The Evolution of the Footbath

By Wendy Rahn, ANIMART Hoof Specialist

Since the dawning of footbath use on dairy operations, there has been constant evolution to bath design and product solution used. With these changes it can be difficult to be sure dairies are using the best bath methods to meet their needs.

Footbath treatment programs are used on most dairies as one of the best and most effective means of controlling hoof disease. It is important to keep that in mind when considering footbath design.

Need for Change

The first baths introduced to most dairies were short, wide, and difficult to maintain. The shorter baths allowed cows to leave one of the rear claws completely out of the bath, and the low curb allowed sidestepping. Many dairies also implemented the use of a pre-bath without any solution.

Ever rising costs of operational inputs forces the industry to rethink and reinvent everything to be as least-cost as possible, even footbaths. Copper Sulfate costs over the past 10 years have more than tripled, and are likely to keep increasing, along with environmental and human health hazard concerns.

Redesigning the Footbath

Today’s industry standard promotes the use of longer baths to increase steps taken in the solution. New bath designs that are being implemented feature longer, narrower foot baths with higher curb ends. This redesign allows cows to take shorter steps into the bath, and the extended length increases the steps taken in the solution, increasing positive results. Pre-baths are also being eliminated, as they decrease the amount of solution hooves can soak up.

Another new appearance is baths with sidewalls. Sidewalls stop cows from lingering and socializing in the bath, keeping the solution cleaner. They also prevent product from spilling out of the bath, meaning less waste, less lameness and more milk in the tank.

Copper Concerns

New solution additives and replacements for Copper Sulfate are entering the market all the time. Most of these replacements are copper free and are safer for the handler and cattle. However, Copper Sulfate is still a main stay for most dairies in their bath.

ANIMART carries a wide variety of footbath products. One option is QuickHit Footbath Concentrate, an additive to Copper Sulfate. When QuickHit Footbath Concentrate is added to Copper Sulfate it lowers the pH of the copper, bringing more of the product into solution, making the copper more available and effective while reducing the overall use of Copper Sulfate.

As a Hoof Trimming Professional, you know the feet of the dairies you trim better than anyone, and producers look to you for trusted recommendations. It is important to have an ongoing dialogue with the operations you work on, especially if they are experiencing claw issues.