How to trim cows' hooves
There are no trifles in caring for cattle. So, correct and timely trimming of cows' hooves is the key to the health and longevity of the animal.
Cow trimming
Why is the procedure needed
An experienced owner knows that the productivity and maintenance of the number of heads of cattle depends on a number of factors. Mainly - from a full diet, cleaning the room, hygiene of horned animals, their examination by a veterinarian, as well as care for their appearance.
The main reasons
Various limb diseases in cows are a very serious issue, because they all lead to lameness. To prevent the suffering of pets, it is necessary to clean and trim their hooves in time, because it is when the breeders lose sight of this procedure that they get a sick cow in return.
The fact is that hooves are the shoes of cows that serve them all their lives, from birth. They cannot replace worn-out "shoes". In both bulls and cows, the growth of the horn wall, i.e. hoof, is 6-8 mm monthly.
If the animal is able to graze freely every day, then the growth can be erased. At the same time, this does not affect the shape of the hoof, but in winter the cows stand in the barn and move very little. That's when the cornea thickens, and the hooves begin to deform. Dealing with this is an extremely difficult task.
Cows bearing offspring are often in the "risk zone". The fact is that their rate of wear of the "sole" increases significantly, while its growth is sharply reduced. With high mobility of the premature individual, the hooves quickly become thinner.
Other reasons
The concrete coating in the stall also affects this process, especially if the livestock in it is unattached. The floor should be level, not wobbly or fall through. The slatted floor is the most convenient; excrement does not accumulate on it.
Improper nutrition also has its effect, when the main food is starchy, and fiber practically does not enter the body.
The animal's litter should also be dry and clean, the room should be ventilated, since dry hooves are much harder and healthier than those that are constantly wet.
Consequences of ignoring cropping
The thickened layer of the cornea cracks, bends, which leads to damage to the soft tissue of the limbs and the hooves themselves. There is also a risk of developing inflammation and decay.
Each step for the slingshot becomes a torment, he tries to relieve himself of pain and place his leg so that the pressure on the hoof becomes minimal, as a result of which the body weight is distributed unevenly, and this puts a tremendous load on the joints.
But all the negative consequences of the lack of hoof trimming do not end there: the appetite of the suffering animal worsens. Of course, this also affects its milk production.
Hoof trimming rules
Hoof trimming is ideally done twice a year, and if necessary 3 times. Cleaning is carried out with the same frequency.The pet should not be scolded, shouted at him, the attitude towards him should be friendly, all actions should be neat.
The procedure requires the participation of 2 people. No matter how much literature is read and no matter how many videos are reviewed by a novice farmer, it is always better to invite a specialist to help. The price for such a service is usually quite reasonable.
First of all, you need to prepare all the necessary tools and tools that may be needed during and after circumcision. Various adaptations are taken:
- hoof knives;
- hoof forceps;
- scissors;
- rasp;
- electric cutters, etc.
You will also need a machine in which the whole process is carried out, but for calm individuals, only one rope is enough.
To treat the wounds, you need birch tar or iodine.
Stages
They usually start with the inner hoof. They remove the thickness and make sure that the hoof remains firm (press with a tester).
Then, with the help of a special knife, they make a model and get rid of excess growths on the soft heel area, check the work done, since it is a model for the outer hoof, in no case should there be cracks and wounds.
Hoof trimming process
The meaning of the process
When trimming the front hooves, the limb bent at the joint is clamped on the animal securely tied to the feeder. At the same time, a second person with free hands cleans the hoof, trims the gray horny part (usually fragile) and disinfects.
On the hind legs, the hooves are trimmed after the cow is knocked to the ground. This is not an easy step, usually at least three men can handle it. It is important not to harm your pet at this point.
With less harm and less shock to livestock, pruning can be done in the machine. This allows you to fix the slingshot well and work comfortably.
Subtleties
Hooves must be measured (from toe to corolla) before trimming.
The excess tips are shortened with forceps to a length of 7.5 cm. They work first with the highest hoof horn, where a plane perpendicular to the axis of the leg is taken out, using a cutter, flaws are removed. If done correctly, a white line should be visible. 3-5 mm is the final thickness of the sole.
Then proceed to the second foot, again achieving the perpendicularity of the sole to the axis of the leg. They get rid of unnecessary cornea with the help of a hoof knife, form an area of inclination between the hooves, or, simply put, a hole. From the sides, it is also removed to the white line.
If the sole firmly touches the entire surface of the hoof knife, then the job is done correctly.
You can also use a hoof tester to show the angle between the front of the hoof and the sole, plus it's contact with the ground.
How cows are felled
As mentioned above, to trim the hind hooves, knock down the cow. There are many ways for this, but the following is recognized as the most convenient (author of witness 540633).
Training
To knock down a cow, you need a litter on which she will have to fall, and a rope. It should be strong, but not rigid, about 6 m. The first end of it is tied on the front leg, above the hoof, in the area of the fetlock, on the side on which the animal is going to fall. Then the rope is wrapped around the body, just below the shoulder blades. The free end is attached to the hind leg, on the same side, to the fetlock.
The person should stand on the other side so that the cow does not fall on him. The free end of the rope on the back leg is pulled slightly in the area that wraps around the body. Immediately they lightly beat with the toe of their leg below / above the fetlock of the limb that is tied with a rope.
At this point, the cow should automatically raise this leg. This limb is quickly moved to the chest.
Further actions
Part of the rope on the back is held especially tightly, plus the end, loosely wrapped around the hind leg, is pulled so that the rope passes under the body of the cattle.This will cause the slingshot to become unbalanced, causing it to lie on its side (from the side of the first end of the rope) and the hind leg to stretch out mechanically. Now, at the level of the fetlock joint of the hind limb, the free edge of the rope is attached, the loop method is used.
As a result, it will be possible to work with the hind legs and one front. Before falling down, the cow is tied by the neck to some kind of attachment (support, etc.).
Take care of your animals and be sure to take care of them.