Cracked hoof

[The Old Hippie]

One of my cows is limping around. One of her front hooves is cracked vertically all the way to the hairline. What should I do?

[Blaithin]

If you can find a hoof trimmer in your area that would probably help. Do her toes seem long?

Either way they’ll be able to help Id think, give better advice. Maybe block the foot.

I’ve had cows with vertical cracks but they’re never lame for long and seem to grow it out quick enough.

I do know that hooves will reflect stress in the animals life. Illness, feed, storms, etc can be seen in horizontal lines that can weaken the hoof. Maybe give her a vitamin and mineral dose to help her get good, new hoof growth.

[woodland]

It’s most likely sand cracks. Usually we let Cargill deal with them. You need to gouge or “V” out the crack so the dirt doesn’t get in them and keep working deeper worsening the crack. It will then grow out and hopefully they don’t return. YouTube is fantastic as a resource 😉