Hoof Baths

Hoof Baths: The Whole Herd in One Pass

Treating animals one at a time costs hours, and in a larger herd it simply does not scale. You set the hoof bath up in the race or behind the parlour, and the cows walk through it as part of their normal routine. That way you reach a lot of feet at once and keep the skin of the hoof under constant review, instead of reacting when the first animals go lame.

Bath, mat and setting up

At 203 x 83 cm and around 200 litres, the SuperKombi hoof bath is cut out for cattle. The length makes sure every foot dips more than once. Where space is tight or you want to hold less liquid, the walk-through mat at 180 x 90 x 4 cm is the answer. It soaks up the solution and releases it onto the hoof as the animal steps across. The matching collecting sleeve takes the mat, keeps the liquid together and makes moving and rinsing easier. Put the bath or mat on level, non-slip ground and give the herd a straight run in, so that the cows keep moving without bunching.

Mixing the solution and keeping it clean

You mix the footbath with ClawPlus concentrate in the 5 kg container. Stick to the stated dose rate, because a solution that is too weak achieves little and one that is too strong irritates the skin. Clean the feet beforehand, for example with a pre-bath of clear water, since muck uses up the effect quickly. Change the liquid after the recommended number of animals, and at the latest when it is visibly dirty. After the pass, rinse out the bath or mat and let both dry. Protective gloves and eye protection belong with the mixing, and disposal follows the manufacturer's instructions together with your local rules.

Frequently asked questions

How often should cows go through the footbath?
That depends on housing hygiene and hoof health. On many farms the animals walk through on several consecutive days each month, and more often when there is a problem in the herd. Keep an eye on the results and adjust the rhythm.

Bath or walk-through mat, which is better?
The bath holds more liquid and is the classic answer for the race. The mat needs less concentrate, builds up less height and is easier to move. Where space is tight or animals are nervous, it is often the calmer option.

When does the solution need changing?
As soon as it is clearly cloudy or loaded with muck. As a rule of thumb, manufacturers give a set number of passes per mix. A clean pre-bath noticeably extends the working life, because less dirt is carried in.

Footbathing for the Cattle Herd

The SuperKombi hoof bath holds around 200 litres and at 203 x 83 cm offers enough length for every foot to dip more than once on the way through. Where space is tight or less liquid is to be held, the hoof mat at 180 x 90 x 4 cm takes over. It soaks up the solution and releases it straight onto the hoof as the animal steps across, while the matching collecting sleeve keeps everything together and makes moving it simple. You mix up with ClawPlus concentrate in the 5 kg container, diluted as the manufacturer states. Set the bath or mat down level and non-slip, keep the solution clean and change it in good time. A pre-bath of clear water keeps dirt out and extends the working life of the mix. That way prevention runs alongside the normal day and costs you almost no extra time.