Hopefully, you now are better equipped to find a good hoof trimmer. You should make this clear when setting up an appointment. There might be some road dirt on the equipment, but there should not be any manure. All the hand tools and clothing should be clean as well. If should be clean of all manure from another farm priori to entering your facility. With biosecurity being very important these days, you should look at their equipment before you let them in your barn. But, if they are in your area, they should take care of her. Ninth, if you have one cow that has a sore foot, would he or she return to take care of it? Some trimmers live a long ways from your area, and it wouldn't pay to travel that far for one cow. Both are acceptable as long as they are in good repair. They have standup chutes and tilt tables (tilts cows 90 degrees on her side). Trim tables come in many shapes and sizes. However, there a few who use nothing but hand tools. I've seen prices from $8 to $15 for a trim.Įighth, what kind of equipment does he or she trim with? Most trimmers use electric grinders to trim feet with. You don't want to be surprised when you're given the bill. Seventh, ask what he or she charges per cow for trimming, wraps, blocks, checks, or if there is a setup charge. If not, they may require someone helping to move cows.
Sixth, does he or she need help while trimming? Some hoof trimmers have assistants working them. Either of these is acceptable.įifth, how many cows can he or she trim in an average day? This is important in determining which cows are trimmed first and how many days you will need to schedule for trimming. Or there may be an apprenticeship with a qualified hoof trimmer. However, there are many good hoof trimming schools around. Third, how long has the trimmer been trimming hooves? This is a reasonable question to ask in determining an experience level of the trimmer.įourth, where did he or she learn to trim? At this time, there is no certification required to become a hoof trimmer. Insurance also is important if the hoof trimmer or one of your cows gets hurt. I had to give them proof of my insurance, or the farmer would have been liable for paying workman's compensation on the money I earned trimming his cows' hooves. A client of mine was audited by workman's comp. Second, does the trimmer have liability and disability insurance? Very important. Here are things I would ask for and check out:Ī list of references in your area could be one of the most important things you ask for. You do this in many ways it's like selecting a new employee. Some hoof trimmers advertise others show up at your door.Ĭhoose a reputable trimmer. Talk to other farmers in your area to see who they use. There are many ways to do this, but one of the best is word of mouth. The first thing you must do is select a hoof trimmer. Most cows should be trimmed at least twice a year.
One of the areas of importance is regular hoof trimming. It is important that we try and focus on all areas. With the price of cows, dairymen cannot afford to cut corners anywhere when it comes to cow health. I put on a few blocks and treated the abscesses. This was the main problem with most of the cows. The trimmer had trimmed too close, and an abscess had formed. With the first cow on the table, I started seeing some of the problems. There were a few warts and only a couple of ulcers. We then looked at the trim sheet the trimmer had provided to see what he had found while trimming and the problems he had to fix. Some cows were lame in front and some in the back. We first walked through the cows to see how they were standing and walking. He had a hoof trimmer in two months earlier who trimmed the whole herd (80 cows), and now about 25 of them were limping and acting real sore on their feet. He asked if I could take a look at his cows. Will you come back between appointments to take care of a limping cow?Ī dairyman called because he had seen one of my advertisements. What equipment do you use to trim hooves (grinder, nippers, and so forth)? What are your prices (trim, wrap, block, and so forth)? Would you require any help from the herd owner? How many cows can you trim on an average day? Hoard's Dairyman, copied with permission.ĭo they have liability or disability insurance?
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