Zincs the kinder solution
Zincs the kinder solution
As conditions under foot
soften and some stock are
housed, its time to think
about preventative foot care.
This special, edited by
Jessica Buss, focuses on
reducing lameness risks for
all classes of stock. To kick
off Jeremy Hunt finds out
how to ensure zinc
footbaths are effective
NEW footbaths installed in sheep handling facilities at ADAS Redesdale enable effective treatment using a zinc sulphate solution which ewes must stand in for up to 10 minutes.
At the exposed moorland Dargues Hope unit, which covers one third of the Northumberland research centres 1500ha (3700 acres), a covered sheep handling system now incorporates three footbaths, side-by-side.
Switching 700 of Redesdales hill ewes to an organic system at Dargues Hope has forced it away from formalin to zinc sulphate footbaths.
"We find zinc sulphate kinder to use for both man and animals, more flexible, and as effective as formalin for foot-rot and scald provided it is used correctly," says Redesdale researcher Ray Keatinge.
"Ensuring that sheep walk quietly through a formalin bath is not always achievable. A hop, skip and a jump is more likely to happen and ineffective treatment may result."
A 10% zinc sulphate solution is now used but sheep must stand in it for up to 10 minutes.
Shepherds handling a batch of Swaledale ewes recently made effective use of the three footbaths, each containing zinc sulphate.
The first 16 ewes were driven into the race. After treatment they were moved forward into footbath one, where they would stay for up to 10 minutes. The next ewes released were penned in footbath two, and likewise the third set in footbath three.
By the time the fourth group of 16 had been dosed in the race the first batch could be released to a dry area of stone and gravel, so the fourth group could use footbath one.
Using three baths saves holding up dosing or other work in the race, so footbathing becomes a routine when sheep are handled, rather than an additional time consuming chore, says Mr Keatinge.
Unlike formalin, a zinc sulphate solution remains effective even in the presence of organic matter. The Redesdale baths are replenished as necessary and a fresh mix introduced twice a year. The dilution rate is 10kg of zinc sulphate in each 100 litres of water.
The Redesdale footbaths are made of concrete and measure 4.5m x 1m (15ft x 3ft) and are 0.3m (1ft) deep. Wooden side walls measuring about 1.2m (4ft) ensure ewes are contained.
Initially the side-walls around the baths allowed a ledge to appear where the timber met the concrete. This has now been eliminated to ensure that all ewes and lambs must stand in 5cm (2in) depth of solution, explains Mr Keatinge.
"The main working area has a perspex roof. We may also cover the footbaths to maintain concentration of the solution by reducing dilution and evaporation losses."
The Redesdale flocks are footbathed at least five times a year. There is no strict system of foot-trimming. Ewes feet are pared when required.
"When done correctly and regularly foot-bathing can avoid blitz treatment needed when foot-rot and scald take a hold."
Running a three footbath system ensures ewes stand in zinc sulphate solution for the required 10 minutes.
Researcher Ray Keatinge: Zinc sulphate is kinder for man and animal.
ZINC FOOTBATHS
• Ewes must stand in solution for 10min.
• Effective in presence of organic matter.