A new system for ‘blocking’ of hooves has been developed by a New Zealand company.  Walkease™ was invented and patented by the R&D department of Shoof International Ltd in 2008.  This revolutionary hoof-block system uses instant-drying one-pot cyanoacrylate adhesive on an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam block, something that has never before been used in this industry.  EVA is commonly used in the human-shoe industry.  It is resilient, comfortable and hard wearing.

Photo Caption: Walkease after 6wks on a dry cow.
Hoofcare and treatment of cattle lameness continues to be a major priority for farmers worldwide.  Both issues are particularly significant and challenging as cattle lameness leads to decreased feed intake, lower milk production, reduced bulling activity, weight loss and ultimately culling if left untreated.

Peter Griffiths works in R&D for New Zealand company Shoof International Ltd.  He was working on developing a new block for supporting the claw of a cow’s hoof whilst it recovers from injury.   He had the thought that maybe using the same material as his summer ‘flip-flops’ might be a good solution.

Hoof care and treatment of cattle lameness continues to be a major priority for farmers nationwide.  Both issues are particularly significant and challenging as cattle lameness leads to decreased feed intake, lower milk production, reduced bulling activity, weight loss and ultimately culling if left untreated.

New Zealand’s leading veterinarians and hoof care experts are in agreement over the immediate benefits available through blocking hooves.  As cattle lameness and attention to hoof care becomes more of an issue through these wet winter months, farmers throughout the country are investing significant amounts of time and money into this on-going issue.