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Specialty Sales, LLC, announces the launch of HoofStrong UNITE, a modern hoof bath solution specifically designed for 100 to 500-cow farms.
“All dairies, no matter the size, can improve their lameness, reduce treatments and improve productivity by modernizing their hoof bath systems making it easier to deliver consistent care,” said Matt Nelson, CEO of Specialty Sales and a former dairy herd manager. “It’s time for an upgrade from messy bags and sloshing buckets to contained systems that keep people safe from chemicals.”
Every HoofStrong system includes free equipment and custom installation. The system delivers UNITE, a proprietary liquid hoof bath solution that can be used three to four days a week. The solution combines the effectiveness of formaldehyde, copper and zinc into a single product for optimum hoof hygiene with easier on-farm storage.
The average herd lameness incidence is 22% on small- to medium-sized dairies — but Midwestern dairies can have a 33% higher prevalence rate. Each case can cost a producer an average of $336.91 with an associated 792 lb. reduction in 305-day milk yield.1,2,3 A proven strategy for reducing lameness is a consistent footbath protocol. The company invested a year in developing and testing the new offering with farms between Montana and New York.
“The employees like it because it’s a lot easier,” says Dan Hinz, a Wisconsin dairy farmer who tested the new HoofStrong UNITE offering. “We don’t have to worry about breathing copper sulfate dust, plus we have better hoof health and ease of handling product.”
During the test, Hinz Farm started seeing a reduction in hairy heel warts in just 2-3 weeks. When they evaluated their hoof trim report after eight weeks, they calculated a 47% reduction.
“Maintaining a consistent hoof bath protocol can be a challenge for many farms — especially when it requires hauling 50-pound bags and layering on protective equipment,” Nelson explained. “Our company has years of experience making consistent hoof care turnkey for large dairy operations, and now we’ve adapted the system so it’s achievable and effective for dairies of all sizes.”
Find out if HoofStrong UNITE is right for your dairy farm by requesting a free hoof care audit at 1-888-800-5898.
