When it comes to managing the health and mobility of livestock, especially dairy cows, hoof care is one of the most essential - yet often overlooked - aspects of farm management. A lame cow doesn't just suffer pain; she also experiences reduced milk production, mobility issues, and increased stress. This is where walkease offers an effective and practical solution. Designed as a temporary orthopedic hoof block, walkease helps relieve pressure on an injured claw, promoting faster healing and improved animal welfare.
In this article, we'll take a close look at how walkease works, explore its main features, and explain why it's becoming a go-to choice for modern dairy farms worldwide.
Walkease is a lightweight, semi-rigid hoof support block designed for temporary use on cattle. It is typically applied to the healthy claw of a cow with an injured or infected claw, redistributing weight away from the damaged side. This allows the injured claw to heal without bearing the cow's full body weight.
Walkease is available in three bright colors - yellow, blue, and red - allowing for easy identification and herd monitoring. The block is designed to be used in combination with a suitable hoof glue and cohesive bandage, which helps hold it securely in place during the healing period. The size of walkease can also be customized to fit different hoof sizes, ensuring better comfort and effectiveness across different breeds or age groups.
How does Walkease Work?
The principle behind walkease is straightforward: by applying the block to the unaffected claw, the pressure is removed from the injured claw. This allows wounds, ulcers, or infections to heal more effectively without further trauma caused by walking.
The typical application process is as follows:
The hoof is cleaned and trimmed as needed.
The affected claw is treated with medication or left clean for healing.
A walkease block is glued to the sound claw using a fast-setting hoof adhesive.
A cohesive bandage is wrapped securely around the hoof to keep the block in place.
This setup supports the cow's natural gait while taking pressure off the injured claw. Most cows adapt quickly to the block and show signs of relief within hours.
1. Simple and efficient application
One of the key reasons farmers prefer walkease is how quick and easy it is to apply. Unlike traditional wooden or rubber hoof blocks that require trimming and exact shaping, walkease is ready to use out of the package. With just glue and a cohesive bandage, application can be done in minutes - no need for nails, screws, or specialized equipment.
2. No need for daily changes
Walkease is designed for longer-lasting support. Once applied, it can stay in place for several days or even longer, depending on the cow's environment and activity level. Farmers do not need to replace the block daily, saving time and effort, especially for those managing large herds.
3. Waterproof durability
Walkease is made from a durable, waterproof material that withstands the wet and muddy conditions common in barns and pastures. A waterproof walkease block maintains its shape and grip even when exposed to moisture, helping it stay firmly attached and effective during the treatment period.
4. Enhances animal welfare
A comfortable cow is a productive cow. Walkease is built with animal comfort in mind - it's flexible enough to adapt to the natural movement of the hoof while still providing the necessary support. Cows treated with walkease typically show reduced limping and a quick return to regular activity, which can also improve their appetite and milk yield.
5. Customizable size and color
Another convenient feature of walkease is that it can be produced in custom sizes to suit different hoof shapes and animal types. Whether treating young stock or mature dairy cows, a correctly sized block makes all the difference. The three available colors also help farmers track treatment duration or identify cows under care at a glance.
Why Choose Walkease for Cow Hoof Treatment?
The need for temporary hoof support arises frequently on farms - whether due to sole ulcers, white line disease, bruising, or minor infections. Walkease provides a solution that is affordable, easy to apply, and highly effective.
In the past, hoof blocks often required significant trimming or time-consuming application methods, leading to more stress on both cows and farm staff. With walkease for cow hoof care, farmers now have access to a user-friendly alternative that improves recovery time and supports healthier, more mobile animals.
When and How Long to Use Walkease
Walkease is best used immediately after identifying lameness or injury in one claw. It is not intended for long-term orthopedic use but is ideal for short-term relief, usually within a 7–10 day period. During this time, the cow's injury should improve noticeably. Afterward, the block can be removed for reassessment and further care if needed.
It's important to monitor cows during this period and inspect the hoof once the block naturally wears off or loosens. Regular observation ensures that the injury heals correctly and that there are no complications.
Best Practices for Walkease Application
To get the best results from walkease:
Always clean and dry the hoof before application.
Use a reliable glue that bonds well with the walkease material.
Secure the block using a quality cohesive bandage.
Avoid applying in extremely wet or muddy conditions unless necessary.
Monitor the treated cow for improved movement and behavior.
A Smart Choice for Modern Farms
As dairy farming becomes increasingly efficient and welfare-focused, tools like walkease are gaining popularity for good reason. Preventing and managing lameness can lead to significant savings in vet bills, reduced production losses, and better herd health overall.
By offering a reliable, waterproof, easy-to-use hoof support system, walkease allows farmers to address hoof injuries quickly and effectively - without needing professional trimmers or constant intervention. Whether you're managing a small herd or a commercial dairy operation, adding walkease to your hoof care toolkit is a smart move.
Conclusion
In summary, walkease works by offering simple, temporary support to injured cow hooves. Its lightweight, waterproof design, ease of use, and long-lasting application make it an ideal solution for treating common hoof problems like ulcers, bruises, and infections.
With its combination of practicality and comfort, walkease stands out as an essential part of modern livestock care - helping cows recover faster while keeping farms running smoothly.
