PediCuRx and hoof hygiene
Contents Introduction......................................................... 3 / lameness background information Economic consequences of hoof problems................................ 5 Anatomy of the hoof.................................................. 6 Causes of lameness................................................... 7 Classification of lameness............................................. 12 Classification of Dermatitis digitalis...................................... 14 Treatment and prevention............................................. 15 Products 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............................ 19 Summary of the unique PediCuRx system - features and benefits.............. 20 PediCuRx FAQs..................................................... 21 Pedico hoof hygiene products with the system............................................ 25 FAQs about the Pedico hoof hygiene product range........................ 26 2
Introduction Hoof 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 become a serious problem on a worldwide basis. Lameness triggers a domino-effect as it causes many costly health problems in the herd. Sick cows lose weight as a result of loss of appetite and due to reduced movement ability, their fertility falls and milk production falls markedly. All these factors contribute to increased spending on veterinary care, higher work and 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 by systematic cow care application. With the PediCuRx hoof care system, milk producers can automate the hoof bath process. Use of the preventative measures provided by a hoof bath, in conjunction with other management measures such as, for example feeding, 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
/ lameness Background information Learn more about this costly herd health problem 4
Economic impact of hoof problems Direct and indirect cost of important diseases in dairy cow farming (in Euro per case) direct 1 indirect 2 total Clinical mastitis average 170 91 261 low grade 114-114 high grade 297 220 517 Lameness on average 133 219 352 Sole ulcer 170 390 560 Interdigital phlegmon 83 78 161 1 direct: Veterinary costs, medicaments, work time, unsaleable milk 2 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.) It is difficult to say down to the last penny, what costs the milk producer actually incurs due tolameness. However, all experts are agreed that hoof diseases contribute significantly to costs when all the consequences are taken into consideration. The average cost caused by hoof problems and lameness is some 300 euros per cow per year These include: 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. The latest investigations indicate that one lame cow results in average costs of around 150 euros. These include additional work, possible emergency treatments (e.g. with antibiotics) and the total loss of milk output. However costs resulting from the loss of milk production before lameness becomes obvious and during recovery were not included. Moreover, losses resulting from reduced oestrus during illness which could lead to a missed insemination cycle, are not included. If these indirect costs are also included, then clinical lameness results in an overall increased cost of around 300 euros per cow per year. A farm with 100 cows has a lameness rate of 10 %, so losses of around 3,000 euros. Theoritcal cost savings per year for an improvement of 10% in hoof health Number of animals 5
The anatomy of the hoof The diseases affecting the hoof are best understood by having a good understanding of hoof anatomy. The following pages indicate that there are a whole series of causes of lameness, that occur in quite different areas of the hoof. Some diseases can be treated by a hoof bath, in others the diet, husbandry conditions or hygiene management must be adjusted. It is important to recognize which hoof infection is concerned and where to find the cause, because only then can an effective solution to the hoof problem be found. Coffin Joint It is important to recognise the causes of hoof infections to find the best solutions for prevention and treatment. Coronary band Wall Bulb Hoof bones and tendons Coronary band: The coronary band is normally soft, shiny and may be pink. Wall: The wall is smooth and shiny. Fine grooves run parallel to the coronary band. The wall comprises a very hard tubular horn. Bulb: The bulb is located in an extension of the coronary band and comprises soft, rubber-type horn. Coronary cushion Wall Lamellae Coronary band Coffin Bone White Line Sole Cross section through the hoof Digital cushion Bulb Coronary cushion: Beneath the coronary band is the coronary cushion, a mass of elastic tissue and veins. When the animal is moving, the cushion pumps blood through 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 the extremity. Sole: The sole becomes thicker towards the heel, falls away from the outer wall and has a concave shape. Digital cushion: The digital cushion lies in the bulb. The cushion serves as an elastic shock absorber. It can, however also serve as a pump, in order to pump the blood back through the body of the limb, if the animal is moving. 6
