Hoof trimming is an essential management practice in sheep and goat farming that promotes animal welfare, prevents lameness and infections, and ensures optimal productivity. Regular and proper hoof care, combined with a good diet and clean environment, can significantly enhance the health and performance of your livestock.
Flocks should be checked on a regular basis for hoof growth. Overgrown hooves may make walking painful, predispose the animal to other foot and leg problems, and competing for feed difficult.
Keeping hooves short and in good condition is very important because lame goat will be lose condition. Where animals travel across hard or stony ground their hooves tend to wear and require no trimming.
This may cause sheep and goats to stop eating and exercising. Animals with overgrown hooves are also very susceptible to joint and tendon problems and arthritis.
Additionally, breeding animals use their hind legs during mating; mating and reproductive performance of a flock may seriously be affected if hooves of breeding males are not trimmed.
Procedure
Hooves are trimmed with sharp knife or foot clippers as follows:
1. Restrain the goat in either sitting or standing position.
2. Take one leg and clean the soil and any loose material from under and between the hoof.
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3. Clip or slice away the excess nail on the outside of the hoof until it is the same height as the inside.
4. Cut a thin slice until confident enough to avoid cutting the soft tissue because bleeding and discomfort to the goat.
5. The heel should also be trimmed to the same height.
6. If the hoof is very long it will not be possible to trim it to an ideal shape at one trimming session.
7. Where the hoof is peeling away at the side, remove any loose materials but do not clip up side to expose the soft tissue.
8. After trimming treat the feet with either iodine, Antibiotic spray, 10% solution of formalin or copper sulphate.
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Hoof Trimming Process In Detail
1. Preparation Stage
a. Tools Needed: Essential tools include hoof trimmers, a hoof knife, and gloves. For larger herds, a hoof trimming stand or chute can make the process easier.
b. Inspection: Before trimming, inspect the hooves for any signs of infection, injury, or abnormal growth.
2. Trimming Procedure
a. Cleaning: Clean the hooves to remove dirt and debris, making it easier to see the hoof structure.
b. Trimming the Outer Wall: Start by trimming the outer wall of the hoof, cutting it back to where it is level with the sole. Be careful not to cut too deep to avoid causing bleeding.
c. Trimming the Sole: Trim the sole flat, ensuring it is even and level with the hoof wall. The sole should be firm, and you should remove any loose or overgrown material.
d. Checking Interdigital Space: Ensure the space between the hooves is clean and free from debris. Trim any overgrowth to prevent rubbing and infection.
e. Final Inspection: After trimming, inspect the hooves to ensure they are balanced and even. The animal should stand comfortably without favoring any foot.
Importance of Hoof Trimming
Hoof trimming is a crucial aspect of sheep and goat management, essential for maintaining their overall health and productivity. Proper hoof care helps prevent lameness, infections, and other health issues that can affect the well-being and performance of these animals.
Here’s a detailed overview of the importance and process of hoof trimming in sheep and goats:
1. For Preventing Lameness
a. Weight Distribution: Properly trimmed hooves ensure even weight distribution across the feet, preventing undue pressure on joints and ligaments, which can cause lameness.
b. Balanced Walking: Trimmed hooves promote balanced walking, reducing the risk of abnormal gait and associated musculoskeletal problems.
2. For Preventing Infections
a. Foot Rot and Scald: Overgrown and uneven hooves create an environment conducive to bacterial infections such as foot rot and foot scald. Regular trimming helps maintain clean and dry feet, preventing these conditions.
b. Abscess Prevention: Trimming prevents the formation of pockets where dirt and bacteria can accumulate, reducing the risk of abscesses.
3. For Improving Mobility and Productivity
a. Feeding Efficiency: Healthy hooves enable animals to move easily and graze or feed more effectively, leading to better nutrition and productivity.
b. Breeding and Overall Activity: Animals with healthy hooves are more active, which positively impacts their breeding behavior and overall health.
Frequency of Hoof Trimming
1. Routine Schedule: Typically, hoof trimming should be done every 6-8 weeks, but the frequency can vary depending on the animal’s environment, diet, and activity level.
2. Environmental Factors: Animals kept in wet or soft ground conditions may require more frequent trimming compared to those in dry, rocky environments where natural wear is greater.
Best Practices
1. Regular Monitoring: Regularly check hooves for early signs of overgrowth or disease.
2. Proper Nutrition: Provide a balanced diet to support hoof health. Mineral deficiencies, particularly in zinc and biotin, can affect hoof quality.
3. Clean Environment: Maintain clean, dry living conditions to prevent hoof-related problems.
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