Regular hoof trimming is an important part of keeping goats healthy. Overgrown hooves can affect the way a goat walks and may eventually contribute to foot problems and lameness. Knowing when and how to trim them can help farmers keep their animals comfortable and mobile.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at Africa Farming
A goat’s hooves grow continuously and need to be checked regularly. If they become too long, the hoof wall can curl or grow out of its normal shape, making it uncomfortable for the animal to walk.
Regular trimming helps the hoof retain its natural shape and gives the goat a more even surface to stand and walk on.
Also read: The goat farmer’s manual | How to conduct a post-mortem examination on your goat
What you will need
A pair of hoof shears is the main tool needed for trimming. It is also advisable to have someone assist you by holding the goat securely while you work.
The animal should be restrained in a comfortable position that allows you to handle its feet safely without the animal struggling unnecessarily.
Clean the hoof first
Before cutting anything, use the tip of the hoof shears to carefully remove dirt and mud from the hoof. Cleaning the hoof allows you to see its structure properly and determine where the sole and hoof wall are.
Take time to examine the hoof before trimming. This is important because removing too much hoof at once can injure the animal.
Trim gradually
Once the hoof is clean, identify the level of the sole before cutting away the overgrown hoof wall.
Start by trimming the point of one claw. Then trim the outer side of the hoof, followed by the inner side. Work gradually rather than trying to remove a large amount in one cut. Continue trimming carefully until the hoof returns to its normal shape and the white line of new hoof growth becomes visible.
Repeat the same process on the other claws. Check that the finished hooves are reasonably even and that the goat can place its hooves comfortably on the ground.
Also read: The goat farmer’s manual | How to clean and treat a goat’s wounds properly
Make hoof checks part of your routine
Do not wait until a goat is struggling to walk before checking its feet. Regular inspection allows farmers to notice overgrowth and other abnormalities early.
While cleaning and trimming the hooves, also look for swelling, wounds, unusual smells, discharge or signs of pain. These may indicate a problem that requires professional attention rather than simply trimming further.
If you are uncertain about how much hoof to remove, or if the goat is already lame or has an abnormal-looking foot, contact an animal health technician, veterinarian or another appropriately qualified animal health professional for assistance.
The information in this article is sourced from the Goatkeepers’ Animal Health Care Manual published by ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs. For more information, contact your animal health technician, veterinarian or another appropriate animal health professional.
Also read:
The goat farmer’s manual | Simple feeding rules for healthy and sick goats
The goat farmer’s manual | A step-by-step guide to taking a goat’s temperature
The goat farmer’s manual | From floor to roof – how to house your goats properly
The goat farmer’s manual | How do I water and feed my goats?
The goat farmer’s manual | How do I check the condition of my goats?
The goat farmer’s manual | How do I handle and restrain my goats?
