A hoof condition that has been nearly eradicated from the cow population is now showing up in heifers. Corkscrew claw appeared primarily in older cows and was often a result of poor hoof care. Originally believed to be a genetic trait, it is rarely seen today due to improved lactating cow housing and overall hoof care.
Nigel Cook, MRCVS, discussed the reappearance of this condition in heifers in a recent “Dairyland Initiative Podcast.” Cook explained that the “new” corkscrew claw, which is similar to the traditional corkscrew claw, manifests with different signs and symptoms, appearing as a reverse corkscrew in the heifer population. It is frequently on the medial inner claw on front feet, but can also be observed in rear feet.
Cook described the condition as a syndrome because it combines various symptoms and signs. Oftentimes, corkscrewing of the hoof is not the primary symptom shown in heifers. Instead, symptoms may include very short and splayed claws, along with heifers crossing their legs to put weight on the outer, non-inflamed claw.
Cook and his team observed cull animals that had suffered from corkscrew claw syndrome (CCS). When they evaluated the lower legs and hooves of heifers culled due to CCS, they found changes in bone structure and signs of inflammation, indicating that CCS in heifers can impact the animal throughout its lifetime.
“This has become worse over time with freestall-housed heifers; the severity has grown, and is occurring in herds that have lameness under control,” Cook noted. “When severely affected, first-calf heifers can’t get to the parlor. It appears as a younger animal culling issue, and in severe cases, they are not bearing weight and walking on one claw.”
Some commonly associated risks for heifers are sand-bedded barns and pushing against feedbunks on abrasive floors. This syndrome, appearing in heifers, is a management paradox, as many housing practices recommended for mature cows appear to be the primary causes of CCS in heifers, presenting a major challenge to hoof health.
Cook and his research group completed an assessment across 43 herds and found that 16% of heifers had CCS, with several herds in the analysis having up to 80% occurrence. CCS has the highest instances in recycled sand-bedded freestall barns.
Cook recommended a four-point intervention to reduce CCS. On-farm application of these practices in heifer housing has resulted in a significant decline in CCS symptoms. The intervention protocol includes:
- Keeping deep bedding in freestalls, while switching from sand to manure solids
- Rubber flooring at the feedbunk
- Feeding to greater refusal with frequent pushups
- Using anti-inflammatory supplements
