Machine for processing cattle hooves: the principle of fixation, and how to make it yourself

Motor activity and systematic hoof care are very important for cows. The stratum corneum grows, cracks appear, into which dirt enters, inflammation may develop. The animal begins to limp, ceases to step on a sore leg. To avoid these problems, farms with a lot of animals use special machines for processing cattle hooves.

The principle of operation of the cow fixing machine

Cows are large animals that can easily injure a person. The machine allows you to process hooves, cut horns, conduct veterinary examinations without stress for the animal and danger for the farmer.A hoof machine is a stall with a frame into which the animal's head is inserted, a cow is fixed under the belly with a wide belt, additional belts serve to fix the limbs in the position desired by the owner.

There are machine tools for industrial production. They are strong, metal, with wheels that allow you to move the structure, an electric drive that can lift the back of the animal.

Such products are expensive and purchased by large farms. The cost depends on the type of product, there are: mechanical, electrically driven, hydraulic and wheeled models.

Advantages and disadvantages

The machine can be placed in a barn or outdoors. Designs are small, which allows you to conveniently place the fixture.

Pros and consthe ability to use it for various manipulations that require fixation of the animal;cows are not afraid, the belts do not squeeze the internal organs;work is done quickly, by one specialist;the animal is not capable of injuring a person in the process of work;Reduced processing time for each individual.it should not be too light so that the cow is securely fixed;the location of the belts - they should conveniently and firmly fix the animal;the design with a side fixation option is not suitable for pregnant cows, it is better to choose a vertical fixation;there must be an additional support for the cow, without it the animals are frightened.

A simple product for securely fixing animals can be made independently from wooden blocks, if the farm does not have too many livestock, the device will be inexpensive and will greatly facilitate the care of cows. A split from metal pipes will be more durable.

Review of popular models

Mikulka hoof trimming machines are Czech made products.Excellent value for money and quality. Designs are mobile, convenient in operation. The company "Westfalia-Serge" presents a full range of equipment for farms specializing in the maintenance and breeding of cattle. There are also convenient machines for trimming hooves. Specialists conduct master classes, service is offered. Machines for processing hooves "TOR" come from Austria. Comfortable and safe, it is possible to additionally equip with scales, wheels for moving, electric rear limb lift.

Handmade

A stationary hoof trimmer can be made by yourself. They make it from wood or metal pipes.

Materials and tools

A wooden machine is quite simple and cheap to make. For work you will need:

wooden bars;
boards;
drill;
wood saw;
nails;
chain;
conveyor belt or leather straps.

Choose a flat area for mounting the structure.

Step by step

Pillars 1.8-1.7 meters high are made from bars - 4 pieces. You will need 2 more columns 0.7-0.5 meters high. Long posts are dug into the ground along the perimeter of the site, the size of which is 1.5x1.0 meters.

Poles dug into the ground are fastened with boards. Need 2 longitudinal boards and one transverse to fix the head. Small posts are fixed behind the structure, a strong crossbar is laid on them, on which the animal's leg will be placed when trimming the hooves.Chains with belts or a conveyor belt for easy pickup are thrown over the posts before the procedure.

To make the structure last longer, it is covered with drying oil or painted to protect it from dampness and decay.

Rules for using the machine

The cow is driven inside the structure, immobilized with straps. They clean the hooves from dirt and remove the build-up layer with a sharp knife until a white color appears.

Important: you can not carry out the procedure yourself in the absence of experience, as you can cause serious harm to the animal.

The surface is leveled with a cutter, excess wool is removed with scissors, sharp edges are grinded. After trimming, the hooves are treated with a 2% solution of copper sulfate or formaldehyde. They are placed in a container with a disinfectant solution for 10-15 minutes. Even the simplest hoof trimmer simplifies the farmer's work, because their animals should be trimmed systematically so that the cows do not suffer from orthopedic diseases.