While volunteering at the Hoof Trimmers Association booth at World Dairy Expo, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Oguz Calisici, a veterinarian from the country of Turkey and the general manager of a large dairy farm.

Understanding the purpose of a footbath and how to more effectively use one on your dairy can save money and enhance the safety of cows, people and the environment. With all the talk and various topics concerning footbaths, the truth is that here has been very little true research on the topic. Most information is what seems to work at various places.

Animal welfare is a front-and-center issue that requires careful communication of real procedures used on farms by hoof trimmers. Many of my colleagues and I realize that public perception matters. As an example, a TV report last year used a video captured at a horse show.