Around 80 hoof trimmers and specialists reunited in Asturias (Spain) on March 2, 3 and 4, 2023 for the latest VIII Claw Health Training and XI Unification of Criteria amongst Hoof Trimmers. This course was organised by CONAFE and the Professional Association of Hoof Trimmers (APPB) in Spain and made possible with the support of our Spanish distributor Inserbo and Intracare as the platinum sponsor of this event.
The course started on Thursday afternoon at the Ganadería Carbayeda where the I-SAP trainers, GT-FEPYBA members and the local committee unified the criteria for the upcoming two training days with practical sessions and workshops.
After the kick-off on Friday morning held by Sofía Alday (CONAFE), Noureddine Charfeddine (CONAFE) and José María García (APPB), it was time for some interesting presentations about hoof trimming. The renowned Dutch specialist in hoof trimming Piet Kloosterman spoke about laminitis and its consequences on the future of the hoof followed by our Herwin Brouwers who focussed on the reduction of antibiotics and sustainable hoof care. Other interesting speakers were George Oikonomou, professor of Cattle Health and Welfare at the University of Liverpool, (Vet School - Liverpool), Giovanni Montoya (MSD Animal Health) and Frederic Charrier (Talent in People).
After Miguel Ángel García & Pablo Salgado (GT-FEPYBA) introduced the first edition of the Spanish Trimmer´s Handbook, it was time to hit the road again and start with the practical workshops.
Once arrived at the Ganadería La Corona S.L. the participants were divided into groups to start with workshops followed by practical training at three hydraulic crushes located at the farm. During the practical sessions, several hoof problems were identified, classified according the criteria and all were treated with Intra Hoof-fit Gel and Intra Repiderma. During the sessions all the participants also had the opportunity to receive advice from the trainers, GT-FEPYBA members and Piet Kloosterman.
On Saturday morning, the hoof trimmers and specialists visited the town of Fondo in Asturias to continue with the training programme. After dividing the participants into smaller groups, four groups started with a workshop on cow care, identification of the type of injury and its severity and virtual Claw Health at the local sports center El Valle while the other groups went to Ganadería Bernabé S.C. and Casa Pepemilio S.L.to start their hoof trimming sessions. At these family-owned dairy farms all hoof trimmers were invited to show their skills and craftsmanship under the watchful eye of the I-SAP trainers and hoof trimming expert Piet Kloosterman with additional translated services by our Herwin Brouwers. The main task of the trainers during these session was to observe whether the set criteria of the course were met.
Saturday ended with a small ceremony for the participants who obtained the highest score on the questions in the workshops and the practical sessions. Then it’s was up to the I-SAP trainers, GT-FEPYBA members and the local committee to share their experiences and a word of thanks to all involved. This edition of the VIII Claw Health Training was formally wrapped up with a group photo. after which everyone said goodbye to each other with a smile and pats on the back. This event will undoubtedly be continued.
Photos by: revistafrisona.com