Hoof Clips Newsletter
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Hello There,
Automation has been making waves in dairies for quite some time now, and it’s only getting better as technology evolves. More and more farms are embracing automation and robotics, and for good reason. So, let’s talk about something that could elevate your hoof care routine: automatic footbaths.
When I shared this with Jasenko on our team, he reacted: “Automatic footbaths? Really? I thought you were not for this?” I’m not a big foot bath proponent, but proper foot bath routines make a difference in the overall hoof care protocol. If the constant labour involved in maintaining and monitoring your footbaths is catching up to you, this tried-and-true technology might be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.
Why Automation is Working on Most Farms
First off, let’s discuss why automation is gaining popularity. It’s all about consistency and efficiency and the better use of the limited availability of human resources. Automated footbaths ensure that each cow’s hooves receive the same treatment every time (and on time), which is crucial for preventing hoof diseases like Digital Dermatitis. You see, inconsistencies in running (or not running) manual foot baths can lead to gaps in hoof health management.
What Are the Disadvantages of Bath Automation?
Let’s not gloss over the challenges. The area around the automated footbaths tends to get dirtier quickly because no one is cleaning and washing it. Additionally, computerized systems often make it cumbersome to disable or bypass the footbath on days they are not needed and, therefore, require every cow to walk through them, even on off days or when empty. These are minor hurdles worth considering as you plan your farm’s setup.
Where Can We Purchase an Automatic Footbath?
When purchasing an automatic footbath, you might wonder where to begin. Various suppliers have trustworthy systems to get you started. Consider reputable options like the DeLaval automated footbath AFB1000, Lely Meteor Hoof Bath and the GEA PediCuRx footbath, all known for their reliability and efficiency. Another excellent choice is the Hoof Count footbath, which has garnered quite a positive buzz in the dairy community and can be used in any dairy barn setup.
But there are more! Keep an eye on the horizon—some innovative new prototypes are emerging from Europe that could potentially revolutionize how we approach hoof care in North America. These developments are something you won’t want to miss! I will update you soon.
Tips on Footbaths While Designing Your Barn
When it comes to designing your barn with footbaths in mind, here are some tips:
- Add a Footbath Alley: It is ideal to create a separate alley to turn cow traffic on/off to the footbath – this can be for the entire herd or individual cows. A specific cow could have a bandage or open wound—letting them bypass the bath is better. A transponder with an automatic gate will work wonders here.
- In Front of Milk Robot: This placement appears convenient for cow flow, but bear in mind that lame cows may shy away from harsher products and slow down visits to the robot. A stationary foot bath by the robot will be 24/7 in that position – so it might not be the best solution for regulating off days. Another drawback is that you will need a foot bath for every robot – this setup is possibly not the most economical due to hardware purchases and bath product usage.
- Disposal of Solutions: Future designs and environmental requirements might require separate tanks for disposal—plan your barn and drains accordingly. Some European countries have regulated the disposal of foot bath water, and it’s not allowed to be mixed into manure pits. With the rise of biodigester technology and the net-zero mindset for farming, some bath products have been proven to slow down the biodigester process.
Are There Specific Protocols for Automatic Footbaths?
Yes, indeed! Our Hoof Sol Bath FLEX product is ideally suited for automated footbaths due to its optimized viscosity. We recommend starting with twice consecutive days per week and then adjusting to once per week, depending on hoof health.
To complete the protocol, I would like to share a quote from the recent Intra Inspiration days that is so true: ‘Start individually and automate the future.’ Foot bathing and its automation are preventative approaches, so keep a keen eye on your cows’ hooves and treat any lameness promptly with trimming, wrapping, and blocking. The Hoof Clips summer version dives deeper into lameness prevention protocols – check it out!
Hoof Sol Bath Flex
Optimized for automatic foot baths and formulated to stick to hooves, providing long-lasting protection and support.
Should We Run Just Water on the Days Off?
I advise avoiding using water on days you don’t run a bath solution. If you want to keep the hooves clean using a continuous water bath, you need to realize that these hooves will be too wet. If your cows’ hooves are getting ‘excessively’ dirty from just being out in the barn, reviewing and perhaps adding a manure-scraping session might be best. Remember that constantly wet hooves can lead to increased heel erosion, which we definitely want to avoid.
Should We Wash Hooves Before Foot Bathing?
That is a great question. I always answer with “Yes, but only when necessary”. A hoof wash or rinse is helpful if the hooves are extremely dirty. However, avoid turning your milking parlour or robot area into a wash bay. Too much washing fills the skin pores with water, reducing the effectiveness of your bath solution. As mentioned before, looking for opportunities to keep the hooves cleaner is better done by addressing the manure scraper schedule or fixing low spots and mud holes in the barn facilities or cow pens.
Are you curious to learn more about where footbaths fit in the hoof health protocol on your farm? Contact us by replying to this email or visiting our blog, “The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Foot Bath for Your Dairy,” for more detailed guidelines and tips!
Keep those hooves happy! Your cows (and your time) will thank you for it.
Koos
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