Revolutionizing Dairy Farming

A Proactive Approach to Hoof Health

After relocating from the Netherlands to Canada in June of 2023, the Bannings noticed a concerning issue in their new herd – digital dermatitis (DD). This prompted them to take a proactive stance. Having experienced great results with the MS AutoHoofClean system in managing DD back in the Netherlands, they decided to bring this technology to Bankra Farms. Their goal was clear: optimize hoof health to prevent issues rather than resort to curative treatments, which often come too late.

The Benefits of MS AutoHoofClean

Hoof Health Transformation
The results speak for themselves. The introduction of the MS AutoHoofClean system has ushered in a remarkable transformation in hoof health at Bankra Farms. Hooves are now in better condition, featuring cleaner and more supple skin. Notably, DD occurrences have become smaller and less frequent, which the Bannings attribute to the consistent care provided by the AHC system.

Long-term Impact
With just over a few months of using the MS AutoHoofClean in Canada, the Bannings have observed substantial improvements. Skin that was once red and pink is gradually becoming healthier and whiter. Inflammation and hoof problems that plagued the herd have been significantly reduced, if not entirely eliminated. This improvement translates to enhanced cow comfort and mobility, ultimately contributing to a happier and more productive herd.

Unique Features and Advantages

One of the standout features of the MS AutoHoofClean system is its mat, which incorporates a flushing action. This action effectively cleans the often-neglected spaces between the cow’s claws, ensuring thorough and consistent treatment. Additionally, the system automates the dosing of cleaning and disinfecting agents, eliminating the need for human intervention.

Farmers can say goodbye to the time-consuming task of preparing footbaths and herding cows through them. With the MS AutoHoofClean, daily, 24/7 hoof treatment is delivered seamlessly. The low-dosage formaldehyde used in the system, combined with the mat’s flushing action, results in minimal odors when the disinfecting cycle is active.

Furthermore, this technology reduces stress on the cows, allowing them to come and go as they please through the robots while receiving continuous hoof treatment. In contrast, traditional footbaths often resulted in the last cow receiving the most soiled solution, rendering it ineffective for those needing it the most.

Seamless Integration into Daily Farming

Farmers at Bankra Farms found the integration of the MS AutoHoofClean into their daily routine surprisingly easy. Setting up the system was a quick and straightforward process. Although it took the cows a few days to adjust, normal cow flow was quickly reestablished.

The Future of Automated Hoof Care

Having witnessed the transformative power of the MS AutoHoofClean system in the Netherlands and now in Canada, André and Marieke firmly believe that automated solutions like this will become increasingly common in hoof care programs worldwide. In the Netherlands, as milk prices improved, the adoption of this technology soared. Similarly, they anticipate Canadian dairy farmers will embrace this innovative approach to prevent hoof health problems, boost productivity, and enhance cow comfort

Tips and Recommendations

The Bannings have some valuable advice for fellow dairy farmers considering the adoption of the MS AutoHoofClean:

• Hoof health is paramount; cleaner hooves result in easier and more productive cow management.
• The system eliminates the need for manual labor in foot bathing, saving time and effort.
• With fewer hoof problems, both time and money spent on hoof care decrease.
• Preventive care reduces stress on the herd, leading to happier, more productive cows.
• Healthy cows are synonymous with increased productivity; the two are inseparable.
• Proper hygiene practices are the key to enhancing both productivity and overall herd health.

In conclusion, the MS AutoHoofClean is not merely a system; it's a transformative tool reshaping hoof health management in the dairy industry. Bankra Farms stands as a testament to the success of this technology in preventing issues, optimizing productivity, and improving cow well-being. As more dairy farmers embrace automated hoof care, the future looks optimistic for both cows and the dairy industry.