From page 42
Check and make sure that the
hooves are even and level.
The hoof wall should be the
same thickness all around the
hoof. To remove rough or
chipped edges, use the rasp
once more to round and
smooth the edges of the hoof
but don't take off too much or
you will weaken the wall of
the hoof.
It may not be possible to
restore the normal shape to
overgrown hooves at the first
attempt. You may need to do
this by gradually reshaping the
hooves over a few weeks.
Trimming schedules can
depend on a variety of
factors. For example, animals
that are kept on pasture are
less likely to develop painful
foot problems than those
living on hard or stony
ground.
It is a general recommendation that a dairy cow's hooves
are checked and trimmed (if
HOOF CARE
Trimming of ALL livestock!s hooves
should be an integral part of your
management programme to ensure
the animals are comfortable and healthy
needed) twice a year,
preferably in the dry period
and 120 days after calving.
The general rule for equine
hooves is that they should be
trimmed every six to eight
weeks. Again, this can differ
from animal to animal, as well
as from season to season.
Sheep and goats may be
trimmed from once to twice
yearly, although this largely
depends on the conditions
they are raised in and any
health issues of the hoof.
Pigs, especially elderly ones
with limited mobility, need
their hooves trimmed every
two months, although some
pigs require more frequent
trimming and more active
pigs require trimming only a
few times a year. Learn what
a pig's foot is supposed to
look like and make sure that
you are keeping it trimmed
well, because foot infections,
which often start with hoof
problems, can be fatal in pigs.
Because horses are primarily
used for riding or driving, this
puts a lot of stress on their
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feet, leading to the need for
added support and maintenance of their feet. This
support and protection