Numerous countries are showing interest in the Danish system of electronic registration of hoof disorders.

The challenge of hoof care is not only a Danish phenomenon. However it would appear that one of the tools in the fight against hoof disorders has been developed in Denmark.

The electronic registration of hoof disorders that about 50% of hoof trimmers in Denmark have practised for about one year is unique and is creating international interest.  

Sweden and Finland show interest in purchasing the system
The most definitive is the contact with Sweden and Finland. Both countries are presently considering investing in the Danish system. If an agreement is reached it will also be beneficial to Danish cattle farmers said team leader Johannes Frandsen, Knowledge Centre for Agriculture, Cattle Department.

-If Swedish and Finish cattle farmers register hoof disorders using our system it will mean there will be more clients to share development and operational costs. So this will clearly be an advantage to Danish cattle farmers” he said.

Significant interest at international conference

Johannes Frandsen participated earlier this summer in an international conference in France with a presentation on digital hoof registration. Judging by the number of contacts after the presentation it was a big success he says.

-Numerous participants from a number of countries including France and Germany made contact after the conference to learn more and to arrange a visit to Denmark. Notably our sister organisation in France, that accounts for more than 4 million cows, was very interested in visiting and seeing the system function in practice. So internationally they can also see that what we are doing is smart, said a satisfied Johannes Frandsen.

Earlier a delegation from Austria visited Denmark to see the system in practice, and Norway has also shown a big interest. However the herd structure with small herds and the method of registration in these 2 countries means that the system cannot be copied directly. These limitations are not relevant in connection with a contact from the Middle East where the smallest herds are about 3.000 cows. 

One work routine is unique
The unique with the Danish system is that the hoof disorder is registered by the hoof trimmer via a touch screen at the same time as he is trimming the hoof. The data is later transferred to the central cattle register allowing cattle owners, vets and advisers obtain an overview of the herd hoof health via printed copies from the Animal Register.

-The vital point is that electronic registration takes place immediately making the transfer from paper notes to electronic register unnecessary. We are the only country that practises this. The implementation by about 50% of hoof trimmers and over 1.000 cattle farmers in the first 12 months is fantastic” said Johannes Frandsen giving due respect to the willingness and ability of cattle owners and hoof trimmers to adopt the new technique in practice.

See more on electronic hoof registration on www.sundklov.dk