Causes of lameness As there are many different causes of lameness, they are typically subdivided into three categories - mechanical, metabolic and microbial. Mechanical Genetic - anatomical deformations such as overextended hocks, weak fetlocks, sickle shaped heels, spread or overlapping claws, hinny foot, more than 2 claws, etc. can cause lameness or increase the likelihood of lameness. The likelihood of inheriting these deformations is small, however for older cows they can result in problems. Environment - poorly planned housing design, can drastically influence the rate of lameness in a farm. The lameness rate in a farm will increase, if: there are too few cubicles it 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 slopes the 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) Sole ulcers can often be traced back to errors in husbandry Poor byre management can drastically increase the frequency of lameness in a farm! Further conditions, that contribute more significantly to lameness: Overfilling of the waiting areas or in the area around the feeding grills wet or dirty surroundings (e.g. slurry smeared in passages, feeding and movement areas) missing or irregularly changed bedding in the cubicles poor surface condition in the cubicles uneven surfaces (stones, gravel) heifers who were not used to standing on concrete floors prior to calving irregular or incorrectly executed hoof trimming too frequent flying? (stress) rough handling of cows by the milking personnel (stress). These environmental factors lead, amongst other things, to problems that cause lameness, e.g. sole ulcers and white line defect. Damage to the hoof horn, either due to maceration, heavy loading or injury (e.g. on the edges etc.) allows the ingress of bacteria. These multiply and cause acute inflammation of the hoof. The resulting pressure causes severe pain and lameness. Treatment involves uncovering of the infected area. 7
Metabolic (metabolism) Laminitis or founder is an inflammation of the claw corium, which encloses the lower claw bones. It can be responsible for up to 65 % of lameness in a dairy farm and occurs most frequently during the first 100 days of lactation. It can also be caused by poor byre conditions and lack of hygiene. Generally however, incorrect feeding with a high level of carbohydrates and too little fibre can lead too sub-acute ruminal acidosis, which, via a sequence of reactions, can lead to founder. Founder can 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). 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 researcher at the university of Wisconsin, Department of veterinary medicine, published in Agri-View, May 2005 In cases of founder the suspension apparatus of the pedal bone at the wall horn is holed. Due to pulling of the deep flexor tendon on the rear side of the pedal bone, and the holes suspension of the front side, a lowering and rotation of the pedal bone can be caused. Rotation of the pedal bone causes further problems in the sole area. The tip of the pedal bone and the underlying horn are subjected to increased pressure. The reduction in horn quality caused by the founder results in more sole ulcers, white line defects, claw tip defects and double soles. The chronic founder hoof is characterized by missing horn, marked ring formation in the area of the wall horn and marked concavity on the front side, which leads, amongst other things, to lifting of the claw tips and over extension of the deep flexor tendon. Microbial Mortellaro's disease (also known as hairy warts, Dermatitis digitalis or even strawberry warts) Mortellaro's disease (Dermatitis digitalis) is a painful and wasting disease, which affects the skin of the hoof. If it is not treated, it leads to lameness. The disease was first described by Cheli and Mortellaro in Italy (1974) and has since spread around the entire world. The disease is particularly prevalent in large herds. A study carried out in the Netherlands between 2002 and 2003, showed the average incidence to be 21.2 % of all 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 probably caused by 2 or more anaerobic, partly spirochetal bacteria, which are regularly found in lesions. It cannot be excluded that other bacteria may be involved, in particular those living outside the animal in damp, muddy environments and which are highly infectious. 8
Towelling type appearance of lesions like these can have microbial causes Dermatitis digitalis is first apparent as a raw, painful red area. The hairs around this area are either upright or matted. Typically it is first detected in the interdigital area on the rear side of a rear leg hoof. As the disease develops, the appearance of the lesion changes. It becomes grey and has a towelling type appearance. In the later stages the lesions take on a wart type appearance, which is frequently surrounded by fibrous hair-like growth. Frequently these lesions extend into the interdigital cleft. This provides ideal anaerobic growing conditions for the bacteria, especially favoured by the deposition of dirt and faeces. The lesions can also occur higher up in the area of the fetlock or the coronary band. These lesions on the front side are primarily detected on the front legs, 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 and ruminal acidosis, before finally causing Laminitis (founder). Dermatitis digitalis is often encountered with interdigital inflammation. This leads to, amongst other things, erosion of 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 rot or 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 possible sloughing. The disease can spread in the interdigital pocket and in the heel horn, with the latter leading to heel horn erosion. The cow suffers from irritation and sometimes pain. The originating organism is amongst others, Dichelobacter nodosus, an anaerobic bacterium. A good housing climate and optimised layout are important in keeping the hooves clean and dry and thus in preventing microbial infections. Interdigital phlegmon (panaritium) Interdigital phlegmon is an infection in the area of the interdigital cleft, that has spread to 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 and joints. Affected animals can be identified because of their loss of appetite, fever and rapidly falling milk production. Possible causes are Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas asaccharolytica (previously known as Bacteroides melaninogenicus), both are anaerobic. Injuries or damage to the foot resulting from high temperatures and dampness 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 an anti-bacterial bandage. Often systematic treatment with antibiotics is also necessary. If the infection has already taken hold, it is often too late. 9
