Trimming cows’ feet: When to trim and what to avoid

Foot trimming is an important part of preventing and reducing lameness. Knowing when to trim, when to check feet and how to avoid common mistakes can help maintain good hoof health and reduce the risk of causing further damage.

Early identification and treatment of lame cows is essential for reducing lameness levels within the herd.

To spot problems early:

• Regularly mobility score cows, at least every two weeks
• Treat lame cows as soon as possible
• Record all lesions found to help develop your lameness-reduction plan

Routine foot checks can help identify issues before they become serious.

Consider checking:

• Cows 8–10 weeks before calving so they calve with good foot shape
• Heifers 8–10 weeks before their first calving where they’re housed
• Cows around 10 weeks into lactation, when horn disorders are most likely to be present

Some cows, particularly in extensive grazing herds, may never need trimming because hoof wear matches growth.

However, regular hoof checks can still reduce lameness. Think of it as a foot check rather than a foot trim.

Where trimming is required, use a licensed hoof trimmer registered with the National Association of Cattle Foot Trimmers (NACFT), the Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board (CHCSB) or another recognised accreditation body.

The most important thing when trimming cows’ feet is always to err on the side of caution and not take too much off, especially from the inner claw on hind feet.

Good practice includes:

• Measuring correctly from where the wall becomes hard and thick, not from the hairline
• Avoiding guesswork
• Recognising when a foot does not need trimming
• Checking for thin soles

Figure 1. An example of a toe that's already short and doesn't need trimming

The hoof wall is the most important weight-bearing structure.

When trimming:

• Avoid shaping the wall
• Preserve the wall on the inside edge too, which is at the front third of the foot

Figure 2. An example of where the wall has been overthinned with a grinder

Black marks on the sole don’t always need to be removed.

Remember:

• A trimmed foot does not have to appear white
• Cracks and flakes on the sole are normal
• Avoid trimming away sole unnecessarily, especially at the toe
• Always preserve horn on the inner claw, or outer for front feet

Figure 3. The finished foot will normally have black marks

When modelling:

• Work only in the back two-thirds of the sole
• Stay above the white line on the inner wall
• Always preserve the inner wall
• The inner wall may look a little untidy, but that’s OK

Removing too much horn from the heel can alter weight distribution and increase the risk of problems.

Aim for:

• A finished foot that looks reasonably upright
• A wall angle of around 50 degrees to the floor
• Heel height of around 5 cm

Figure 4. Some of the inner wall has been removed unnecessarily

Figure 5. An example of good heel height