PediCuRx - Find The Needlepdfs.findtheneedle.co.uk/26874.pdfIntroduction Hoof problems, an increasing worry Actual reports show that hoof problems and lameness could currently be resulting

PediCuRxHoof care and hoof hygiene

Facts and background

Hoof care

Hoof care


Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Hoof care / lameness background information

Economic consequences of hoof problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Anatomy of the hoof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Causes of lameness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Classification of lameness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Classification of Dermatitis digitalis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Treatment and prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Products that have been used in cow footbaths baths until now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

PediCuRx - the 2 in 1 hoof hygiene system

About the PediCuRx system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Possible configurations of the PediCuRx system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Summary of the unique PediCuRx system - features and benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20PediCuRx FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Pedico hoof hygiene products

Hoof care with the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25FAQs about the Pedico hoof hygiene product range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

2

IntroductionHoof problems, an increasing worry

Actual reports show that hoof problems and lameness could currently be resulting in higher costs than, for example, mastitis!Lameness is the new no. 1 herd health problem!

In the last few years, Mortellaro's disease(Dermatitis digitalis) in particular has becomea serious problem on a worldwide basis.Lameness triggers a domino-effect as itcauses many costly health problems in the herd. Sick cows lose weight as a resultof loss of appetite and due to reducedmovement ability, their fertility falls and milk production falls markedly.

All these factors contribute to increased spending on veterinary care, higher workand handling costs, increased replacement costs and loss of income.

At WestfaliaSurge, we know the consequences of hoof problems for the dairy farm,and therefore have developed a system that helps to improve cow hygiene bysystematic cow care application. With the PediCuRx hoof care system, milk producerscan automate the hoof bath process. Use of the preventative measures provided by a hoof bath, in conjunction with other management measures such as, for examplefeeding, housinghygiene, fertility and udder health will result in increased herd performance and milk production profitability.

Lame cows can’t

feed, breed, move,

or produce! Hoof

problems and

lameness on

today’s dairy

operations are

costing more Euros

per cow than even

mastitis.

3

Hoof care


Hoof care / lamenessBackground informationLearn more about this costly herd health problem

4

Hoof care


Economic impact of hoof problems

It is difficult to say down to the last penny, what costs the milk producer actuallyincurs due tolameness. However, all experts are agreed that hoof diseases contributesignificantly to costs when all the consequences are taken into consideration.

These include:

The latest investigations indicate that one lame cow results in average costs of around150 euros . These include additional work, possible emergency treatments (e.g. withantibiotics) and the total loss of milk output. However costs resulting from the loss ofmilk production before lameness becomes obvious and during recovery were notincluded. Moreover, losses resulting from reduced oestrus during illness which couldlead to a missed insemination cycle, are not included. If these indirect costs are alsoincluded, then clinical lameness results in an overall increased cost of around 300 eurosper cow per year. A farm with 100 cows has a lameness rate of 10 %, so losses ofaround 3,000 euros.

5

The average cost

caused by hoof

problems and

lameness is some

300 euros per cow

per year

Direct and indirect cost of important diseases in dairy cow farming (in Euro per case)

direct1 indirect2 total

Clinical mastitis average 170 91 261low grade 114 - 114high grade 297 220 517

Lameness on average 133 219 352Sole ulcer 170 390 560Interdigital phlegmon 83 78 161

1 direct: Veterinary costs, medicaments, work time, unsaleable milk2 indirect: Reduction in milk yields, increased time between calving, increased replacement frequency

Source: 32nd Viehwirtschaftliche Fachtagung (Livestock farming symposium) , HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein 2005 (after Kossaibatietab.)

� reduced milk production� reduced lactation periods� weight loss as a result of

lack of food intake� increased incidence

of mastitis

� reduced fertility� costs for veterinary treatment

and drugs� increased work load and labour costs� more emergency culling.

Theoritcal cost savings per year for an improvement of 10% in hoof health

Number of animals

Hoof care


The anatomy of the hoof

The diseases affecting the hoof are best understood by having a good understandingof hoof anatomy. The following pages indicate that there are a whole series of causesof lameness, that occur in quite different areas of the hoof. Some diseases can betreated by a hoof bath, in others the diet, husbandry conditions or hygiene manage-ment must be adjusted. It is important to recognize which hoof infection is concernedand where to find the cause, because only then can an effective solution to the hoofproblem be found.

It is important to

recognise the

causes of hoof

infections to find

the best solutions

for prevention and

treatment.

6

Hoof bones and tendons

Coronary band:

The coronary band is normally soft, shiny and may be pink.

