The project goal is to promote animal welfare, animal health and economic efficiency in cattle farming, certificate course for instructor in functional hoof care, National Quality Framework (NQF) at high school level.

Hoof health is one of the mainstays of animal welfare and is therefore particularly important for the quality of life and performance of cattle. Both aspects are of social relevance and have been widely discussed for years. In order to ensure correct hoof trimming, appropriate training courses such as the certificate courses for own and inter-company hoof care approved by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management are essential. Competent instructors who, in addition to practical specialist knowledge, are also able to pass on this didactically and pedagogically, are the basic requirement for any high-quality training.

The possibilities for technically sound instructor training are very limited in Europe. In order to close this gap, the Higher Federal Training and Research Institute for Agriculture Raumberg-Gumpenstein, together with European Hoofcare, has been offering training for a diploma course to become an instructor in functional claw care since 2020. The extensive training program lasting 8-12 months entitles graduates, for example, to work in the certificate courses in functional hoof care and to carry out performance assessments in the relevant examination committees. The content of the diploma course includes hoof care, animal husbandry and health, communication, pedagogy and presentation techniques in theory and practice.

The diploma course was the first non-formal specialist training in the agricultural sector to be submitted to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by the responsible service point, the University of Agricultural and Environmental Education Vienna, and its classification at educational level V (Matura level) was officially confirmed. This means that the level of training can also be classified transparently in an international context.

Further technical information can be obtained directly from Mr This email address is protected from spambots! JavaScript must be enabled to display. (professional management, European Hoofcare). Ms. answers organizational questions This email address is protected from spambots! JavaScript must be enabled to display. from the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein.

Registration for the certificate course as an instructor in functional hoof care