Hoof Care - Standards and Quality Assurance during Training

The evolving forms of livestock keeping, along with indoor housing year round on many different surfaces and larger herds have demanded change and posed new challenges to hoof care. Toussaint Raven introduced functional hoof care in the 1970's. The LVA Echem developed the Echem model for functional hoof management, a methodicdidactic concept to teach a 4-step method. practiced since 1983. Every year 800 3rd year agricultural trainees come to learn about protection of animals and hoof care. Over 1200 participants have completed the course for specialist level I, caring for their own stock. And 100 profession hoof trimmers as well as 20 trainers and 21 examiners have been trained. Domestic and international advanced training have been a regular part of the LVA Echem program for ten years. German accident statistics for 2004 indicate 2370 incidents during hoof care and 31 at the hoof care box ...