Overgrown hooves? Pick your hoof trimming tools

Hoof trimming needs three tools: a hoof nipper to cut the hoof, a hoof knife to pare the inside and a hoof rasp to file it flat.

Why hoof trimming matters

A cow or buffalo hoof grows like a nail. On a hard floor the hoof does not wear down and gets long. A long hoof changes how the animal walks. Trimming on time keeps the hoof in shape and the animal stands in comfort.

What a hoof nipper does

The nipper is the first tool. It cuts the overgrown part of the hoof. The A2Z hoof nipper is 39 cm long with a 6 cm head span. It weighs 1 kg so the weight helps the cut. The jaws are curved and polished. The steel is forge treated so it lasts.

When to use a hoof knife

After the nipper the inside of the hoof needs cleaning. That is the job of the hoof knife. It comes in two types. The broad knife is 18 cm long with a 6.8 cm wide blade. It pares the large area. The narrow knife is 21.5 cm long and works in tight spots.

How to flatten the hoof with a hoof rasp

A rasp is a large file. After cutting it levels the surface of the hoof. The A2Z hoof rasp is 48.5 cm long and 4.4 cm wide. The blade is 0.5 cm thick. One side has fine teeth and the other has coarse teeth. The edge has a sawtooth pattern too. The handle has a grip so the hand does not slip.

How to trim a hoof step by step

1. Tie the animal and lift the leg with a rope.
2. Wash the hoof with water to remove mud.
3. Cut the overgrown edge with the nipper. Take small cuts.
4. Pare the dead tissue inside the hoof with the broad knife.
5. Clean the tight spots and the centre with the narrow knife.
6. Level the hoof with the coarse side of the rasp. Finish with the fine side.
7. Check both claws are the same length. Wash and dry the tools.

What to check before you buy

• Nipper: 39 cm long and 1 kg. A heavy nipper cuts with less effort.
• Knife: broad 18 cm and narrow 21.5 cm. Keep both.
• Rasp: 48.5 cm long and double sided. One tool does both rough and fine work.
• Kit: for a new farmer pick the hoof care kit. All tools come together.

Where to get wholesale supply

A2Z Livestock imports these tools. Stock sits in our warehouse at Bhatgaon in Sonipat (Haryana). We supply shops and distributors at wholesale rates. Message us on WhatsApp for the catalogue. Share the product names or SKUs you need. Our sales team will call you with rates and confirm your order. WhatsApp +91 91500 50053 or see the distributor page.