American Miniature Zebu Association

News From Amza

ZEBU HOOF TRIMMING

Overgrown hooves in zebu can cause a number of problems that
can lead to lameness. One of the most obvious problems is discomfort, since the overgrown hoof is not properly shaped and forces
the zebu to walk in a manner other than they should. Overgrown
hooves are also prone to cracking, which opens up an area where
bacteria can get into the system and cause infection. When a hoof
is extremely painful and an opening for infection.

When hooves are overgrown, they throw the entire leg off balance. Keeping hooves properly and professionally trimmed helps you avoid these problems and also allows your zebu to stand and move to the best of
their ability.

Trimming hooves is not an easy job and proper equipment is essential. You may choose to do the trimming yourself or to have a
professional come in and do the job for you. BE CAREFUL as if you
do the job yourself and are not properly experienced, you could
really do harm to yourself and/or the zebu.

If you hire a professional, they will more than likely come equipped
with a chute or table which tips the zebu on its side and is either
manual or hydraulic. They will also bring a grinder with a disk, leg
OVERGROWN HOOVES
restraint devices and an awful lot of knowledge of how to enhance your zebu’s appearance. The hoof trimmer may come to your place or you may need to go to their home. Talk to others in your area to find out
who they may recommend.

If you choose to do this yourself, have a proper table for tipping the zebu and proper leg restraint devices.
Tables can be purchased from many sources and will last a long time if maintained properly.

Use a grinder that is comfortable and stable in your hands and has a grinding disk that is in proper shape.
Have a hoof pick and a pair of nippers to use prior to using the grinder, and a pair of safety glasses. There are
lots of finer points to trimming feet, but the main goal is to bring the animal up on its toes and to level the
hoof as much as possible.

Remember, if you do this yourself to BE CAREFUL. Different chutes
will restrain zebus in different ways but always be conscious of
where the zebu’s legs are and where they can go in relationship to
your head, legs, hands, and arms. Try not to stress the zebu any more than necessary.

Calf table pictured is a Filson Calf Table modified for Zebus.