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Prevent Lameness with a More Affordable Footbath

Footbaths serve as a simple, preventive measure to maintain hoof health and prevent lameness – a condition that costs dairies $300 per case on average. When used properly and paired with a product that lowers pH, a footbath can prevent and control foot rot and digital dermatitis.

For years, formaldehyde and copper sulfate have been the most commonly used products in digital dermatitis control programs. However, the use of formaldehyde has declined due to its toxic, carcinogenic properties.

While copper sulfate continues to be an effective footbath solution, intensive use has created soil toxicity concerns. Given that the footbath solution should be changed every 150 to 300 cows, the cost of copper sulfate can also add up quickly.

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Assessing a Hoof Care Alternative

ParlorPal® is a footbath solution that lowers pH – on its own or in combination with copper sulfate – to effectively support hoof health.

Researchers in Michigan looked at the pH of footbath water as the amount of cattle manure increased as well as its bacterial load. Water was treated with ParlorPal (sodium bisulfate), copper sulfate or an equal combination of the two.

While both products lowered pH, water treated with ParlorPal alone or in combination with copper sulfate kept pH lower for longer despite the continuous addition of manure (Chart 1).

This low pH keeps bacterial plate counts low even after 24 hours (Chart 2).

Lower Footbath Costs

Given its ability to lower pH and bacterial load, even with the increased concentration of organic matter, ParlorPal is a valuable footbath treatment. What’s more notable is the cost savings it can provide to dairies. ParlorPal costs 50% – 130% less* than copper sulfate giving dairies the opportunity to dramatically reduce footbath treatment costs even at a 50/50 addition rate.

*On average

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