Advanced Course - Dairy Hoofcare Institute

ADVANCED HOOF CARE MANAGEMENT COURSE

This course is aimed at those who are serious about minimising lameness on their farm through gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors, as well as becoming competent in the technical aspects of hoof trimming. If you would like to become a professional hoof trimmer, this course is for you.

This is an intensive 5-day course that covers both the theory and the practice of hoof care and hoof trimming techniques led by our director Fred Hoekstra, who is NZ’s only fully qualified hoof care instructor.

In fact, because of Fred’s vast experience in this field, he’s been invited by Massey University to provide two-day courses in hoof care and hoof trimming to final year vet students, so you can be sure the information is completely up-to-date and highly practical.

There is no prerequisite training required to do the advanced course.

$ 2,750 + GST per person

This course is presented at DHI headquarters (Ashburton) and on host farms.
Mon 4th - Fri 8th Dec 2023
Or: Mon 6th - Fri 10th May 2024
Time: Five days – 8:30am to 5pm
Free Course Textbook: "Hoof Signals – Success factors for healthy hoofs" (supplied)

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What you will learn:

Hoof care theory
Foot anatomy and function
Recognition and treatment of claw disease
Lameness prevention
The relationship between Nutrition and Lameness

Hoof Trimming – Best Practice:

Hoof care theory
Foot anatomy and function
Recognition and treatment of claw disease
Lameness prevention
The relationship between Nutrition and Lameness

What’s included:

Morning/Afternoon tea and lunch
The option of 3 x trimming refresher sessions with Fred within the year after completion of Advanced Course (student to schedule)
Certificate awarded on completion of all elements of the course (Note: full Attendance for the duration of the course is a requirement)
Examination: Students are able to sit an examination following 12 months of practical trimming experience or on completing a minimum of 400 cows. The Diploma in Bovine Hoof Care will be awarded on the successful completion of practical and theory aspects of testing. (Note: Additional cost involved)

What others say:

We were given an overview of hoof anatomy and biomechanics and then spent every day on farms trimming under Fred’s supervision. Those five days were absolutely vital for obtaining the correct technique.

The preventative aspect of hoof trimming has got a major benefit financially. You only need to save a cow or two, and the cumulative effect on production makes the course well worthwhile. I can now prevent cows even becoming lame, but any that do I can fix easily, quickly and properly. The recurrence of lameness in those cows is reduced significantly.

Fred is an excellent teacher with heaps of experience, knowledge and patience. What you will learn may surprise you, but it will all make perfect sense. If you are the one to do the feet, do the course. Don’t let your staff loose on the feet if they haven’t!

– Paul McClintock, Dairy Farmer/Owner

Thank you for the fantastic opportunity. The course was brilliant- it was some of the best learning that I have ever had. I am most appreciative to you for sharing your years of accumulated knowledge. I certainly feel more equipped to work with farmers and other vets in hoof trimming and treatment as well as in a lameness advisory role. The experience has been invaluable to my future career and I am enthusiastic to continue to build on it. If anything- I will absolutely never forget the five steps!

– Kate Mackersey, Massey University Vet Student

It definitely changed my knowledge around hoof trimming and treatment and I highly recommend if you want to minimise lameness in the herd!

– Fabiano P Barboza, Ashburton

Share-milkers and dairy farm managers who are competent, confident and demonstrate leadership when managing lameness with their staff, achieve far superior outcomes.

Are you ready to take the next step?

The back story to DHI.

Fred Hoekstra is a qualified professional hoof trimmer who has been working in New Zealand for over 20 years. He holds his instructor’s Diploma in Hoof care from PTC+ in Holland and has been teaching final year Vet students at Massey University for the last 4 years.

Take a moment and watch this video, which is the back story to DHI.

Get in touch to learn more.

Please be in touch if you have any questions, we look forward to speaking with you soon.

Diploma in Bovine Hoof Care

Following the successful completion of the Advanced Hoof Care Management Course, you can then progress further to gain a Diploma in Bovine Hoof Care.

Examination: Students are able to sit an examination following 12 months of practical trimming experience or on completing a minimum of 400 cows. The Diploma in Bovine Hoof Care will be awarded on the successful completion of practical and theory aspects of testing. (Note: Additional cost involved)