Bulb rot (heel horn erosion, slurry heel lesions) A further infectious disease is bulb rot. Its emergence is likewise favoured by moisture and unclean husbandry conditions. Weakening of the horn allows bacteria to get into the deeper horn layers. The originating bacteria are mainly anaerobic Fusobacterium necrophorum und Dichelobacter nodosus, which are also found in other hoof diseases. Foot rot is a further example of a bacterial hoof disease 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 conditions silted-up drainage troughs poor structural conditions too frequent/ long standing or walking on concrete delivery of new cows without previous quarantine irregular or missing hoof care (also heifers) stress no, 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 good climatic 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
Summary of the most important bacterial hoof diseases 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 clean passageways 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 lower lying areas due to anaerobic bacteria 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 11
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 of lameness could help in the prompt detection of hoof problems in the future and thus prevent their spreading. 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). After evaluation of the cows, the milk producer knows which cows to examine and how 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 following classification method (with the kind approval of the Zinpro corporation), then it is important to include not only cows, who are lame or seriously lame (4th and 5th degrees), because for them the treatment requirement is already known.then future lameness problems can be avoided by treating even slightly lame or moderately lame cows (2nd and 3rd degrees), so that they do not become seriously lame cows. If you wait until a cow is noticeably limping, it may be too late! How cows are graded Does the cow favour a leg? Yes No Does the preferred leg carry weight? Is the back bent when standing? Yes No Yes No lameness degree 4 lameness degree 3 lameness degree 5 Is the back bent when walking? Yes No lameness degree 2 lameness degree 1 12
Evaluation of cow lameness Locomotion Score Clinical Description: Normal 1 Description: Stands and walks normally. All feed placed with purpose. Locomotion Score Clinical Description: Mildly Lame 2 Description: Stands with flat back, but aches when walks. Gait is slightly abnormal. Locomotion Score Clinical Description: 3 Moderately Lame Description: Stands and walks with an arched back. Short strides with one or more legs. Back posture standing: flat Back posture standing: flat Back posture standing: arched Back posture walking: flat Back posture walking: arched Back posture walking: arched Locomotion Score Clinical Description: Lame 4 Description: Arched back standing and walking, One or more limbs favored but at least partially weight bearing. Locomotion Score Clinical Description: 5 Severely Lame Description: Arched back, refuses to bear weight on one limb. May refuse or have great difficulty moving from lying position. Back posture standing: arched Back posture standing: arched Back posture walking: arched Back posture walking: arched Source: Zinpro (According to: Sprecher, D.J.; Hosteller,D.E.; Kaneene; J.B. 1997, Theriogenology 47:1178-1187) 13
Classification of Dermatitis digitalis Regular, professional hoof care also provides an up to date overview of the type and frequency of hoof disease. If a milk producer detects that a cow is going lame, he will first look for the lesions characteristic of Dermatitis digitalis (Mortellaro). Another possibility for detecting Dermatitis digitalis and other hoof problems is the regular use of a professional hoof carer. He not only trims the hooves, but also looks out for possible problems, instigates investigations into causes and treats them. The most established method for determining the severity of Dermatitis digitalis is the classification of the lesions. Normally the presence and severity of Dermatitis digitalis is detected and classified by 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 than surface and easily accessible lesions. Classification of Dermatitis digitalis - grade 0 Normal No lesion visible 1 Early stage Typically very painful. The lesions are small, round, moist, concave or flat and pink or brownish in colour. Around the edges of the lesion is a wreath of upright and matted hair. The first signs that a cow's gait is changing may be visible (slight laming). 2 Mature stage The lesions are enlarging and spreading, are flat and grainy, show a towelling type texture. Very painful The cow demonstrates a moderate to marked lameness. 3 Chronic stage Large, raised lesions, often with upright hair-type adenoids. Serious pain, the cow is very lame. 4 Healing stage The lesions shrink and become less painful. A black crust may form which subsequently falls off, thereby uncovering the underlying healthy skin. Dermatitis digitalis (Mortellaro) - early stage Dermatitis digitalis (Mortellaro) - chronic stage 14