Wall:

The wall is smooth and shiny. Finegrooves run parallel to the coronaryband. The wall comprises a very hardtubular horn.

Bulb:

The bulb is located in an extension of the coronary band and comprises soft,rubber-type horn.

Cross section through the hoof

Coronary cushion:

Beneath the coronary band is the coronary cushion, a mass of elastic tissue and veins. When the animal ismoving, the cushion pumps bloodthrough the foot and back into the body.

Lamellae:

The lower part of the inner wall is covered by hundreds of fine grooves up to the pedal bone.

Pedal bone:

The triangular bone at the end of theextremity.

Sole:

The sole becomes thicker towards theheel, falls away from the outer wall andhas a concave shape.

Digital cushion:

The digital cushion lies in the bulb. Thecushion serves as an elastic shockabsorber. It can, however also serve as a pump, in order to pump the bloodback through the body of the limb, if the animal is moving.

Hoof care


Coronary band

Wall Bulb

Wall

Coronary cushion

Coronary band

Lamellae

White Line

Coffin Bone

Sole

Bulb

Digital

cushion

Coffin Joint

Causes of lameness

As there are many different causes of lameness, they aretypically subdivided into three categories - mechanical,metabolic and microbial.

Mechanical

GGeenneettiicc - anatomical deformations such as overex-tended hocks, weak fetlocks, sickle shaped heels,spread or overlapping claws, hinny foot, more than 2claws, etc. can cause lameness or increase the likeli-hood of lameness. The likelihood of inheriting thesedeformations is small, however for older cows theycan result in problems.

EEnnvviirroonnmmeenntt -- poorly planned housing design, can drastically influence the rate oflameness in a farm. The lameness rate in a farm will increase, if:

there are too few cubiclesit is too difficult or uncomfortable to lie down or stand up in the cubicles cows have to stand for too long on concrete floors (e.g. in passages and waiting areas)the path to the milking parlour is too long passages have unfavourable slopesthe surface quality of the movement surfaces is poor (either too rough or too smooth)in hot weather, there is insufficient or too little ventilation (increases stress)

Further conditions, that contribute more significantly to lameness:

Overfilling of the waiting areas or in the area around the feeding grillswet or dirty surroundings (e.g. slurry smeared in passages, feeding and movement areas)missing or irregularly changed bedding in the cubiclespoor surface condition in the cubiclesuneven surfaces (stones, gravel)heifers who were not used to standing on concrete floors prior to calvingirregular or incorrectly executed hoof trimmingtoo frequent flying? (stress)rough handling of cows by the milking personnel (stress).

These environmental factors lead, amongst other things, to problems that causelameness, e.g. sole ulcers and white line defect. Damage to the hoof horn, eitherdue to maceration, heavy loading or injury (e.g. on the edges etc.) allows the ingressof bacteria. These multiply and cause acute inflammation of the hoof. The resultingpressure causes severe pain and lameness. Treatment involves uncovering of theinfected area.

Poor byre

management can

drastically increase

the frequency of

lameness in a

farm!

7

Sole ulcers can often be traced back toerrors in husbandry

Hoof care


Metabolic (metabolism)

Laminitis or founder is an inflammation of the claw corium, which encloses thelower claw bones. It can be responsible for up to 65 % of lameness in a dairy farmand occurs most frequently during the first 100 days of lactation. It can also becaused by poor byre conditions and lack of hygiene. Generally however, incorrectfeeding with a high level of carbohydrates and too little fibre can lead too sub-acuteruminal acidosis, which, via a sequence of reactions, can lead to founder. Foundercan be detected, when it occurs in the sub-clinical form, as discolouring of the horn(yellow) and bleeding in the area of the sole horn. (If founder is detected in an excessively large number of animals, then the diet should be considered, if an infection disease is prevalent, then the husbandry should be optimized).

In cases of founder the suspension apparatus of the pedal bone at the wall horn isholed. Due to pulling of the deep flexor tendon on the rear side of the pedal bone, andthe holes suspension of the front side, a lowering and rotation of the pedal bone canbe caused. Rotation of the pedal bone causes further problems in the sole area. The tipof the pedal bone and the underlying horn are subjected to increased pressure. Thereduction in horn quality caused by the founder results in more sole ulcers, white linedefects, claw tip defects and double soles. The chronic founder hoof is characterized bymissing horn, marked ring formation in the area of the wall horn and marked concavityon the front side, which leads, amongst other things, to “lifting” of the claw tips andover extension of the deep flexor tendon.

