Trimming hooves is an essential step to ensure the well-being and productivity of your sheep and goats. It helps prevent lameness, infections, and performance drops. Terwagne, an expert in the field, guides you on how to care for the hooves of sheep and goats and select the appropriate tools.
Choosing the right tools for trimming the hooves of your sheep and goats
Published on 21 aoû 2025
Reading time:2 minutes
Why is it necessary to trim the hooves of goats and sheep?
In sheep and goats, the hooves grow continuously. Without proper maintenance, this excessive growth can lead to deformations, trap dirt, and promote the appearance of infections. Trimming aims to restore the natural shape of the hooves, prevent lameness, and preserve the health of the herd. This intervention is essential to ensure comfort, longevity, and performance of your animals.
The trimming consists of removing the excess horn that continuously develops. Hooves that are too long or poorly trimmed cause improper weight distribution, exerting excessive pressure on certain areas of the foot and promoting the appearance of lesions. These injuries become entry points for bacteria, potentially causing serious infections such as foot rot, a contagious and painful disease.
How to care for the hooves of sheep and goats with essential tools?
For trimming the hooves of sheep and goats, certain equipment is essential.
Shears: the main tool for trimming hooves
Shears allow for a quick and precise trimming of hooves. There are several types, depending on your needs:
- Smooth or serrated blade shears
- Manual shears
- Electric hoof shears
It is essential to choose robust models, made of stainless steel, with ergonomic handles for optimal comfort.
The hoof knife: for precise adjustments
A complementary tool, the hoof knife is used to clean the underside of the hooves by removing mud and debris and adjusting the sole and heels to ensure proper weight distribution. It comes in straight, left-handed, or double-edged versions, depending on preferences.
Disinfectant spray: to prevent infections
After trimming, applying a disinfectant spray is essential. Even a light cut can create micro-lesions, entry points for bacteria. The spray promotes quick healing and maintains hoof health.
Need to know more about the tools for trimming your herd's hooves?
The Terwagne team is here to answer all your questions about the essential equipment for trimming the hooves of your sheep and cattle. Contact us via our online form or by phone.