Cattle pedicure

Cattle pedicures are specialists in taking care of hooves of cattle, in compliance with any regulatory requirements by the national legal authority.  

The following job titles also refer to cattle pedicure:

cattle pedicure technicians
cattle pedicure specialist
cattle hoof trimmer

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally the minimum required to work as a cattle pedicure.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Cattle pedicure is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to cattle pedicure.

farrier
pet sitter
zookeeper
animal care attendant
dog breeder

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of cattle pedicure. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of cattle pedicure with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

animal hydrotherapist
animal massage therapist
alternative animal therapist
animal therapist
aeronautical information service officer

These skills are necessary for the role of cattle pedicure.

• Assess environmental influences on bovine feet: Assess the environment and how it can influence the health of the bovine foot. Environmental factors include diet, housing, and exposure to the environment.
• Control animal movement: Direct, control or restrain some or part of an animal’s, or a group of animals’, movement.
• Manage animal biosecurity: Plan and use appropriate biosafety measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure effective overall biosecurity. Maintain and follow biosecurity procedures and infection control when working with animals, including recognising potential health issues and taking appropriate action, communicating site hygiene control measures and biosecurity procedures, as well as reporting to others.
• Trim bovine hooves: Carry out the trimming of bovine hooves to maintain hoof health, welfare of the animal and productivity taking into account safe working practices for self and animal.
• Manage animal hygiene: Plan and use appropriate hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure an effective overall hygiene. Maintain and follow hygiene procedures and regulations when working with animals, communicate site hygiene controls and protocols to others. Manage the safe disposal of waste according to destination and local regulations.
• Operate hooves trimming tools: Selection and usage of appropriate tools and equipment for trimming bovine hooves.
• Carry out post hoof-trimming activities: Discuss and agree on a husbandry plan (written or verbal), which may contain information on workload, environmental conditions, devices and non-prescription topical applications being used.
• Assess the care requirements of bovine feet: Inspect the foot and hoof for signs of injury, wear, or damage. Decide how to care for the health and wellbeing of the bovine.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of cattle pedicure. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
• Work independently in agriculture: Perform tasks individually in livestock and animal production services by taking decisions without help. Handle tasks and tackle with issues or problems without any outside assistance.

5164 – Pet groomers and animal care workers

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References

1. Cattle pedicure – ESCO
2. Featured image: By Flominator (talk) – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0