If you have a cow, or thirty, you know that there's a lot involved in maintaining its health - especially its hoof health. Cows are on their feet grazing almost constantly, so the hooves require a great deal of maintenance. If you don't maintain your herd's hooves, they could end up having issues that become more serious and cause the animal to become lame. Issues that become more serious quickly become more costly as well. Before you get to that point, be sure your supply cabinet is fully stocked with the right hoof products, and you'll be ready to take a hands-on approach to keeping your animal's hooves healthy.
If you're maintaining your herd's hooves on-site, you'll need quite a few hoof products handy at all times.
Cutting Wheels - If this isn't your first rodeo, meaning that you've been a cattle farmer for many years, you know how quickly cutting wheels can dull against a cow's rough hooves. Keep enough on hand so you never run out. Remember, the larger the herd, the more wheels you'll need to keep in reserve.
Sharpeners - In addition to cutting wheels, you'll have other hoof products that need to be kept sharp at all times. Always keep a sharpener handy for the job. If you've ever worked with dull tools, you'll know they can make a tedious job much more painful than it has to be.
Boots - No one ever wants to have to use a boot on a cow, but it's sometimes necessary. If you have an emergency wound to treat, or if you're dealing with a bad case of warts, you'll need to medicate. The only way that medication is going to stay on that hoof is with a boot.
Gauze and Cotton - In addition to having these in your own first aid kit, you should also have a large supply of gauze and cotton in your hoof products supply cabinet. They come in handy in case of injury.
Knives - You'll need knives on hand to help clean out dirt and debris from your herd's soles. The bigger the herd, the more knives you'll need.
Nippers - Nippers are handy for getting at those hard to reach places within the hoof. The knife can handle a lot, but the nipper will get deeper into the crevices.
Slips and Blocks - Although you hope every cow will be problem-free, everyone knows that lameness is going to be an issue at some point. Be prepared with an adequate supply of slips and blocks.
Specialty Treatments - There are certain medications you should keep on hand to treat injury or warts that may occur, but there are also natural hoof products that can help maintain your herd's hooves.
Wraps - In the event you encounter bovine digital dermatitis, you'll want to be prepared with a supply of wraps
Educational Materials - Hoof care is extremely important, and it's also important that you understand how to use all of your hoof products. Stock your library with books, DVDs and other educational information, and then study up on hoof care before you encounter an issue that you don't know how to handle.
If you've ever had an ailing cow and haven't had the right hoof products to properly care for it, your supply cabinet is probably already fully stocked right now. If you haven't encountered that situation just yet, believe that you don't want to see it happen.
If you care about your herd and want to run an organic farm, it's important that your hoof products remain chemical and antibiotic free.
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