The success of your farming business relies on the health of your animals and the efficiency of your practices, and both of these can be revolutionised with the introduction of a trimming crate. Being able to monitor your cows more closely and check and treat the very first signs of injury or disease can change the way you practice and enable you to work more effectively all year round.
A trimming crate can make it much easier for you to keep your animals under observation, as well as carrying out processes such as teat sealing more efficiently. A good trimming crate makes examination more comfortable for your animals and for you as the human operator, and this can be a great way to update your practices and maximise your profits.
Trimming Crates: The Benefits
If you have never seen a hoof trimming crate in action, you may be surprised to discover the many benefits it can bring. For instance:
- Speed of operation. Essential practices such as hoof trimming can be carried out much more efficiently with the use of a trimming crate. The Inspect4 Rollover Crate has a set up time of less than twenty seconds from the moment the cow enters the crate, with all four feet restrained hydraulically in a way that is secure and comfortable for the animal.
- Comfortable operation. A good trimming crate is designed to ensure the comfort of your animals and to make it easier for you to carry out your work in a comfortable position. The use of a trimming crate eliminates the need for bending over or working in awkward positions, giving you a comfortable stance at great working height, and this can also help to ensure precision and accuracy in your work. The animal will be comfortably positioned on its side, with all four feet restrained, for ease of access.
- Ensuring animal welfare. A trimming crate can accommodate large bulls, weighing up to 1.2 tonnes, in a comfortable set up so that you can carry out routine checks and hoof trimming. These crates are used by professional hoof trimmers to ensure the welfare of the animals they work with, and this reduces stress and keeps your animals safe throughout.
- Versatility. Hoof trimming is not the only practice that will be revolutionised by the use of a trimming crate, as it can be used throughout the year for practices such as heifer teat sealing and identifying early indicators of lameness. Lameness is a significant threat to your animals and to your profits, so this is an excellent investment in the health of your herd. Owning a mobile hoof trimming crate will also enable you to offer services to others in your area and can establish you as a leader in your industry.
Your hoof trimming crate comes with a socket for grinder/heat gun and has a large stabiliser floor, so it is a very practical choice. It is wireless remote control operated and once you have seen one in action, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Hoof Trimming Crates at HoofCare Direct
At HoofCare Direct, we understand the pressures of dairy farming in Ireland and our experience of working with farmers, vets and hoof trimmers leads us to recommend hoof trimming crates to revolutionise your practice and streamline your work. Our priority is to help you keep your animals healthy, and we stock the highest quality hoof maintenance products, including knives, glues, blocks, and trimmers. We can advise you on all aspects of your cattle care routine, and we have a great range of protective clothing to ensure that you remain dry and comfortable as you work.
At HoofCare Direct, you can see a full demonstration of the Inspect4 Mobile Hoof Trimming Crate, which will transform the way you work and can be loaned to other farms in your local area to diversify your practice. Our professional team will be happy to share their expertise and learn about your practice, so give us a call today or visit our website to find out more about our hoof trimming crates and discover our full range of products.