Microbial

Mortellaro's disease (also known as hairy warts, Dermatitis digitalis or evenstrawberry warts)

Mortellaro's disease (Dermatitis digitalis) is a painful and wasting disease, which affectsthe skin of the hoof. If it is not treated, it leads to lameness. The disease was firstdescribed by Cheli and Mortellaro in Italy (1974) and has since spread around the entireworld. The disease is particularly prevalent in large herds. A study carried out in theNetherlands between 2002 and 2003, showed the average incidence to be 21.2 % ofall cows (herd variance between 0 and 83 %). It is known that the cause is bacterial,because the disease responds to treatment with antibiotics. The disease is probablycaused by 2 or more anaerobic, partly spirochetal bacteria, which are regularly found inlesions. It cannot be excluded that other bacteria may be involved, in particular thoseliving outside the animal in damp, muddy environments and which are highly infectious.

Mortellaro's

disease (Dermatitis

digitalis) is a chief

cause of lameness.

It causes more than

half of all cases of

lameness*

*Nigel Cook, Professor and researcherat the university of Wisconsin,Department of veterinary medicine,published in Agri-View, May 2005

8

Hoof care


Dermatitis digitalis is first apparent as a raw, painful redarea. The hairs around this area are either upright ormatted. Typically it is first detected in the interdigitalarea on the rear side of a rear leg hoof. As the diseasedevelops, the appearance of the lesion changes. Itbecomes grey and has a towelling type appearance. In the later stages the lesions take on a wart typeappearance, which is frequently surrounded by fibroushair-like growth. Frequently these lesions extend intothe interdigital cleft. This provides ideal anaerobic growing conditions for the bacteria, especially favouredby the deposition of dirt and faeces. The lesions canalso occur higher up in the area of the fetlock or the

coronary band. These lesions on the front side are primarily detected on the frontlegs, where they can be particularly painful.

The severe pain, which is felt by an animal infected with Dermatitis digitalis, reduces its inclination to stand and walk, and therefore its time spent feeding. This in turn has a negative influence on milk production and can result in a changed eating pattern andruminal acidosis, before finally causing Laminitis (founder). Dermatitis digitalis is oftenencountered with interdigital inflammation. This leads to, amongst other things, erosionof the bulb and in the advanced and chronic stages, to interdigital hoof ulcers, or limax(tylom). The presence of a hoof infection such as interdigital hoof inflammation, bulb rotor limax favours the occurrence of Dermatitis digitalis.

Dermatitis inter talis (foot rot, superficial interdigital necrosis)

Dermatitis interdigitalis is a light infection of the dermis (outer skin layer) of the foot,which normally occurs between the claws (interdigital cleft). It occurs most frequently,in animals that are kept in poor hygiene conditions, i.e. in the presence of dirt and faeces and in confined spaces. It is characterized by spreading dermatitis and possiblesloughing. The disease can spread in the interdigital pocket and in the heel horn, withthe latter leading to heel horn erosion. The cow suffers from irritation and sometimespain. The originating organism is amongst others, Dichelobacter nodosus, an anaerobicbacterium.

Interdigital phlegmon (panaritium)

Interdigital phlegmon is an infection in the area of the interdigital cleft, that has spreadto the underlying soft tissue. Symptoms are lesions and painful swelling of the foot(phlegmon). In serious cases, it can spread to underlying structures such as bones andjoints. Affected animals can be identified because of their loss of appetite, fever andrapidly falling milk production. Possible causes are Fusobacterium necrophorum andPorphyromonas asaccharolytica (previously known as Bacteroides melaninogenicus),both are anaerobic. Injuries or damage to the foot resulting from high temperatures anddampness between the hoof claws enable the originating organism to attack the tissue.Following an attack, the animal may become lame within a few days if not treated.Phlegmon is treated by careful cleaning of the affected area and then attachment of ananti-bacterial bandage. Often systematic treatment with antibiotics is also necessary. Ifthe infection has already taken hold, it is often too late.

A good housing

climate and

optimised layout

are important in

keeping the

hooves clean and

dry and thus in

preventing

microbial

infections.

9

Towelling type appearance of lesionslike these can have microbial causes

Hoof care


Bulb rot ((hheeeell hhoorrnn eerroossiioonn,, sslluurrrryy hheeeell lleessiioonnss))

A further infectious disease is bulb rot. Its emergence is likewise favoured by moisture and unclean husbandryconditions. Weakening of the horn allows bacteria toget into the deeper horn layers. The originating bacteriaare mainly anaerobic Fusobacterium necrophorum undDichelobacter nodosus, which are also found in otherhoof diseases.