Treatment and prevention Milk producers control and protect their herds against hoof problems such as Dermatitis digitalis (Mortellaro), with various methods. Hoof health experts recommend the first 3 of the possibilities listed below, but point out that all are only worthwhile if the measure is correctly and fastidiously executed. Methods for controlling and treating microbial hoof problems Hoof baths Use of suitable sprays Local treatment and dressings Cutting off of warts and lesions Burning or freezing of warts Systematic 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 of Illinois, 4 points should be investigated, if the effectiveness of a hoof bath against the spreading of Mortellaro's disease 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. 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! 2. Are possible faeces residues on the hooves sprayed off before the cows enter the hoof bath? Direct contact of clean hooves and heels with the hoof bath increases its 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 be installed in the milking parlour exit area. The cows should not be able to avoid passing through 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 epidemic proportions. Sprays are most effective when the hooves have previously been cleaned. They can be applied during milking in the milking parlour. The surgical removal of lesions for treating cows displaying lameness symptoms, is generally not advisable. Any surgical intervention in the hoof tissue could open up new attack surfaces for infestation by spirochetal, anaerobic or secondary bacterial organisms. Systematic antibiotic treatments can, in certain cases, also be used for treatment. 15
Hoof bath products which have been used 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 handled without 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 high doses. Contras: Contamination of soil and water (heavy metal), currently use is limited or banned in many countries, high volume, heavy to handle and store, only effective in high doses, can cause hooves to become brittle, not widely accepted, is only available by prescription in many locations, withhold times must be adhered to. Can be poisonous to sheep? Formaldehyde Advantages of cleaning and disinfecting hoof 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. Pro: Considered effective by some people Contras: 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
PediCuRx - the hoof hygiene system The PediCuRx hoof care concept comprises an optimum combination of technology and chemistry and offers a successful preventative measure for maintaining healthy hooves. Hoof hygiene in conjunction with fertility and mastitis prophylaxis is a further essential measure for successful management of a dairy farm. The concept encompasses a pre-cleaning bath and a main bath. Suitable chemical products must be available for the pre-cleaning and hygiene baths. 17
How does the concept work? Pre-cleaning is carried out using PedicoPré from WestfaliaSurge. This ensures improved contact of the active agent with the whole hoof. Passage through the water 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 of hoof hygiene. Whether the application of the hoof bath technology is to be carried out manually or automatically, 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 works reliably, without a complex or sensitive mechanism, in a hostile environment. The manual hoof bath is controlled and operated by the operator. Dosing of a suitable chemical hoof care product, pumping up of the closure bladder and water supply are undertaken manually. In comparison with existing hoof baths, the manual WestfaliaSurge 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 the addition of liquid or powder chemicals are organised by the control unit. Alongside the inherent time saving, use of the automated system also serves to guarantee the quality of application of a hoof bath. Dependent on the degree of hoof dirtiness, the solution should be changed after a maximum of150 animals. To ensure that both bath and solution are changed at the correct time point, the cleaning and filling process can be automatically triggered. Possible configurations of the PediCuRx system PediCuRx control centre Automatic dosing of liquid chemical and control of water inlet Inlet nozzles Filling of troughs with water and / or care products Spray protection Cleaning bath pre-cleaning of hooves Rubber bladder closure (compressed air operated) pumped up: reliable, quick closing over the whole trough width let down: quick emptying of the trough bath Disinfection bath Hygiene and protection of the hooves Trough container from robust, resistant polye thylene 18
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
Summary of the unique PediCuRx system Features and benefits The programmable cycles can be matched to the requirements of your dairy farm The automation package helps to implement a clean, effective hoof bath program with the lowest possible expense. The multiple programmed control unit enables matching of 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 further increased. Automatic bath change PediCuRx hoof care systems can automatically dose liquid- AND powder-format hoof hygiene products. 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 cows The unique design of the sloping entrance makes it easier for the cows to enter the bath. This prevents jams in the area of the milking parlour exit. Moreover this layout simplifies cleaning of the area in front of the bath and less sediment builds up inside the troughs. Thus cows carry less muck into the bath with them. The length of the bath enables optimum contact between hooves and chemical solution The bath length of 3 meters generally ensures that the cow immerses its hooves twice. This guarantees optimum contact between the Pedico hoof bath solution and the hooves. Trough construction from fibre-reinforced polyethylene The robust construction from fibre-reinforced polyethylene is absolutely rust free and chemically resistant. It is suitable for temperatures down to -50 C, impact resistant and inexpensive to install. Textured rubber walk mats This integral part of the hoof bath ensures that the cows can safely and comfortably step through the trough. Animal-friendly trough edges The shape of the troughs with rounded edges makes use of the bath safer for the cows. The additional side panels prevent neighbouring cows from stepping into the trough 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. 20
