Kawell USA’s Copper Technology

Kawell USA began as a project to develop products based on copper to take advantage of its antimicrobial properties and its benefits in providing solutions to diseases associated with bacteria and fungi.

Through research and several case studies, Kawell USA has developed proven copper alloy horseshoe and inserts to help improve hoof health and the overall quality of a horse's hoof.

Below you can find the research, results, and examples of our work. Our horseshoes and inserts are a patent design and are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The institutions involved in this research were the Center for the Investigation, Development and Innovation of Structures and Materials (IDIEM) and the Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), both under the authority of the University of Chile and University Santiago of Chile, Center of the Investigation of Materials. The department of Farriership of the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences of the University of Chile supported and consulted the whole investigation.

Copper Breakdown

Shock Absorption

Studies at the University of Santiago Chile (USACH) show that by using Kawell USA copper alloy horseshoes, the reaction force decreases by 8.56%. This transmits less force and power up through the horse limb, decreasing shock to the the bones, ligaments, joints, and tendons compared to steel horseshoes.

How Does Copper Kill Bacteria?

Copper is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, and can kill bacteria by direct contact. EPA approved horseshoes have a 99.9% effectiveness against killing bacteria that comes into contact with the shoe.

Copper kills bacteria through a natural process that occurs when it interacts with water and salts in the environment—such as sweat, urine, or the damp conditions of a horse's hoof. This interaction causes copper salts to be released, that disrupt bacterial and fungal cell walls, interfere with their metabolism, and ultimately lead to cell death. This antimicrobial effect creates an inhospitable environment where bacteria and fungi cannot survive or reproduce.

Durability

Kawell USA Copper Alloy Horseshoes can be worked in hot or cold, and requires less time and temperature in the forage (maximum temp 840°F o 450°C). They have a similar durability to steel shoes, and can be used for multiple sets.

Research Behind Our Work

We are constantly testing our designs and concepts through real world trials and research studies in order to keep providing you with products that you can rely on to do the job.

We can see two mediums containing our copper alloy on the left and another of a more traditional iron allow on the right. These are take after two weeks in a BP medium to testing to Staphylococcus and other bacteria.

The same antimicrobial properties have been preserved and carried over to our line of hoof pastes.

Using copper alloy helps protect against 99% of disease-causing bacteria

Copper helps reduce impact-shock by up to 8.53% per step. Kawell USA Copper Alloy is 100% recyclable. 

Durability

Kawell USA Copper Alloy Horseshoes can be worked in hot or cold, and requires less time and temperature in the forage (maximum temp 840°F o 450°C). They have a similar durability to steel shoes, and can be used for multiple sets.