The winter can be a hard time for animals – and for those who care for them! Finding out how to protect your cows in the winter can make life easier for you and for your herd, and can ensure that your animals stay healthy, happy and productive all year round.
In the winter, the weather tends to be harsher, and the ground is often wetter and may not drain well. These factors can increase the risk of hoof problems developing in your cows, and this can lead to lameness, which is detrimental to your herd and to your profits. Making sure that your practices are winter-ready and taking essential steps to protect your animals early in the winter can help to prevent problems and keep your cows in great shape even in a hard winter.
Hoof Care Practices for Healthy Hooves in Winter
Making small changes to your practice can make a big difference to the health of your animals over the winter and help to set them up for a successful new year. We recommend:
- Maintaining clean housing. It can be difficult to maintain high levels of hygiene for your cows during the winter months, as the increased moisture can encourage bacteria to multiply. Stalls must be cleaned regularly and debris and dirt removed from floors and the ground where your animals walk. Scraping the paths used by your cows can help a great deal, and you should ensure that anyone involved with your herd care understands the reasons for this essential daily practice.
- Using footbaths or sprays. Keeping the hooves clean can prevent against a number of infections and hep to keep your cows healthy, and regular use of footbaths, or sprays when conditions are freezing, can help with this. You can use a medicated spray several times a week to minimise the risk of dirt building up in the hooves and causing problems.
- Regularly checking your cows. Early intervention is crucial if your cows are developing problems with their hooves and checking them routinely is the best way to identify when this is needed. You should observe your animals carefully and consider using a rollover crate for regular checks and to make it easier to carry out procedures such as hoof trimming and teat sealing.
- Ensuring good nutrition. In the winter, it’s even more important to ensure that your cows are eating a balanced diet that keeps them in good health. They require a balance of dietary fats, protein and energy to maintain their wellbeing and you may find that supplementing essential minerals helps to promote good hoof health and bone and muscle development.
Hoof Care Solutions in Ireland at HoofCare Direct
Here at HoofCare Direct, we understand the challenges faced by farmers in Ireland on a daily basis, and we aim to reduce the pressure wherever we can. Our range includes products to help you care for your animals, as well as protective clothing and mobile crates and you can talk to us for advice on the best solutions for your farm.
A hoof trimming crate can transform your practice, making it easier for you to carry out hoof checks, hoof trimming and several other essential tasks. At HoofCare Direct, you’ll see a full demonstration of the Inspect4 Mobile Hoof Trimming Crate and the Inspect4 Fixed Hoof Trimming Crate, and we’ll always be happy to discuss the best options for you and your animals. Give us a call today or enquire via our website to find out more.