Research into a New Method for Trimming Hooves by Liquid Jet

Abstract

The contribution deals with the trimming of beef cattle hooves by means of a new method, specifically with a liquid water jet. Present methods of trimming hooves are outdated; almost nowhere are new modern technologies used for this purpose. The use of more contemporary methods would enable a reduction in the high labour demands to accomplish this task. But the main advantage of this new method is increasing so-called animal WELFARE. Present-day methods which are performed mechanically are always stressful, and many times also painful, for the animal. In the article we will specifically focus on the possibility of trimming the hooves of beef cattle by means of a water jet. The original research was focused on the size of the basic parameters such as pressure, flow, nozzle diameter and cutting time. The results of this initial research serve as a step towards further research, whose goal will be the design and testing of complex equipment for trimming beef cattle hooves by cutting with a liquid water jet.