Neogen has strengthened its range of proven footbath chemicals with the launch of Hoofshield Advance, the latest addition to its comprehensive portfolio of hoof care products.

Hoofshield Advance helps reduce the consequences of poor hoof health on dairy cow performance by providing a unique combination of broad action disinfectant, surfactants, and conditioners to improve general hoof quality.

“Hoofshield Advance should be used as an integral part of a foot health management programme to help reduce the risk of disease-causing organisms and the spread of bacteria in dairy herds,” said product manager Jonathan Thomas-Nash.

The formulation of Hoofshield Advance has been independently evaluated according to EN 1656, the European Standardfor the evaluation of bacterial activity of disinfectants. It has been proven to be 99.999% effective against the specific organisms responsible for digital dermatitis including Dichelobacter spp., Fusobacterium spp., Prevotella spp., and Treponema spp.

Unlike many footbath products, Hoofshield Advance specifically contains no formaldehyde, copper, glutaraldehyde, and quaternary ammonium compounds.

Hoofshield Advance should be included at 1:100/1% (10 ml/l) for continuous hoof protection. Where hoof condition requires attention or where lameness is a significant issue, it should be added at 1:80/1.25% (12.5 ml/l). The distinctive blue dye clearly marks hooves to show dipping has been effective.

“With lameness being an endemic problem on dairy farms with financial and welfare implications and with the average cost of a case of around £180, Hoofshield Advance can be a critical component in a foot health management programme,” Mr. Thomas-Nash said.