To preserve the health and well-being of your sheep, hoof trimming is an essential step. This preventive care helps prevent lameness and maintain the productivity of the flock.
Terwagne, a store specialized in hoof trimming equipment for sheep, shares its advice with you on how to perform this operation well before bringing the flock into the barn, as winter approaches.
Why trim the hooves of sheep?
Hoof trimming is one of the essential care practices for farmed sheep. Hooves that are too long or poorly maintained can cause imbalance, promote the proliferation of bacteria, and lead to lameness, making movement painful.
Regular hoof maintenance is therefore essential to ensure good locomotion and prevent infections. A sheep with sore feet eats less, which directly impacts its health and production.
It is recommended to perform trimming before bringing them into the barn at the end of autumn, as well as when putting them out to pasture in the spring.
This step allows for checking the condition of the legs and ensuring that the animals spend the winter in good conditions, without the risk of injury or infection.
What equipment to use for trimming sheep hooves?
To properly carry out hoof trimming, it's essential to have suitable and quality equipment. Terwagne recommends a few essential tools:
- Hoof shears: available in various models with blades adapted to sheep, their choice depends on the frequency of use, the type of horn, and the farmer's preferences. They allow for precise cutting of excess horn.
- Hoof knife: this sharp-bladed tool is used to adjust the shape of the hoof, remove excess horn, treat foot problems such as infections or lesions, and prevent complications related to excessive horn growth.
- Disinfectant spray: after trimming, it is essential to clean and protect the treated area to prevent any infection.
Using high-performance tools ensures precise, quick, and painless work for the animal, while contributing to the long-term health of the flock.
Practical tips for maintaining sheep hooves
Trimming sheep hooves requires method, precision, and patience. Here are the tips from Terwagne experts:
- Properly immobilize the sheep to avoid sudden movements and reduce its stress.
- Cut gradually, without trying to remove everything at once, to avoid touching the sensitive flesh and to maintain the natural shape of the foot.
- Inspect the legs to remove any stuck stones or debris and to check for any infection or suspicious odor. If there is an anomaly, consult a veterinarian.
- Maintain the equipment after each use: regular cleaning and sharpening extend the life of the tools and ensure a clean cut.
Buy your hoof trimming equipment for sheep at Terwagne
To ensure effective care of your sheep's feet, Terwagne offers a complete range of shears, hoof knives, and disinfectant sprays, suitable for all types of farming.
Find all the hoof trimming equipment directly in our store in Ciney or on the Terwagne Élevage website. Have a question about our products or their use? Contact our team via the online form or by phone.
