Design and Management of Proper Handling Systems for Dairy Cows: A Hoof Trimming Application

Introduction
A whole systems design approach to the cow handling system optimizes cow welfare and production.¹ Proper handling system design and management is inclusive of the concepts of being safe, efficient, and effective and the result is a successful system that benefits the cows, stock persons, and the dairy business. The cow handling system is a tool to allow the implementation of a management plan.² Design and management are both essential for a successful cow handling system design. The three key components are: 

1. The skills of the stock person (Stockmanship) 2. The cow handling management plan 3. The design of the facility Excellent stockmanship skills can compensate for a poor cow handling facility design, but a properly designed cow handling system design enhances the opportunity to leverage excellent stockmanship skills and a cow handling management plan. The three afore mentioned components were further assessed for in- field hoof trimming application. 

Materials and Methods
The redirection box is a design that eventually was named after Bud Williams who learned how to use the design as an alternative to a crowding tub. (Figure 1) It takes both good design and good handling skills to use the system properly. The basic dimensions of the redirection box are 12-14’ wide by 20’ long. Cows waiting in a holding area are worked through the bud box in small groups. The group size will be dependent on the capacity of the race leading out of the bud box and to the hoof trimming chute. If the race can hold 5 cows, then the group size worked into and out of the bud box should be 5 cows. Permanent bud boxes can be integrated into a permanent handling system design for hoof trimming areas. […]