diary l list

	RETURN TO NEWS & VIEWS
	The following information is a collection of hoof care related postings to the Dairy L list that have accumulated since march of 1999. Some of this information may not be accurate or useful depending on the source and the fact that what works for one dairy producer may not work for another. Some information has been edited to protect privacy and reduce page size requirements.
	FOOT BATH PRODUCTS FOR HAIRY WARTS Hi I would like to know what is out there that may be new. Has any one heard of a foot bath product double action? We are trying earthtec for two weeks ? Is any one else using it? thank you for your help .
	SSI Corporation will be introducing the first non-antibiotic product that will treat footwarts in a footbath. This product is currently in test and should be available to the marketplace later in 2001. Tests results so far are very encouraging. Richard Pioneer Chemical Corporation
	Double Action from West Agro will not be available until March but it is coming and has been extensively tested on farms and research facilities. It will be in a concentrated version that will allow use in a footbath at one dilution and another dilution will be used for direct application with a sprayer. Good Stuff. Watch for it on your dealer's shelves soon. Joe Canton, Ohio
	Dear List, In Canada there is a non-antibiotic product available named Solka Hoofgel and Hoof-Clear. The web site is www.hoofgel.com It is made in Holland and sold in 25 countries. It really works well if you follow their treatment schedule. Have a great day, Andy Wellandport, Canada
	Another product to try is Copperhoof from Specialty Sales. It is less expensive than copper sulfate crystals, less bulky(1 gallon equals 16 bags of copper sulfate) and environmentally friendly(no sulfate just copper).
	Could you tell me more about Copperhoof? We use the copper sulfate, but it is slow to dissolve, and has other problems. Where is Specialty Sales, do they have a catalog? TIA Lolly Bernville, PA
	Dairy-L Such a product as I think you are describing cannot exist. Stoichemetrically, the copper in Copper Sulfate- five hydrate approximates 25% of the total. So how can you squeeze 25% of 16 bags (which would equal 4 bags containing 25 or 50 or 100 lbs. each) into one gallon. Also, copper by itself is not soluble so in a bath it would be worthless.....it would just sit there. Thirdly, if anything is harmful to the environment, it would be the copper, not the sulfate. Alex Dee R&D Manager Westfalia-Surge, Inc.
	Subject: HOOF TRIMMING CHUTES From: Jean I am interested in names of companies who manufacture hoof trimming chutes to be used on farm. Would also be interested in hearing about experiences dairymen have had using tis type of equipment. From: Devon Hi.......All...... Probably the best known and most widely used in Europe is the Dutch "WOPPA" most foot trimmers seem to use them and many farmers now have them.They seem a bit expensive for what they are ,but they are first rate and come with a variety of extras such as electric hoists and stuff.They also can be supplied with wheels so they can be towed behind a car or pick - up, they arent really much use for any other work because of the openess of the design but that is the very feature that makes them so good for foot work ......No idea if they are available in the USA though. Derek UK From: Steve We purchased an EASY CHUTE from Don Themm Enterprises (800-808-4366) this past year and are very pleased with it. It's simple, with no electrics or hydraulics but very handy and easy to use. It's a stand-up type chute with a belly band for support and clever leg restraints which work great. It's well built and sturdy, but a 1000 cow dairy would probably go for one of the bigger units with hydraulics, etc. The EASY CHUTE sells for about $2000. My only connection with the EASY CHUTE is as a user. Steve Palmer, Alaska
	From: Brian Here are three companies that make a stand-up type trimming chute: Finger Lakes Specialized Equipment (800) 619-6546 Don Themm Enterprises (800) 808- 4366 Comfort Hoof Care (608) 356- 3834 I don't have experience with any of their chutes, but from looking at the literature I think the chute from Finger Lakes looks like the best chute for the money. Brian Waukon, IA
	From: Todd and Martha I was just up to visit the new dairies in northern Indiana and saw some hoof trimming chutes that I thought looked perfect and hydraulic. They were made by Tidenberg's welding and repair of Clovis, NM 505-763-1979. I'm going to try to get one myself. Todd Carlinville, IL
	From: Jason Dairy-L, Comfort hoof care makes a chute which I have used for the past 6 months. I trim 60-90 cows a week and have found the chute to work wonderfully. This is an upright chute and all hydraulic including the platform which raises the cow to your comfort level. Any questions, please ask. Jason Litchfield, MN
	From: Melanie We also purchased an Easy Chute from Don Themm in September 2000. It has worked great for us, trimmed 50-60 cows so far. We milk 125/130 cows and it is working very well for our size herd. For years we relied on the service of a hoof trimmer every 3/4 months, but many cows can not "wait" for the trimmer, works very well to be able to trim as cows need it. We have no connection with the company other than being satisfied customers. Melanie Belle Fourche, SD
	From: RBH Jean, We installed a chute made by Tidenburg's Welding and Repair, Clovis New Mexico 88101. Their phone number is 505-763-1979. It is totally hydralic and works very well. It is built extremely heavy & should last a very long time. We trim 80 -90 cows per month on it. Cost was about $6700 including freight in the fall of 2000.
	From: Frederik A while ago, hoof trimming was the subject on the List. Especially the chutes or boxes as we call them in Denmark were discussed. At that time I wanted to throw in "my two cents", but couldn't find the right link to underline my statement. www.kvk.dk/engelsk.htm will give you an impression of the boxes we use for cattle, and also for sows, which outnumber the cows by far. These boxes are very friendly, not only to the operator, but also to the animals. We have also noticed a great decline in new cases of laminitis, since we started feeding soda treated grain. A cow with sore feet is a poor cow. Frederik Denmark