Hoof injuries in cattle are inevitable. In this case, a decrease in the productivity of the animal is possible. To avoid pain and discomfort, cattle have their hooves trimmed. The animal is securely fixed using a special device. For cattle, a split is used. A device in the form of a frame or box limits the movement of animals. The cost of the finished product is not affordable for everyone. You can make the split yourself.
What is a cow restraining machine used for and how does it work?
The device secures livestock. Trimming and treating hooves becomes easier.The device is used for gastric lavage, when taking blood for analysis, various operations, vaccinations, and drug treatment using a syringe. The split immobilizes the cow, making manipulation of the animal easier.
All agricultural farms raising cattle are becoming divided. The design of the device takes into account the size of the cow and its anatomical shape, so that the inspection of the animal takes little time.
A split is installed in the passage along which the cows move. Using the device, the animal is separated from the herd. The cow falls into a split. The lever closes the doors, the neck is securely fixed with a special clamp. In the split it is possible to fix the head and legs with an additional clamp, belts, beams, chains. The sheet of metal immobilizing the head has the same shape.
Advantages and disadvantages
The machine for immobilizing an animal is convenient for livestock breeders. Despite a number of advantages, there are also disadvantages when using it.
Tips for constructing a split for cattle with your own hands
For a small farm with a small number of livestock, purchasing a split does not make sense. The machine is easy to build with your own hands. The device can be made of wood or metal. To make a wooden machine, you will need a strong rectangular beam in the shape of a box and design drawings. The hole for the cow's neck is cut out in the front. In the back you need to make a door that can be locked. The legs are secured using ropes or straps attached to the top of the structure.
Using additional clamps made of wood or metal, the hind legs of the cow are firmly fixed. The wood is impregnated with a special compound and processed.
Recommendations for making a wooden split:
- The split pattern corresponds to the shapes of the animal. Height – 2 meters, width – 1.5 meters, length – 3.5 meters.
- The product is installed in a place convenient for approaching and performing manipulations with the cow.
- The split installed inside the building must be well lit.
- The indoor structure is further strengthened with bolts.
To manufacture a metal device, profile pipes are used. A rectangular structure is welded from them. For stability, the split is additionally reinforced with steel pipes. Opening gates are made at the ends of the split. The rear gate closes tightly.
How to herd a cow into a pen
The herd walks along the aisle and falls into schism on its own.To do this, the device is installed on the path of movement of the herd. The cow is brought in to have its hooves processed. The back door slams tightly, a special hole fixes the animal's neck.
The hoof trimming knife is thoroughly disinfected. Treatment begins with the front legs and ends with the hind legs. The hooves are cleaned of dirt. Carefully get rid of the old hoof horn, which is located on the sole and crumb. An area with a young horny surface should not be touched, as it is easily injured. In case of damage, the hoof is disinfected with iodine.
Why do hoof trims?
- Caring for the health of the cow.
- During milking the animal is stable.
- Prevention of lameness.
- To eliminate purulent inflammation resulting from soft tissue damage.
- To reduce the risk of sprains and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Hoof care after trimming:
- Dust from the old stratum corneum is carefully cleaned off.
- Cracks and wounds on the hoof after trimming are treated with formaldehyde, copper sulfate or iodine.
- The hooves are washed with a strong stream of water.
- Disinfecting baths are made for animals, which are changed daily (the liquid in the bath covers part of the limb).
Equipment care
Modern models are easy to use and safe for livestock. One person is enough to operate. The device is compact, small in size, suitable for any type of barn. The split does not require special skills to maintain it.
A wooden machine standing outdoors must be impregnated with a solution that protects it from rotting. The bars are carefully processed so as not to injure the animal. Anti-corrosion metal is used in metal structures.Taking good care of cattle will increase productivity and avoid diseases.