In summary it can be stated that, the above listed

microbial diseases are caused by anaerobic bacteria,

which then spread from cow to cow in conditions of

poor hygiene.

The following factors may be responsible:

dampness, dirty surfaces (faeces)poor hygiene (passageways not cleaned (<3 times per day)poor lying conditionssilted-up drainage troughspoor structural conditionstoo frequent/ long standing or walking on concretedelivery of new cows without previous quarantineirregular or missing hoof care (also heifers)stressno, or poorly executed hoof baths.

Prevention of microbial diseases, primarily involves maintaining the hooves clean and dry by the provision of carefully planned and laid out housing areas with goodclimatic conditions, while simultaneously minimizing the risk of injuries or damage to the limbs as far as possible. Correctly executed hoof baths and suitable sprays can likewise help in the prevention of microbial diseases.

10

Foot rot is a further example of a bacterial hoof disease

Hoof care


11

Disease Symptoms Prevention

Dermatitis interdigitalis(interdigital inflammation)anaerobic bacteria

� Inflammation of the skin in the interdigital cleft

� Cracking in the bulb area � Skin thickening in the

interdigital cleft up to the Limax

� Deformed bulb

� Optimize animal husbandry, in particular the climate in the cubicle house (ventilation), ensure clean and dry surfaces

� Regularly cleanpassageways

� Regular hoof care, use of hoof baths

Dermatitis digitalis(Mortellaro) Caused, for example, by spirochetal or other anaerobic bacteria

� long upright hairs on the afflicted areas

� Shape and appearance of the wound point is strawberry-shaped, possible unpleasant smell (typical)

� very painful � Normally only occurs in the

area of the bulb skin above the coronary band. Spreading into the interdigital cleft is possible

� predominantly affects the rear legs, but also possible on all 4 legs

� Optimize animal husbandry, in particular the climate in the cubicle house (ventilation), ensure clean and dry surfaces

� Regularly clean passageways

� Regular hoof care, use of hoof baths

Phlegmona interdigitalis (Interdigital phlegmon„Panaritium“) Acute inflammation of lowerlying areas due to anaerobicbacteria

� acute lameness, poor general condition

� Swelling and redness on the top part of the hoof

� mostly affects only one leg� but can sporadically spread

through a herd

� Avoid primary damage to the hooves, treat promptly, and use preventative hoof baths

Bulb rot (heel horn erosion)Damage to the bulb acts as an entrance point for bacteria

� Visible foot rot crater� Cow stability is reduced,

cow walks on its hooves unnaturally = disturbed biomechanics

� Systematic application of hoof baths

� Cleaning of the passageways

� Professional hoof care

Summary of the most important bacterial hoof diseases

Hoof care


Classification of lameness

To resolve a problem, one must first identify it. How does one recognize when a cow is becoming lame? Experts have developed a classification method, that evaluates the movement capability of cows and thus enables a direct classification of lameness. Cows at the onset of hoof problems change their gait, well before they become visibly lame. Record keeping showing the frequency and degree oflameness could help in the prompt detection of hoof problems in the future and thus prevent their spreading.

After evaluation of the cows, the milk producer knows which cows to examine andhow they should be treated. If also becomes apparent if there is a fundamental problem with the animal husbandry which requires changing. If you use the followingclassification method (with the kind approval of the Zinpro corporation), then it isimportant to include not only cows, who are lame or seriously lame (4th and 5thdegrees), because for them the treatment requirement is already known.then futurelameness problems can be avoided by treating even slightly lame or moderately lamecows (2nd and 3rd degrees), so that they do not become seriously lame cows. If youwait until a cow is noticeably limping, it may be too late!

How cows are graded

Avoid subsequent

lameness problems

by prompt treatment

of slight or

moderately lame

cows (degrees 2 and

3), so that serious

lameness can be

avoided. If you wait

until a cow is

noticeably limping,

it may be too late

(cow performance

falls even in cases of

slight lameness).

12

Is the back bent when walking?

Does the preferred leg carry weight?

lameness degree 4

lameness degree 5

lameness degree 2

lameness degree 1

lameness degree 3

Is the back bent when standing?

Yes

No

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

Does the cow favour a leg?

Hoof care


Evaluation of cow lameness

13

Source: Zinpro (According to: Sprecher, D.J.; Hosteller,D.E.; Kaneene; J.B. 1997, Theriogenology 47:1178-1187)

Locomotion ScoreClinical Description:

NormalDescription:

Stands and walks normally. All feed placed with purpose.

