off the protective plug. After securing the mixing tip, turn it back a quarter turn, this prevents it from getting stuck too tightly. The tip only fits one way. View mixing tips (screw)

Quicklock connection

Remove the blue protective cap. Click the mixing tip onto the tube and turn it a quarter turn to secure it (can be done in two ways). Fast, easy, and without glue waste! The twisting occurs on the tip itself, not on the glue tube. The blue protective cap is no longer needed. View mixing tip (quicklock)

Which 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
	Electronic dispensing gunProduct information	Electronic dispensing gunProduct information	Dispensing gun 2 componentsProduct information	Dispensing gun 2 componentsProduct information	Dispensing gun 2 componentsProduct information	Dispensing gun 2 componentsProduct information
	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
	Adhesive Bandage ProPowerProduct information	Zinpro Adaptarap Footwrap Bandage, p/3Product information	MS Adhesive bandageProduct information	Adhesive bandage red, 7.5 cmProduct information	Adhesive bandage padded black, 10 cmProduct information
	-	-	-	-	-
	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.

View our hoof trimming chutes