What is a cow hoof?

The cow’s hoof is a tip of a toe, consisting of strengthened and thick keratin cover. A hoof is divided into two parts called claws, which are equivalent to human toes and help the cow walk and bear weight. There are also two other important parts of the hoof: the sole and the wall. The sole, the middle part, provides shock absorbing function, while the wall, the outermost layer, protects the entire internal structure.  

A healthy hoof is essential for a cow's mobility, allowing it to move comfortably whether walking or grazing. On the other hand, poor hoof health can lead to reduced activity, productivity and lameness, potentially resulting in interdigital dermatitis.

Mortellaro - the most common hoof infection

Mortellaro is a common hoof infection also known as digital dermatitis (DD). Research on Chilean cattles has proven that bacteria from the genus Treponema, the only consistently found pathogen in DD lesions, are the main cause of the infection. These pathogens thrive in humid, unhygienic, or high-density housing conditions, which makes preventing transmission, and even the infection itself, difficult.

Initially it appears like raw, red, oval ulcers at the back of a heel. Over time, these can develop into lesions that spread to the ball area between the claws resulting in pain, inflammation, lameness and other discomfort for the cow. The severeness of Mortellaro infection is assessed on a scale from M0 to M4 further discussed in table 1.

Table 1: The stages of Mortellaro infection

How to prevent Mortellaro and protect cow’s hooves?

Prevention is more effective and often cheaper than treatment. There are various measures you can implement on your farm to prevent hoof problems:

• Nutrition: Make sure your cows are receiving all necessary nutrients to prevent weak claws, among other issues, and reduce the risk of various infections, including Mortellaro.
• Genetics: Breed cows with strong and healthy hooves to improve the herd’s long-term claw health.
• Lying comfort: Providing a comfortable resting area and sufficient walking space reduces pressure on the hooves.
• Preventive care: Regular monitoring and checking of the cow’s hooves can catch issues early on.
• Hygiene: Clean and dry environment contributes to overall claw health.

What role does Watter play in Mortellaro?

Watter Disinfection Solution (WDS) is a user-friendly and sustainable disinfectant which is produced by the Watter System. The system uses electrolysis to create WDS, requiring only salt, water, and electricity. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), produced during the electrolysis process, is the active substance in our solution. With WDS you can achieve similar results as with conventional disinfectants such as copper sulphate or formalin. However, WDS provides safer conditions for both cows and the farmers. 

WDS can be used preventively in two ways. You can regularly ‘bath’ cow’s hooves in a bucket of WDS produced through the Watter System or using a claw disinfection mat in combination with the Watter System. The mat is placed on the ground, allowing cows to walk on it, thereby applying the disinfectant to their hooves. Both methods can eradicate the Treponema bacteria that cause Mortellaro infection and prevent its occurrence.