As we come to the end of 2011 (can you believe it??), I thought it would be a good time to review some footbath basics. When used properly the footbath is a very powerful tool in the prevention and control of infectious claw conditions; particularly digital dermatitis aka hairy heel warts.

Footbath Volume: It is imperative to know the volume of your footbaths. How else do you know how much chemical to use and for how many cow passes it will remain effective? The formula is: Length x width x depth (all in inches) ÷ 231 = volume in gallons. Be sure to take the depth measurement from the center of the footbath and measure 1” below the curbing.
What to Use: Most producers use copper sulfate, formaldehyde, or zinc sulfate – either alone or in rotation. Each of these products has pluses and minuses. Formaldehyde comes with serious health risks and can cause severe burns. It is also less effective in cold or wet conditions. Copper sulfate is effective but presents environmental challenges in terms of long term build-up in the soil and water run off. Except in very dry environments, dairy producers are typically less satisfied with zinc sulfate for wart control than they are with copper. In addition, zinc sulfate can be very difficult to dissolve. Copper and zinc sulfates are often used with chemically engineered additives such as Hoof-Tec 1000 which maximize their solubility, thereby improving performance and extending the efficacy of the bath.
How Much to Use: When used alone, the typical amount of copper sulfate is .5 pounds per gallon of footbath water (25# per 50 gallon footbath). Zinc sulfate amounts can range from 35 pounds to 50 pounds per 50 gallon footbath. If using a chemically engineered acidifier with copper or zinc sulfate, check with the manufacturer for recommended dosage. These products typically reduce the amount of copper/zinc necessary for good results. If using formaldehyde consult with your veterinarian on dosage.
How Many Cows: This is a big issue. Nobody likes having to change the footbath during the milking. However, walking cows through a “spent” footbath (manure slurry) can do more harm than good. It re-exposes the feet to the very bacteria you spend money trying to kill! The number of cows that can effectively pass through a footbath largely depends on 1) how much manure gets into the bath and 2)how much water gets splashed out. An “average” 50 gallon footbath using only copper/zinc sulfate or formaldehyde should be changed after about 200-250 cow passes.
How Often: A number of researchers now recommend running footbaths 7 days per week. The comparison is made between footbathing and teat dipping. However when the footbaths are managed properly, many dairies do well on a 3-5 day per week footbath program.

Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!