Cow hoof

Cow hoof

A cow hoof is cloven, or divided, into two approximately equal parts, usually called claws.[1]

Lameness

Approximately 95% of lameness in dairy cattle occurs in the feet.[1] Lameness in dairy cows can reduce milk production and fertility, and cause reproductive problems, suffering and expense. Prevention is important. Cattle areas should be kept dry, since a hoof kept constantly wet becomes soft and subject to injury and foot rot. Cows should have room to move so that their hooves experience normal wear.

Hoof trimming

Trimming a cow's hoof using an angle grinder

Hoof trimmers trim and care for bovine hooves, principally those of dairy cows. Hooves were once trimmed with a sharp knife while the cow was restrained and positioned with ropes. Most large-scale hoof-trimming today makes use of angle grinders and of some type of hoof trimming crush. A hoof trimmer using modern machinery may trim the hooves of more than 10.000 cows per year.[citation needed] The trimmer shapes the hooves to provide the optimal weight bearing surface. A freshly trimmed hoof may be treated with copper sulfate to prevent foot rot.

References

  1. ^ a b Shearer, Jan K.; Sarel Rens Van Amstel, Adrian Gonzalez (2005). Manual of foot care in cattle. Hoard's Dairyman Books. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=BvFeo6pFnXUC. 

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • hoof — ► NOUN (pl. hoofs or hooves) ▪ the horny part of the foot of a horse, cow, etc. ► VERB informal 1) kick (a ball) powerfully. 2) (hoof it) go on foot. 3) (hoof it) dance …   English terms dictionary

  • hoof — hoof1 [hu:f US huf, hu:f] n plural hoofs or hooves [hu:vz US huvz, hu:vz] ↑hoof, ↑horn [: Old English; Origin: hof] 1.) the hard foot of an animal such as a horse, cow etc 2.) on the hoof BrE if you do s …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • cow — see why buy a cow when milk is so cheap? a bellowing cow soon forgets her calf better a good cow than a cow of a good kind it is idle to swallow the cow and choke on the tail three things are not to be trusted: a cow’s horn, a dog’s tooth, and a… …   Proverbs new dictionary

  • hoof — 1 noun (C) plural hoofs or hooves 1 the hard foot of an animal such as a horse, cow etc 2 on the hoof BrE if you make decisions on the hoof, you make them while you are doing other things, without stopping to think 2 verb hoof it slang to run… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • cow — I (New American Roget s College Thesaurus) n. bovine, calf, heifer; (pl.) kine, cattle. See animal. v. t. intimidate, frighten. See fear. II (Roget s IV) n. Syn. heifer, milk cow, dairy cow, bovine, critter*, bossy*; see also bull 1 , calf .… …   English dictionary for students

  • cow heel — /ˈkaʊ hil/ (say kow heel) noun a dish consisting of a cow s or ox s hoof stewed to make an edible jelly …  

  • hoof — hÊŠf /huːf n. horny growth covering the feet of certain animals (horse, cow, etc.) v. walk, go on foot; dance (Slang) …   English contemporary dictionary

  • three things are not to be trusted: a cow’s horn, a dog’s tooth, and a horse’s hoof — Cf. 13th cent. Fr. dent de chael, pé de cheval, cul d’enfant ne sunt pas a crere, a dog’s tooth, a horse’s hoof, and a baby’s bottom are not to be trusted. c 1383 JOHN OF FORDUN Scotichronicon (1759) II. XIV. xxxii. Till horsis fote thou never… …   Proverbs new dictionary

  • cloven hoof — noun 1. the mark of Satan • Syn: ↑cloven foot • Hypernyms: ↑mark, ↑stigma, ↑brand, ↑stain 2. a hoof divided into two parts at its distal extremity (as of ruminants or swine) • Syn: ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • Trouble on the Hoof: Disease Outbreaks in Europe — ▪ 2002 by Brian J. Ford       Farmers rarely celebrate good fortune in the modern world, but British agriculture seemed to be emerging from a period of darkness as 2001 began. The scourge of “mad cow” disease was in retreat.       After mad cow… …   Universalium

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