1


Mildly LameDescription:

Stands with flat back, but aches when walks. Gait is slightly abnormal.

2


Moderately LameDescription:

Stands and walks with an arched back. Short strides with one or more legs.

3


LameDescription:

Arched back standing and walking, One or more limbs favored but at least partially weight bearing.

4


Severely LameDescription:

Arched back, refuses to bear weight on one limb. May refuse or have great difficulty moving from lying position.

5

Back posture standing: flat Back posture walking: flat

Back posture standing: flat Back posture walking: arched

Back posture standing: arched Back posture walking: arched



Hoof care


Classification of Dermatitis digitalis

Regular, professional hoof care also provides an up to date overview of the type andfrequency of hoof disease. If a milk producer detects that a cow is going lame, hewill first look for the lesions characteristic of Dermatitis digitalis (Mortellaro). Anotherpossibility for detecting Dermatitis digitalis and other hoof problems is the regularuse of a professional hoof carer. He not only trims the hooves, but also looks out forpossible problems, instigates investigations into causes and treats them.

Normally the presence and severity of Dermatitis digitalis is detected and classifiedby grading the lesions. The type of treatment depends on the position of the lesion.For example, lesions in the interdigital cleft of the hoof are more difficult to treat thansurface and easily accessible lesions.

Classification of Dermatitis digitalis - grade

0 NormalNo lesion visible

1 Early stage Typically very painful. The lesions are small, round, moist, concave or flat and pinkor brownish in colour. Around the edges of the lesion is a wreath of upright andmatted hair. The first signs that a cow's gait is changing may be visible (slight laming).

2 Mature stageThe lesions are enlarging and spreading, are flat and grainy, show a towelling typetexture. Very painful The cow demonstrates a moderate to marked lameness.

3 Chronic stageLarge, raised lesions, often with upright hair-type adenoids. Serious pain, the cowis very lame.

4 Healing stageThe lesions shrink and become less painful. A black crust may form which subsequently falls off, thereby uncovering the underlying healthy skin.

The most

established method

for determining the

severity of

Dermatitis digitalis

is the classification

of the lesions.

14

Dermatitis digitalis (Mortellaro) - early stage

Dermatitis digitalis (Mortellaro) - chronic stage

Hoof care


Treatment and prevention

Milk producers control and protect their herds against hoof problems such asDermatitis digitalis (Mortellaro), with various methods. Hoof health experts recommend the first 3 of the possibilities listed below, but point out that all areonly worthwhile if the measure is correctly and fastidiously executed.

Methods for controlling and treating microbial hoof problems

Hoof bathsUse of suitable spraysLocal treatment and dressingsCutting off of warts and lesionsBurning or freezing of wartsSystematic antibiotics

Hoof baths for prevention of the transmission of hoof diseases must be regularly and correctly carried out.According to Richard Wallace, a vet at the University ofIllinois, 4 points should be investigated, if the effective-ness of a hoof bath against the spreading of Mortellaro'sdisease is to be accessed.

1. How often is the hoof bath changed? Studies have shown that a hoof bath becomes ineffective if organic dirt loading is too high. A hoof bath must be changed at least every 150 cows (dependent on the level of dirt), in order to effective in preventing Mortellaro's disease.

2. Are possible faeces residues on the hooves sprayed off before the cows enterthe hoof bath? Direct contact of clean hooves and heels with the hoof bath increasesits effectiveness.

3. How and where are the hoof baths installed? Hoof baths should be designed so that the cows cannot walk around or defecate in them. Hoof baths should beinstalled in the milking parlour exit area. The cows should not be able to avoid passingthrough the bath.

4. How often are cow baths used? The hoof bath should be a regular component of farm hygiene measures. One hoof bath per month "is worthless", says Wallace.Determine a sensible rhythm for your farm in conjunction with the vet.

As spray solutions require less time and work per cow than dressings, they are primarily of use if an outbreak of dermatitis in a herd has assumed epidemicproportions. Sprays are most effective when the hooves have previously beencleaned. They can be applied during milking in the milking parlour.

The surgical removal of lesions for treating cows displaying lameness symptoms, isgenerally not advisable. Any surgical intervention in the hoof tissue could open upnew attack surfaces for infestation by spirochetal, anaerobic or secondary bacterialorganisms. Systematic antibiotic treatments can, in certain cases, also be used fortreatment.

Hoof baths are an

effective option in

preventing the

spreading of hoof

disease. Regular

application and use

of the correct

design concept are

important in

achieving success!

