Preparation of Cowslips from Rubber Wastes to Protect the Hoof of Animals - An Innovative Approach

Abstract

In dairy animals, lameness due to hoof and leg ailments is one of the major managemental problems which often results due to improper shoeing. It causes economic losses to the farmer and is also an important animal welfare issue. The main objective of the study was to design and develop affordable and durable Cowslips (rubberized shoes) for dairy animals to protect the hoof from injuries. The size range of the hooves was determined by measuring different hoof parameters on 46 dairy cows maintained at the institutional dairy farm. Based on the size-range data obtained, we designed and developed Cowslip of different sizes (small, medium and large) by using used rubber tyre wastes with the aim of withstanding an average body weight of the dairy animal (400-550 kg). Rubberized Cowslips prepared in the present study were evaluated for their retention periods and compared with the imported Cowslip devices. Rubberised Cowslip was found to be equally comparable with the commercial Cowslip in its efficiency and high affordability. These Cowslips will be helpful for the dairy farmers as a preventive device in the effective management of lame animals under field conditions. The data generated on morphometry of hoof would serve as a baseline data for designing indigenous Cowslips. Thus, effectively utilizing rubber obtained from scrap automobile tyre is not only beneficial in terms of cost reduction but has also the less ecological impact in keeping the environment clean and to achieve the better balance of natural resources.