ABOUT US

Kirby Cattle Services

A Brief History

Kirby Cattle Services Ltd was founded by Joe Kirby. Joe is highly experienced in his field, having started hoof trimming at age 20 and undertaken many courses and qualifications – he also grew up on the family dairy farm so has spent his life in and around the industry.

Early on he began by helping out neighbours and then ended up full time with his own team of employees.

Whilst spending time in the USA for an advanced qualification, Joe came across a module on flooring of cowsheds and the consequences it can have on lameness levels if not done correctly. This resonated with his own experiences of clients seeing heightened levels of lameness after grooving had been done. Fatalities would disappear at the cost of herd lameness levels soaring.

This lead Joe to import his first cutting machine in 2015. It started out as weekend work in the local area, but has gone from strength to strength, now several years on, Kirby Cattle Services have 7 top spec machines working all year round and we are able to advise on the best solution, for different floorings for customers, other foot trimmers, vets, nutritionists. Consultants present him with the hoof health experience to fully back up his decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Concrete Grooving

What are the benefits of deep grooving concrete for cattle sheds?

  1. Safety and Efficiency: Deep grooving can enhance the safety of the animals by providing superior traction, preventing slips and falls, and allowing the cows to move without hesitation. This, in turn, can improve the efficiency of the facility, as cattle can move more freely and comfortably.

  2. Minimized Hoof Wear: Despite the grooves being deep, they are designed to minimize hoof wear, thus reducing any potential discomfort or injury to the cows.

  3. Optimal Hoof Function: The specific spacing of the grooves is intended to promote optimal hoof function and reduce hoof trauma.

  4. Applicability: Deep grooving can be applied to both new concrete surfaces and those with little to no existing pattern or previous grooving.

  5. Endorsed Pattern: The deep straight line grooving pattern is promoted by The Dairyland Initiative, suggesting that it follows recommended best practices for dairy herd health and safety.

What are the advantages of mini grooving for cattle sheds?

Mini grooving in concrete enhances safety by improving traction and reducing slips and falls. The smaller size of these grooves can reduce the risk of hoof discomfort or damage to animals. This method is versatile and can be used in areas where larger grooves may not be feasible. Economically, mini grooving often requires less work, making it cost-effective, and these smaller grooves are typically easier to clean, contributing to improved health conditions within the livestock environment.

I previously had my floor concrete grooved but it is slippery again. What should I do?

Depending on how much of the previous grooving / pattern is left we can mini groove, plain or deep groove over it. Get on touch with us on 07713 592795 and we'll be able to offer more advice

How often do grooves need to be refreshed or redone?

The durability of the grooves depends on several factors, including the quality of the concrete, the amount of traffic, and how well the surface is maintained. However, under typical conditions, grooves may last several years before needing to be redone.

Does concrete grooving improve productivity?

While concrete grooving primarily enhances safety by reducing slips and falls, it can indirectly improve productivity. Cows that feel secure in their footing may move more freely and quickly, possibly leading to increased milk production and better overall health.

How clean cattle shed does the floor need to be?
As clean as possible so the depth wheels and drive wheels of the concrete grooving machine have full contact with the floor.
Will I need to take livestock out the shed for the concrete grooving to take place?

No, we regularly work with animals still in the shed. Rotating them around the shed allowing us the space to work.. If you're unsure, give us a call on 07713 592795 and we'll be happy to talk through your options.

How long will concrete grooving take?

Depending on the quality of concrete our teams cut anywhere between 350㎡ - 1,000㎡ a day