15

Hoof care


Hoof bath products which have beenused until now:

Antibiotics

Pro: Can be effective, work quickly.Contras: Expensive, not intended for routine application, risk of bacteria becoming

resistant. There is also a risk of contamination of the milking plant if handledwithout care or if withhold times are not adhered to. Unsuitable for hoof baths (quickly becomes inactive due to organic material, are not approved).

Copper sulphate

Pro: Can be effective in highdoses.

Contras: Contamination of soil andwater (heavy metal), currently use is limited orbanned in many countries,high volume, heavy to handle and store, onlyeffective in high doses, cancause hooves to becomebrittle, not widely accept-ed, is only available by prescription in many locations, withhold timesmust be adhered to. Canbe poisonous to sheep?

Formaldehyde

Pro: Considered effective by some peopleContras: Known to be carcinogenic. Breathing in or splashes can be dangerous to

employees. Formaldehyde is not intended for use in baths and can cause irritation to the skin of both humans and cows. Not recommended by the majority of hoof hygiene experts. In many countries only available under prescription. Withhold times must be adhered to.

Zinc sulphate

Pro: Can be effective in high doses, less harmful to the environment than copper.

Contras: Effectiveness not proven, still environmentally harmful (heavy metal), possibly future legal limitations, high volume, heavy to handle and store.

16

Advantages of cleaning and disinfectinghoof baths:

✔ No risk of accidentally milking treated cows and contaminating saleable milk.

✔ No withhold time and so no production losses.

✔ Discussions over the side effects of antibiotics, at a time in which foodstuff safety is a highly sensitive topic, do not arise.

✔ No danger of bacteria becoming resistant, which is always possible when antibiotics are routinely used.

Hoof care


PediCuRx - the hoof hygiene system

The PediCuRx hoof care concept comprises an optimum combination of technologyand chemistry and offers a successful preventative measure for maintaining healthyhooves. Hoof hygiene in conjunction with fertility and mastitis prophylaxis is a furtheressential measure for successful management of a dairy farm.

The concept encompasses a pre-cleaning bath and a main bath. Suitable chemicalproducts must be available for the pre-cleaning and hygiene baths.

17

Hoof care


How does the concept work?

Pre-cleaning is carried out using PedicoPré from WestfaliaSurge. This ensuresimproved contact of the active agent with the whole hoof. Passage through thewater encourages the animal to defecate between the pre-wash and hygiene baths.This has the secondary effect, that the solution in the hygiene bath remains fresh for longer. This work step is an essential prerequisite for a successful application ofhoof hygiene.

Whether the application of the hoof bath technology is to be carried out manually orautomatically, is decided by the operator:

� The WestfaliaSurge hoof bath has been uniquely developed to permit effective rinsing and cleaning with a minimum amount of water. Its stable polyethylene construction is nearly indestructible. The compressed air filled bladder closure worksreliably, without a complex or sensitive mechanism, in a hostile environment. Themanual hoof bath is controlled and operated by the operator. Dosing of a suitablechemical hoof care product, pumping up of the closure bladder and water supply areundertaken manually. In comparison with existing hoof baths, the manualWestfaliaSurge hoof bath is a lot easier to use.

� Using the automatic hoof bath, the whole work process is automated once the system has been switched on. Individual processes, such as water supply or theaddition of liquid or powder chemicals are organised by the control unit. Alongsidethe inherent time saving, use of the automated system also serves to guarantee thequality of application of a hoof bath. Dependent on the degree of hoof dirtiness, thesolution should be changed after a maximum of150 animals. To ensure that both bathand solution are changed at the correct time point, the cleaning and filling processcan be automatically triggered.

Possible configurations of the PediCuRx system

18

PediCuRx control centreAutomatic dosing of liquid chemical and control of water inlet

Inlet nozzlesFilling of troughs with water and / or care products

Spray protection

Rubber bladder closure (compressed air operated)pumped up: reliable, quick closing over the whole trough widthlet down: quick emptying of the trough bath

Disinfection bath Hygiene and protectionof the hooves

Trough container from robust,

resistant polyethylene

Cleaning bath pre-cleaning

of hooves

Hoof care


Possible configurations of the PediCuRx system

A return passage without pre-cleaning bath

A return passage with pre-cleaning bath

Two return passages with pre-cleaning baths (one PediCuRx control unit per herding path)

19

Hoof care


Summary of the unique PediCuRx system

Features and benefits

The programmable cycles can be matched to the requirements of your dairy farmThe automation package helps to implement a clean, effective hoof bath program withthe lowest possible expense. The multiple programmed control unit enables matchingof the bath changing intervals to the circumstances of your farm. Moreover, the system also controls the pre-bath, so that the efficiency of the main bath is furtherincreased.

