English 
As livestock move indoors and conditions become wetter, foot health should be a key consideration for the months ahead.
Housing season can bring additional challenges, particularly where animals are exposed to mud, slurry and prolonged wet conditions. Reviewing foot care routines now can help reduce problems later in the winter.
Why the winter housing period increases foot health challenges
Even before animals are fully housed, wetter conditions can soften hooves and create an environment where harmful bacteria are more likely to thrive.
Once indoors, higher stocking densities and increased contact with contaminated surfaces can increase pressure on foot health. Minor issues can quickly develop into more significant problems if they go unnoticed.
Footbaths as part of a preventative approach
Footbaths remain an important tool for supporting livestock foot health when used as part of a wider management programme.
Regular use can help:
- Remove dirt and contamination from hooves
- Support foot care and treatment programmes
- Encourage routine monitoring of livestock mobility
- Maintain cleaner feet during wet conditions
Prevention is often more effective and less disruptive than responding once lameness becomes established within a flock or herd.
Is your footbath ready for winter?
Before housing gets fully underway, it is worth assessing whether existing equipment is fit for purpose.
Consider:
- Is the footbath easy to clean between uses?
- Is it free from cracks, leaks or damage?
- Is it suitable for the number of animals being managed?
- Can livestock pass through safely and comfortably?
- Is it positioned where it can be used consistently?
Small improvements now can make routine foot care easier throughout the housing period.
Choosing the right footbath
Paxton Agricultural’s footbath range has been designed to withstand the demands of daily livestock management.
Manufactured from durable rotomolded polyethylene, each footbath offers a robust one-piece construction, smooth edges for animal safety and resistance to commonly used foot care chemicals.
The range includes:
FB1 Footbath – Featuring an anti-slip base and 180-litre capacity.
FB2 Footbath – A traditional design that can be linked together for longer runs.
Designed to be durable, easy to handle and straightforward to clean, they’re built for repeated use throughout the year.
Explore Paxton’s Footbath Range
Want to know more?
To find out more about Paxton’s products, visit www.paxtonagri.com, email [email protected] or call 01225 816528.
Paxton Agricultural is a market leading designer and manufacturer of premium agricultural products, proudly serving farmers in the UK and beyond for over 40 years.
