Author Topic: Foot trimming? (Read 2784 times)

YorkshireLass · « **on:** January 23, 2017, 09:08:36 pm »

Given the advice for sheep is now to minimise interfering with their feet, what is the thinking for cattle (specifically beef suckler herds)? And is it a skilled-stockperson sort of task or a specialist person - more along the lines of a farrier?

Sbom · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2017, 09:28:50 pm »

Cattle only get done if they need doing, either desperately overgrown or lame. Skilled stockperson, specialist cattle foot trimmer or vet. Much bigger, mauling job compared to sheep!

YorkshireLass · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2017, 10:10:42 pm »

Thanks!
I suspected that might be the case

twizzel · « **Reply #3 on:** January 24, 2017, 09:32:00 am »

Yep only touch here if lame (beef cows)

landroverroy · « **Reply #4 on:** January 24, 2017, 10:06:23 am »

I would definitely recommend a professional foot trimmer, preferably one with a turn over crush. This is like a light weight crush into which the cow goes and it is then turned hydraulically through 90 degrees so that the cow is effectively lying on her side with her feet sticking out and easy to reach with no danger of being kicked.
Our trimmer is a lot cheaper than a vet and is actually called in by our vet when specialist treatment is needed. He last charged about £80 for one foot trim and dehorning 2 calves.

Incidentally I have tried the other options.
My first ever cow was a very well behaved, well handled and halter trained Dexter. She stood quietly while a local farrier trimmed her hooves ready for a show. But I have never had another animal that I would trust to that extent without proper restraint.
The next time I called the vet in. This was for another little Dexter. I had her in a proper crush and the vet was experienced, but she still managed to send him flying across the yard.
Then I discovered our foot trimmer. He's great, and much less stress on the animals as they are not fighting each time a leg is held.

Pity you're not still in Yorkshire, YL, or I would have given you his number.

Rosemary · « **Reply #5 on:** January 24, 2017, 11:57:42 am »

We have one cow whose feet grow at a hell of a rate so we get a specilast foot trimmer in to do her and the other two / three. The cost is in the call out and set up. He has a turnover crate and it's great. The cows are pretty chilled about it all.

I usually have them done at turnout - the feet seem to grow quicker when they are inside and I want them to be comfy when they go back on grass

YorkshireLass · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2017, 01:31:05 pm »

It's theoretical at the moment - it's mentioned in a job description I'm looking at. Of course that could well mean "Knows when to call for professional support"

Sbom · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2017, 02:00:46 pm »

It's not a bad job to do yourself if you know how. I've done loads, you need a decent crush and the right ropes, knives and cutters. If you tie the leg to the side of the crush with a quick release knot it reduces the chance of being kicked. Knowing how much to take off and where is the skill. It's a regular job on dairy farms as dairy cows tend to have shocking bad feet

daveh · « **Reply #8 on:** January 24, 2017, 07:24:23 pm »

I had my Shetlands done about 6 months ago by a professional. He had a Dutch built setup on a trailer and all the moving and lifting was done by a hydraulic pump running off a generator. This was not a turning set up but one which held the animal in a crush and lifted their feet in turn. Each cow only took about four minutes.

Try www.nacft.co.uk to find a local trimmer.

Regards, David