Automatic bath change

Unique design with a closure bladder As there are no corners, self-cleaning functions in an outstanding manner.

Sloping entrance for efficient rinsing and easy access by the cowsThe unique design of the sloping entrance makes it easier for the cows to enter thebath. This prevents jams in the area of the milking parlour exit. Moreover this layoutsimplifies cleaning of the area in front of the bath and less sediment builds up insidethe troughs. Thus cows carry less muck into the bath with them.

The length of the bath enables optimum contact between hooves and chemical solutionThe bath length of 3 meters generally ensures that the cow immerses its hoovestwice. This guarantees optimum contact between the Pedico hoof bath solution andthe hooves.

Trough construction from fibre-reinforced polyethyleneThe robust construction from fibre-reinforced polyethylene is absolutely rust free andchemically resistant. It is suitable for temperatures down to -50 °C, impact resistantand inexpensive to install.

Textured rubber walk matsThis integral part of the hoof bath ensures that the cows can safely and comfortablystep through the trough.

Animal-friendly trough edgesThe shape of the troughs with rounded edges makes use of the bath safer for thecows. The additional side panels prevent neighbouring cows from stepping into thetrough instead. This improves throughput. Use of liquid or power-formatchemical products is simplified. In contrast to competitor systems, with the PediCuRx hoof bath it is possible to use liquid- AND powder-format hoof hygiene products automatically.

PediCuRx hoof

care systems can

automatically dose

liquid- AND

powder-format

hoof hygiene

products.

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Hoof care


PediCuRx FAQs

Must the hooves be pre-cleaned? To obtain the optimum preventative effect of the measures, it makes sense that thehooves are as clean as possible so the chemicals can act on the correct points on thehorn and skin. Thus, we recommend the use of a pre-bath with PedicoPré as a matteror principle.

What is the optimum water pressure for filling the bath? The automatic control unit requires a water pressure of 57 l per minute at 2 bar [30 psi].

How big is the bath? The bath is approximately 3 m long and 0.8 m wide.

What preparations must be carried out before use of the hoof bath? The hoof bath is permanently fixed in the cow passage and thus requires very littlepreparation for use. If the bath has not bee used for some time, it makes sense toremove any excess sediment. When using powder chemicals, the canisters are filledby hand before passage begins. The milker sets the bath switch to AUTO, the bath is rinsed and then filled with the necessary water and chemicals required for theapplication.

Is there a risk of cows slipping when the hoof bath is used? The bath is designed to optimise cow flow and safety. The entrance angle enables acow to place a hoof in the bath, without having to change its normal gait. The rubbermats on the bottom of the bath have knobs which help to propel the cow forwards. Theside protection walls guide the cow into the bath, reducing the risk that it steps on anunstable surface. The low entrance and narrow exit allow the cow to easily step intoand out of the bath. However, should a cow fall, a flexible, impact-resistant polythenestructure catches the impact.

Can the manual bath be upgraded?Yes, the bath can quite easily be upgraded to automatic operation. The existing manual controls can even be kept in the system to provide a backup mode.

Can I use any chemicals that are on the market? We stress that the system technical components have only been tested withWestfaliaSurge products or those recommended by them.

How long does it take for an automatic bath to be flooded and filled?The bath floods and fills in 3 - 5 minutes, dependent on the system water pressure,hose lengths and the required filling volumes.

In comparisonwith thecompetition,PediCuRx, issignificantly moreflexible and offersall practicalalternatives.

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Hoof care


Can the bath be automatically flooded and filled during milking? Yes, that is the main function of the automatic control. The automatic control changesthe bath solution dependent on time, number of cows, number of gate openings orwhen a switch is operated by hand. The most effective hoof bath is a clean hoof bath.When automatic changing is implemented, optimal hoof hygiene is guaranteed.

Which constructional requirements should be considered during planning? The bath must be installed on a concrete surface with an inclination angle of 1 to 4 %.The width of the bath is suitable for use in cow passages of widths 762 mm up to 956 mm. When using pre-treatment and main baths, they must be placed at least457 mm from each other, to enable sufficient drainage and to allow the cows tomatch their gait to their presence.

How is the dirty water disposed of? National laws are the determining factor here. Hoof baths can be used anywherewith heavy metal-free and formaldehyde-free products.

