Whenever you take care of cows, you automatically make a commitment. You should offer the best possible care for the cow’s entire life, regardless of why you got it in the first place. This means you have to protect the animal from disease and injury.
Fortunately, there are so many different options available on the market right now to take care of cows. You can buy dairy equipment online without a problem. But, when it comes to hoof trimming, it is something many aspiring cow owners know nothing about. Here are the most important facts you have to know before you get your first cow.
When Should You Trim The Hooves?
Usually, the adult cow needs to have its hoof trimmed two times per year. When the cow is younger, regular hoof maintenance and regular trimming should be done by the veterinarian. Also, it is possible that you have to go through more frequent trimming sessions in some specific situations like:
- The cow is older.
- The cow is affected by specific health conditions or have impaired mobility.
- Cows are affected by hoof abscess or foot rot.
- The cow spends most of its time on a soft surface.
- The cow spends most of its time on a much harder surface than needed. Many owners do not know this but the situation requires more frequent trimming or comfort is reduced.
As you can see, there are different situations you might not be aware of. Buying dairy equipment online is simple compared to hoof care for cows. Also, hoof length cannot be analyzed properly if you do not have experience. Due to all these, it is highly recommended that you talk to the experienced farrier or you go to a veterinarian for help.
Remember that cows can often develop hoof cracks. These have to be managed as soon as possible. When the hoof keeps splitting, the animal will be in a lot of pain. The recovery process will be lengthy and you can avoid this through proper timely checks.
The Basics You Should Know
Many tools can be used to trim your cow’s hooves. This is usually based on preference and how much maintenance is actually required. No matter what you do, the hoof trimming procedure needs to be pain free for the animal. When you remove as much of the hoof that needs to be removed, there is absolutely no discomfort. Also, hooves have to end up being leveled so that the cow can work in a comfortable manner. The animal will definitely not like trimming though, even when pain is not present.
The professional farrier usually has all the equipment needed to trim hooves and restrain the cow. Even so, it is a good idea to buy a good cow chute. This helps to move the cow from one place to another in a safe manner.
There are cows that do appreciate human handling and are comfortable with it. Others are not at all comfortable because they went through some traumatic events in the past. Even the cows that are often calm can end up stressed fast by the routine hoof care routine. Nervous cows are always highly unpredictable. When you cannot invest in that quality cow chute, the gates can be used. But, you will most likely need some extra help from family and friends.