Hoof Trimming

On October 6th and 11th, we went to the farm and trimmed the sheep's and goat's hooves. If goats and sheep do not get their hooves clipped, bacteria can hide within the hoof causing hoof rot, which can occur in the sole of the foot. Also, hoof disease can occur which can make it painful to walk. When the hooves overgrow, they curl upwards and it is very difficult to be balanced. It is best to clip the hooves after a rainy day because the hoof will be softer and easier to cut. First, we cleaned the dirt in the middle with the hoof trimmer and then cut the hoof wall. Once we cut the hoof wall, we were able to see white, which indicated new healthy hoof. It is also very important to provide a healthy environment for the goat's hoof health. The bedding in the stalls should be mucked and replaced with clean shavings. Also, it is important to inspect the pasture for any metal or class that can cause any injury or damage to the hoof. The hooves should be trimmed every 2 to 4 weeks.