What work is necessary after the bath? For the manual version, the used solution is drained and the bath cleaned using thewater inlet jets from the inside or using an additional water hose (possibly the samehose used for cleaning the milking parlour). In an automatic system, the bath can beflooded by the automatic control unit. If the control unit is coupled to the MILK /WASH switch, the bath stops for 5 minutes and then floods at the end of milking.

Can the system also be used for young cows? Yes. Some farms drive their young cattle through the hoof bath outside milking times toensure the young cows receive optimum preventative protection and the hooves remainhealthy.

After how many animals should I change the bath? We recommend changing the liquid after 150 animals at the most. In addition, thedirtiness of the hooves indicates whether pre-cleaning is required. If the hooves arevery dirty and pre-cleaning has not been carried out, it could be necessary to changethe solution after as few as 100 animals or even less.

Are the side protection walls supplied with the bath?Yes. The protection walls have two functions: first they ensure that the animals donot walk alongside the baths and thus avoid the treatment, secondly they guide theanimals in a straight path.

What happens during manual filling / mixing of the chemicals? The procedure is very simple. Firstly the bladder is filled with a hand pump or compressor. Then the water valve is manually opened by the operator or the bath is filled with a hose. The chemicals are added by hand during filling. As soon as thebath is full (up to the top marking on the bath), the supply of water is turned off andthe animals can walk through the bath.

What happens if the bladder should be closed and foreign bodies are stuckunder it?This is one of the great advantage of this construction. The rubber bladder enclosesobjects that are lying in the outflow area and closes off the bath in spite of them!

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Hoof care


How long does it take before the animals become used to the bath? Cows are creatures of habit and it takes a little time before they get used to anythingnew. The first time it is recommended to leave the bath empty to allow the cows toget used to the new surface. Once the bath is installed, it becomes a normal part ofthe usual path followed by the cows.

What should the separation be between pre-treatment and hygiene baths? The minimum requirement is 457 mm, or 1118 mm and 1778 mm.

What is the purpose of the angled entrance design? The angled entrance to the main bath guides liquid originating from the pre-treatmentbath in a desired direction. The angled entrance also distributes the muddy water tocause a cleaning effect directly in front of the bath. For this purpose, right and leftversions are available.

What is the purpose of the slanted surface of the bath? The slanted surface guarantees that the bath fits seamlessly into the normal movement path of the animal. If a foot stands directly in the shallower side, it is easier for the animal to step into the bath with the next foot. Normally the bath isinstalled in a sloping surface and the higher exit side provides sufficient depth toensure correct treatment.

When do I need a left or right bath version? If depends on the existing structure. Essentially it is arranged so that liquid flowingout of the pre-treatment bath is guided away in a desired direction. If you approachthe bath and the water drains away to the right, then it is a “right bath”, while if itslopes to the left side, it is a "left bath".

Can I install the hoof bath in a slatted or heated floor? Naturally! Installing in these floors can be undertaken with an optional assembly kit forheated floors. The bath is fastened to the building or to the edges of the passage.

How many baths can be controlled with a single control unit? A single control unit can control up to two baths using the optional second bath kit.These two baths can be two pre-treatment baths, two main baths or a pre-treatmentand main bath.

How steep can the gradient of a passage be without water running out of thebath?The bath can be installed with a slope of 1-4%. Most experts recommend an average100 mm solution depth for correct application of the hoof bath solution. For slopeangles greater than 4 %, less water remains in the bath entrance and more at the exit.The hoof surfaces do not receive sufficient rinsing in the first half of the bath.

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Hoof care


Systems – Service – Success

2 in1 hoof hygiene,to maintain the health of your cows!

WestfaliaSurge GmbH • Siemensstraße 25 – 27 • D-59199 Bönen

Telefon: +49 (0) 23 83-93 70 • Fax: +49 (0) 23 83-93 7163 • www.westfaliasurge.com

Comprehensive service andproduct concept for top qualitymilk

On-site individual customer serviceprovided by the hygiene experts inorder to ensure optimum hygieneduring milking. Advice on the effec-tive use of products for installationand animal hygiene.

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Spare parts, regular technicalservicing and accessories for firstclass milk production.

A customised solution for everydairy farm: professional-gradeaccessories, spare parts and all yourconsumable needs for economicand reliable milk production.

Modern system solutions andregular technical servicingfor maximum performance andhighest quality milk

Individual consultancy and planningof installations for your business:perfectly matched components,customer-specific system solutionsand a variety of measures forcontinuous system optimisation.

Dealer area

PediCuRx - Find The Needlepdfs.findtheneedle.co.uk/26874.pdfIntroduction Hoof problems, an increasing worry Actual reports show that hoof problems and lameness could currently be resulting

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