The Block

The original and still simplest block is cut from wood. It has a tread on both sides and is, therefore, reversible.

Fixing a Wooden Block in Place

The surface of the sole must be carefully cleaned, loose horn removed and grooves cut into the horn to increase surface area.

The surface must then be thoroughly dried. An infra-red lamp or hair dryer are useful during cold weather.

The glue of choice is Methyl Methacrolate. This material should be spread on the surface of the sole and the surface of the block. As the material becomes tacky, the block is pressed firmly in place. The adhesive that squeezes out should be pressed up and around the walls of the claw. Using a plastic bag as a glove greatly assists in molding the material.

During application a block must not be allowed to slip forward.

There are two dangers. First, the animal may trip over its toe. Second, it may rock back of the block which will cause damaging pressure to the centre of the sole.

Blocks (or slippers) should never be left in place for more than four weeks.

About Methyl Nethacrolate (MM)

This product is supplied in two parts.

One part is powder. This is MM that has been "polymerized," that is to say, transformed into its final form. It has been ground to a fine powder and mixed with a catalyst.

The second part is a clear liquid consisting of unpolymerized MM.

When the two parts are mixed, they react together with the production of heat to form an extremely hard substance.

Tips

Paint the claw surfaces with the liquid and allow to dry before applying the curing material.

In hot weather slow down the curing rate by applying a jet of cold water. Too much heat can cause the cow discomfort and she may try to kick off the block.

Nail-On Blocks

Blocks made of rubber or various composite plastics are available. To attach such blocks, the surface of the claw must be made extremely flat. Pony nails are used. The nails must penetrate the white line (point "A"). Misplacing the nail (point "B") will invariably introduce infection. Unless these blocks are fixed with a great deal of skill, they can twist off and, in so doing, cause damage.

Slippers

The first "slipper" was the cowslip. The version on the left is an "EASYBLOCK" which has a very flexible upper in which the adhesive can be mixed conveniently. The upper of the EASYBLOCK overhangs the block beneath which helps to avoid the cow's tripping over her toe when she moves.