Hoof baths as a method of disinfection and prevention of hoof disease DD (mortellaro) in cows in industrial conditions

A method of disinfection and prevention of Mortellaro hoof disease in cows in industrial conditions using copper sulfate and citric acid is proposed. Two groups (experimental and control) of Holstein cows with fifty heads each were selected as objects for research work. Preventive measures were not applied to the cows of the control group, and in the experimental group therapeutic and hygienic baths with a 2.5 % solution of copper sulfate in 200 liters of water were used to prevent finger dermatitis of cows and strengthen the hoof horn. According to the results of the study, the picture of a decrease in cases of interdigital dermatitis when using hoof baths is clearly visible. In the experimental group, the identified cases of Mortellaro had a mild form of M1, which were easily treated with bandages with a powder consisting of zinc oxide, boric acid, acetylsalicylic acid, Egocin 20 (1:1:1:0,5), the resulting powder was applied with a bandage and fixed on the hoof with a special hoof cloth tape. With a double change of bandages with an interval of 3 days, regeneration of the skin and the disappearance of clinical signs of the disease were observed. In the control group, the detected cases were in the stage from M1 to M3. The nature of the diseases was average, with a three-time change of the therapeutic dressing, the recovery time for sick cows was 9 days.