PediCuRx FAQs Must the hooves be pre-cleaned? To obtain the optimum preventative effect of the measures, it makes sense that the hooves are as clean as possible so the chemicals can act on the correct points on the horn and skin. Thus, we recommend the use of a pre-bath with PedicoPré as a matter or 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 little preparation for use. If the bath has not bee used for some time, it makes sense to remove any excess sediment. When using powder chemicals, the canisters are filled by 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 the application. In comparison with the competition, PediCuRx, is significantly more flexible and offers all practical alternatives. 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 a cow to place a hoof in the bath, without having to change its normal gait. The rubber mats on the bottom of the bath have knobs which help to propel the cow forwards. The side protection walls guide the cow into the bath, reducing the risk that it steps on an unstable surface. The low entrance and narrow exit allow the cow to easily step into and out of the bath. However, should a cow fall, a flexible, impact-resistant polythene structure 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 with WestfaliaSurge 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. 21
Can the bath be automatically flooded and filled during milking? Yes, that is the main function of the automatic control. The automatic control changes the bath solution dependent on time, number of cows, number of gate openings or when 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 least 457 mm from each other, to enable sufficient drainage and to allow the cows to match their gait to their presence. How is the dirty water disposed of? National laws are the determining factor here. Hoof baths can be used anywhere with 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 the water inlet jets from the inside or using an additional water hose (possibly the same hose used for cleaning the milking parlour). In an automatic system, the bath can be flooded 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 to ensure the young cows receive optimum preventative protection and the hooves remain healthy. After how many animals should I change the bath? We recommend changing the liquid after 150 animals at the most. In addition, the dirtiness of the hooves indicates whether pre-cleaning is required. If the hooves are very dirty and pre-cleaning has not been carried out, it could be necessary to change the 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 do not walk alongside the baths and thus avoid the treatment, secondly they guide the animals 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 the bath is full (up to the top marking on the bath), the supply of water is turned off and the animals can walk through the bath. What happens if the bladder should be closed and foreign bodies are stuck under it? This is one of the great advantage of this construction. The rubber bladder encloses objects that are lying in the outflow area and closes off the bath in spite of them! 22
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 anything new. The first time it is recommended to leave the bath empty to allow the cows to get used to the new surface. Once the bath is installed, it becomes a normal part of the 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-treatment bath in a desired direction. The angled entrance also distributes the muddy water to cause a cleaning effect directly in front of the bath. For this purpose, right and left versions 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 is installed in a sloping surface and the higher exit side provides sufficient depth to ensure 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 flowing out of the pre-treatment bath is guided away in a desired direction. If you approach the bath and the water drains away to the right, then it is a right bath, while if it slopes 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 for heated 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-treatment and main bath. How steep can the gradient of a passage be without water running out of the bath? The bath can be installed with a slope of 1-4%. Most experts recommend an average 100 mm solution depth for correct application of the hoof bath solution. For slope angles 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. 23
Systems Service Success 2 in1 hoof hygiene, to maintain the health of your cows! Modern system solutions and regular technical servicing for maximum performance and highest quality milk Comprehensive service and product concept for top quality milk Spare parts, regular technical servicing and accessories for first class milk production. Individual consultancy and planning of installations for your business: perfectly matched components, customer-specific system solutions and a variety of measures for continuous system optimisation. On-site individual customer service provided by the hygiene experts in order to ensure optimum hygiene during milking. Advice on the effective use of products for installation and animal hygiene. A customised solution for every dairy farm: professional-grade accessories, spare parts and all your consumable needs for economic and reliable milk production. Dealer area 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 9997-xxxx-000 PSC / 20080101 / 9502020199 / S+L:WS / D:Stu / 12.06 We reserve the right to modify the construction and design in all cases!