from the fall wet season poses a significant threat to livestock hoof health as well as the entire farm community. Hairy hoof wart occurs when moisture-induced microorganisms invade the hooves and cause digital dermatitis, which can render cows lame, cause decreased food intake and subsequently reduce milk yield and overall farm profitability. Simply put, if cows don’t walk, they don’t eat. And if cows don’t eat, well... there’s no milk. In addition to trimming hooves, farmers often use a hoof-wash solution a few times a week to clean hooves and stave off hoof warts. Historically, copper sulfateand formaldehyde-based foot baths have been the anti-microbial products of choice for many dairy farmers. However, increasing environmental concerns by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), water disposal issues, and rising costs have caused many to look for alternatives. But EPA worries andhigh costs aren’t the only things driving farmers away from these formulas. “These products often have such high acidic levels that they present a danger to cows’ legs and hooves—and to the farmers,” There are a number of environmentally friendly ways to keep cowshealthy. explains Rosemary Smithyman, director of Tasker Product Corporation’s dairy division. Smithyman’s company makes a hoof treatment called Unifresh FootBath V2, which has become a popular tool for cow health and greener, eco-friendly farms. It provides the low pH level needed to help prevent bacterial infections, and is safer and less irritating to the cows’ legs and hooves than copper sulfate- and formaldehyde-based solutions. Other green tips for hoof health include keeping alleyways, return lanes and gates dry and routinely trimming hooves to protect against abrasions from icy ground. Adding a warm-water bath step to hoof-wash bathing routines helps as well. For more information, visit www.taskerproducts.com.
