Foot work setup

[Double R Ranch]

Looking for ideas for being able to do footwork in a chute more efficiently. Our herd of jerseys need foot trims from time to time. We currently use a tilt chute at the dairy I have access to but at some point we won't have that available. I'd like to get something set up in one of our chutes to make it easier than hauling to the dairy and be prepared when the time comes the tilt chute isn't available. Our beef cattle almost never have needed foot work so we haven't made an effort to be setup for it but the time has come. I'm sure some folks have to treat feet or trim a foot here and there so I'm hoping there's some good ideas that we can use to get set up more permanently and safely for the dainty jerseys.

 

[wbvs58]

I find a webbing strap with a loop sewn in each end is the handiest for restraint, wrapped around a rail a couple of times enables you to pull on the strap then tail it to keep what you gained. It also allows you to release it quickly if needed.

Ken

 

[TexasJerseyMilker]

We don't have any kind of chute but my old arthritic 15 year old pet Jersey's hooves were overgrown and it hurt her to walk. Even with meloxicam pain pills in her grain. So my cowboy husband roped her down. He calls it casting. He made a bowline loop around her neck that could not tighten, then ran it back along her spine and made a half hitch just behind her front legs. This led along the spine to a second half hitch in front of her hind legs, which the rope end he held behind her. This her head tied low with a halter he pulled back against that rope and down the old creature went gently and with her head tied like that was unable to rise. I crawled around on the ground and trimmed each claw and hoof right with horse hoof nippers. Now she walks great. Still takes the pills. She walks great now.

 

[Double R Ranch]

I find a webbing strap with a loop sewn in each end is the handiest for restraint, wrapped around a rail a couple of times enables you to pull on the strap then tail it to keep what you gained. It also allows you to release it quickly if needed.

Ken

Great idea. Will look at the chutes and see where and how this could be possible. Webbing sounds better than rope.

 

[Dave]

I have a piece of one inch cotton rope. I run them in the chute, drop the lower side panels. and use the cotton rope to tie a foot up. I have been known to use pruning lopper to trim the hoof. Horse hoof nippers would probably be better.

 

[Double R Ranch]

I have a piece of one inch cotton rope. I run them in the chute, drop the lower side panels. and use the cotton rope to tie a foot up. I have been known to use pruning lopper to trim the hoof. Horse hoof nippers would probably be better.

That's how we've done it when we need to do something foot related to a beef cow in the past. Part of why I'm thinking of turning an older chute into a trimming chute. Our most used chute isn't quite as easy to use for typing feet without getting kicked. We have both horse nippers and cow nippers. Hadn't thought about pruning loppers. That's a great idea. We have a new grinder tool coming which we hope will make it even faster and easier for doing trims all the way around. Especially when the feet are terribly hard. We use something similar at the dairy and it is really great for getting a quick and good trim. Thanks for the tips!

 

[Ebenezer]

And I thought that you were asking about dance moves from the title! :rolleyes:

 

[farmerjan]

I use lopping shears for long toes all the time... often if they are standing, we can slide it under the toe without even picking up the foot... and snip and off the long part goes... Have only had a couple over the years, try to not keep heifers if their feet get long when they are young. But a couple of bought cows have had a long toe and one we cut it once a year when she was in to preg check... none of her heifers have yet shown the problem and they are real nice char x, grey smokies like her... couple of the daughters are on their 3rd and 4th calves... cow is gone now...
But yes, the lopping shears work pretty good. Not going to get into alot of feet work... if they have any big problems, they leave... but an occasional long toe is not a deal breaker.

 

[Double R Ranch]

I use lopping shears for long toes all the time... often if they are standing, we can slide it under the toe without even picking up the foot... and snip and off the long part goes... Have only had a couple over the years, try to not keep heifers if their feet get long when they are young. But a couple of bought cows have had a long toe and one we cut it once a year when she was in to preg check... none of her heifers have yet shown the problem and they are real nice char x, grey smokies like her... couple of the daughters are on their 3rd and 4th calves... cow is gone now...
But yes, the lopping shears work pretty good. Not going to get into alot of feet work... if they have any big problems, they leave... but an occasional long toe is not a deal breaker.

I have been focusing on feet when breeding this line now. I'm not sure yet how they heifers are going to be but so far they appear improved from what their dam is like. The goal is no foot work at all. When this cow that is the main issue right now walks pasture she keeps them worn down fairly well but when she's up on small pasture or there's no feed and she stays by the feeder 24/7 they get long and then they need trimmed. Nothing too crazy but long enough she no longer wants to go out and graze. Really good to know so many have good luck with loppers. Will be adding that to the foot work kit. Thanks!