[midtown]

Don't think you can go far wrong by following the advice of the EBLEX publications. This one has advice on foot conditions; http://www.eblex.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/brp_l_sheepSBRP_Manual_7_reducing_lameness170713.pdf

On a workshop I attended a couple of years ago, it was recommended to place lime around troughs which will help in preventing infection, especially where poaching of the ground is a risk. Alternatives include the use of gravel around troughs.