Cow hoof trimming: tools and instructions and at home

Cow trimming should be done regularly. This procedure helps to avoid deformation and the occurrence of various diseases, including infection of the dermis. For animals that live in a stall on a leash, this manipulation is performed at least 3 times a year. If the cows are in loose housing, the number of cuts is reduced to 2. In any case, it is important to strictly follow the rules for performing manipulations.

What is it for

The productivity of animals is affected by a whole range of factors - the quality of the diet and compliance with the rules for caring for their appearance. Hoof trimming is of great importance for the he alth of the hooves. The systematic implementation of this procedure increases the life expectancy of cows.

On average, the stratum corneum increases by 6-8 millimeters per month. In this case, only the dead upper epithelium is required to be processed. The stratum corneum is updated from time to time, replacing worn-out tissues.

When keeping cows on pasture, natural wear of the sole is observed. With limited mobility, a new layer grows on an unworn old one. As a result, the hooves become covered with cracks. If the hooves are not trimmed, the animal may suffer.

The condition of the hooves depends on the following factors:

• coating - the floor is best done with concrete;
• nutrition - the wrong diet negatively affects the he alth of the stratum corneum;
• bedding - it is important to keep it dry and clean.

Preparing the animal for the process

The day before the procedure, place the cow in wet sawdust. This will help soften the hooves. In this form, it will be easier to cut them. Before starting the manipulation, the cow must be fixed by the horns. She must be in a standing position.

At the same time, it is recommended to tie the limb, which is planned to be processed, to a stable object. Restless individuals are injected with "Rometar" or a similar antipsychotic before the procedure.

Basic rules

When trimming, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Determine the required number of procedures, taking into account the characteristics of the content. With insufficient activity, the procedure should be performed 3 times a year.
2. When traumatic injuries or creases appear, trimming the hooves is unscheduled. Otherwise, there is a risk of reduced cow activity. Such animals cannot be brought out to pasture.
3. Before trimming, examine the condition of the hooves. If they have fungal microorganisms or infections, treatment should be started immediately.
4. Evaluate the quality of work with a tester. It will help to assess the angle between the sole and the front of the hoof. It is important that the surface is even. Otherwise, there is a risk of uneven weight distribution and gait disturbance.

Instructions for trimming hooves with improvised tools

To trim a cow's hooves at home, you should prepare the following tools:

• hoof tongs;
• special clamps;
• rasp;
• hoof knife;
• pincers;
• electric cutters.

To crop, do the following:

1. Clean up the dirt. Then remove the old layer of gray to get to the elastic fabric. All actions must be performed carefully. Usually the thickness of such a layer is 5 millimeters.
2. Cutting is best to start with the highest hoof. In this case, you need to remove all the flaws up to the white line.
3. You can finish the job when the sole is in good contact with the hoof knife. In this case, the axis of the finger bones will become perfectly straight.
4. To align the hoof wall, use forceps. They need to be set with teeth 2-3 millimeters below the sole. It is permissible to align the extreme parts with a rasp.
5. If damaged areas appear, treat them with iodine.

To assess the position of the hooves, it is recommended to place the animal on a flat surface - it is important that the plane of the hoof is placed perpendicular to the axis of the leg.

Specific application of machine tools

The use of the machine allows you to completely eliminate the risk of damage to the limbs of cattle. This device helps to fix the animal horizontally. It will not fall into a closed room, and therefore will remain calm. The machines are divided into 2 categories:

1. Mobile - they can be easily carried. They are usually light weight and have removable wheels.
2. Stationary - they are installed on the floor. These items cannot be moved.

Regardless of the variety, control is carried out using the remote control. The main advantages of such products include:

• possibility of fixing the cow in a comfortable position;
• hydraulic cleaning;
• use of energy saving technologies;
• excellent manufacturability;
• high reliability.

Pruning in the stall

In small farms, you can trim the hooves directly in the stall. At the same time, it is important to provide the cow with a reliable degree of fixation - first of all, her head. To do this, use different crossbars.

It is recommended to tie the legs together and fix them near the supports. Hoof trimming is allowed only with an assistant. One person to hold the legs, the other to trim.

Hoof baths

To disinfect hooves, it is worth using special baths. The following substances help to clean the hooves:

1. "Formalin" - is a solution of formaldehyde. The solution should contain 3-5% of the active substance. The procedure must be carried out very carefully, as it can cause allergies.
2. Copper sulfate - is considered a less effective remedy. Therefore, the dosage should be 6-10%. The disadvantage of the product is considered to be poor dissolution in water.

How to care

To keep cows limbs he althy, follow these guidelines:

• create good rest conditions for animals;
• clean manure 2-3 times a day;
• ensure systematic walks;
• once a quarter to carry out processing of recreation areas;
• give sulfur-containing vitamins to animals.

Hoof trimming is considered a very important procedure that allows you to maintain normal condition. To achieve good results, it is important to strictly follow the rules for its implementation.

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