If you're looking for work, look into becoming a good hoof trimmer. It took us a really long time to find someone who was even willing to come - because they're ALL so busy! With tons of dairies around here and tons of cows ... times four hooves ... maybe I'll be a hoof trimmer in my spare time.
Hooves are like fingernails. They get long.
First, they picked out the cows that needed obvious work - cows with long hooves and ones that were favoring a foot.
He trims them down with a combination of tools. He grinds them down, then sees if the hoof needs any more attention. Like if there is something like a lesion, an ulcer, or a wart.
If they do, he puts the appropriate topical solution on them, and wraps up the hoof with an athletic-type wrap. (The wrap just eventually falls off.)
Last, the cows selected their favorite polish color and trotted off, no doubt more comfortable than before.
Okay, no polish, obviously. But a cow pedicure all the same.
In all the articles about jobs needing people, I never see 'hoof trimmers'. But it seems like a good gig ... warts and all.
(Ours doesn't turn them on their sides, but here's a video that gives an up-close look at hoof trimming.)
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