Cow trimming tools at home and instructions

Cows should be regularly trimmed. 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 trimmings is reduced to 2. In any case, it is important to strictly follow the rules for performing the manipulation.

What is it for

A whole complex of factors affects the productivity of animals - the quality of the diet and the observance of the rules for caring for the appearance. Trimming is of great importance for hoof health. The systematic implementation of this procedure increases the life span of the cows.

On average, the stratum corneum increases by 6-8 millimeters per month. In this case, it is required to process exclusively the dead upper epithelium. The stratum corneum is renewed from time to time, replacing worn-out tissue.

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

The condition of the hooves depends on the following factors:

• covering - the floor is best done with concrete;
• nutrition - improper diet negatively affects the health of the stratum corneum;
• litter - it is important to keep it dry and clean.

Preparing the animal for the process

One day before the procedure, place the cow in wet sawdust. This will help soften the hooves. It will be easier to cut them this way. Before starting the manipulation, the cow must be fixed by the horns. It should be in a standing position.

In this case, the limb to be processed is recommended to be tied to a stable object. Restless individuals are injected with Rometar or a similar antipsychotic before the procedure.

Fundamental rules

When pruning, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Determine the required number of procedures, taking into account the characteristics of the content. In case of insufficient activity, the procedure should be performed 3 times a year.
2. If traumatic injuries or kinks appear, trimming the hooves is unplanned. Otherwise, there is a risk of reduced cow activity. Such animals cannot be brought out to pasture.
3. Examine the condition of the hooves before trimming. If they have fungal microorganisms or infections, you need to start treating right away.
4. Assess the quality of work with a tester. It will help you estimate the angle between the sole and the front of the foot. It is important that the surface is level. Otherwise, there is a risk of uneven weight distribution and gait disturbance.

Instructions for trimming hooves with improvised tools

To trim the hooves of a cow at home, it is worth preparing the following tools:

• hoof forceps;
• special clamps;
• rasp;
• hoof knife;
• ticks;
• electric cutters.

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To trim, do the following:

1. Carry out cleansing from dirt. Then remove the old gray layer to get to the elastic fabric. All actions must be performed carefully. Usually the thickness of such a layer is 5 millimeters.
2. It is best to start trimming from the tallest foot. In this case, you need to remove all flaws 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. Forceps should be used to flatten the hoof wall. They need to be set with teeth 2-3 millimeters below the sole. It is permissible to level 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.

Specificity of machine tools application

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 get 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 lightweight and have removable wheels.
2. Stationary - they are installed on the floor. You cannot move such products.

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

• the ability to fix the cow in a comfortable position;
• hydraulic cleaning;
• use of energy saving technologies;
• excellent manufacturability;
• high degree of reliability.

Stall pruning

On small farms, hooves can be trimmed 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. For this, different crossbars are used.

Hoof baths

For disinfection of hooves, it is worth using special baths. The following substances help to clean the hooves:

1. "Formalin" is a formaldehyde solution. The solution should contain 3-5% of the active substance. It is required to carry out the procedure 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.

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How to care

To maintain the health of the limbs in cows, it is worth following these recommendations:

• create good recreation conditions for animals;
• remove manure 2-3 times a day;
• provide systematic walks;
• once a quarter to process recreation sites;
• give animals sulfur-containing vitamins.

Hoof trimming is considered to be a very important procedure to keep them in good condition. To achieve good results, it is important to strictly follow the rules for its implementation.