1997 - Volume #21, Issue #4, Page #26
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Cow-Friendly "Hoof Mat" Exported To North America
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Developed in New Zealand, the "Hoofmat" is an alternative to conventional foot baths used to prevent hoof problems. The 3-ft. wide, 6-ft. long, 1-in. thick mat is made from a soft foam-filled porous material that can be saturated with 8 gal. of foot treatment - enough to treat about 80 cows. The disinfectant solution is simply poured onto the mat (a watering can works good) where it soaks in. Cows walk over the mat as they enter the milking parlor or feeding area. As they step onto the mat their feet sink in about a half inch, allowing the solution to well up to the top of their claws.
"It works much better than conventional foot baths because cows don't like to walk through water. You often have to drive them through the bath and they sometimes try to jump over it," says Quail. "The Hoofmat hides the solution inside the mat so cows will walk right over it. To get them used to walking on the mat we suggest you first unroll the mat, soak it in plain water, and place it in the exit race of the milking shed for a few days. After cows get used to walking on the mat you can place it in the en-trance to the milking area. Any disinfecting solution acceptable for cows can be used.
"It's best to have a smooth floor under the mat to reduce wear. If the floor is rough you can put a sheet of plywood under the mat to extend its life. The mat can also be turned over to even out the wear. Under normal conditions the mat will last about 100,000 cow passes."
Sells for $249.95 (Canadian).
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, The St. George Company Ltd., Box 430, 20 Consolidated Drive, Paris, Ontario, Canada N3L 3T5 (ph 519 442-2046; fax 7191).
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