Hoof trimming is not a pedicure — it is biomechanical engineering. Every pass of the knife changes how load is distributed through the cow's limb. In Europe the undisputed foundation remains the Dutch Method, developed by Dr Egbert Toussaint Raven.

The goal: restoring balance

A Holstein-Friesian dairy cow naturally overgrows the outer claw on the hind limbs. That leads to overload, damage to the corium and, in time, ulcers. The point of trimming is to restore the natural shape and spread bodyweight evenly across both claws.

The five steps of Toussaint Raven

The method splits into two stages: functional trimming (steps 1–3, done on every cow) and therapeutic trimming (steps 4–5, only where there is a lesion).

Step 1: set length and thickness on the reference claw

Start from the stable claw — on a hind leg that is the inner claw:

Length: the standard for an adult Holstein is 7.5 cm from the coronary band to the toe
Thickness: minimum sole thickness at the toe is 5–7 mm

Step 2: match the overloaded claw

Trim the outer claw — usually the overgrown one — to the same length and sole level as the inner claw. Lay a knife across both: they should form one flat plane.

Step 3: modelling the dish

Cut a gentle hollow into the inner edges of both claws, towards the interdigital space.

Why: it unloads the site where Rusterholz ulcers typically form, and it helps the foot clean itself.

If the claws are healthy, this is where you stop.

Step 4: unload the diseased tissue

With an ulcer or white line damage, shift bodyweight onto the healthy claw by lowering the heel of the affected one more aggressively.

Orthopaedic blocks — wooden or rubber, glued to the healthy claw — are the single most effective treatment for lameness. The affected claw gets a holiday from touching the ground.

Step 5: remove loose horn and check

Take away any loose, undermined horn, particularly at the heels and along the white line. Smooth the sharp edges of whatever you have cut out.

Other approaches

White Line Atlas method (USA): sets sole thickness by how visible the white line is — more advanced, and it demands real experience
Pasture-based trimming (NZ/Ireland): less aggressive, focused mainly on shortening the toe

In summary

"Horn grows slowly, but it can disappear in a second." Every move of the knife has to be deliberate.

The Dutch Method is not just a cutting technique — it is a herd health strategy. Functional trimming done properly (steps 1–3) is the best prevention there is.

References

Toussaint Raven, E. (1989). Cattle Footcare and Claw Trimming. Farming Press.
Greenough, P. R., & Weaver, A. D. (1997). Lameness in Cattle. W.B. Saunders.
Blowey, R. W. (2011). Cattle Lameness and Hoofcare: An Illustrated Guide. 5m Publishing.
Shearer, J. K., & van Amstel, S. R. (2001). Functional and Corrective Claw Trimming. Vet. Clinics of North America.

Biomechanics and the gold standard: the Dutch Method (5 steps)