Hoof health is a priority investment on many dairies. In this blog series, we explore why some hoof issues are still prevalent despite the focus given to lameness prevention. In our previous blog, we discussed the hidden risks of over-trimming. Today we are looking at the rising occurrence of corkscrew claws.
Why are corkscrew claws so concerning? They are a chronic problem that cannot be reversed. Most lameness issues can be prevented and managed with hoof trimming and a dedicated plan, and this is especially true with corkscrew claws. However, this problem cannot be fixed once it develops, but it can be prevented.
Understanding Corkscrew Claws
What is a corkscrew claw? A corkscrew claw is the rotation of the front inner claw and/or back inner claw. This rotation is irreversible and is caused by permanent bone spurs on the pedal bone. Cows with corkscrew claws often experience lameness due to hoof overgrowth and incorrect weight distribution. Other hoof issues like sole hemorrhages, sole ulcers, thin soles and white-line disease are more likely to occur. In addition to abnormal claw shapes, corkscrew claws can also be identified by observing the animal’s gait. Cows will often walk very wide, due to the uneven weight distribution.
This pre-fresh heifer is two months from calving and has an accelerated hoof growth and a rotated medial claw in her front right foot.
Because corkscrew claws are irreversible, prevention is critical. This condition can start in youngstock with more flexible ligaments and develops into a bone structure issue. Because corkscrew claws originate in young heifers, they are a major drain on a dairy’s profitability. Time, money and resources are invested in growing an animal that will most likely need to be culled prematurely from the herd. Preventing corkscrew claws is an opportunity to protect return on investment and develop heifers with more herd longevity.
The tricky thing about corkscrew claws is that once you notice one, it is already too late. Removing them from the herd requires careful observation and willingness to adjust management practices and facilities.
Evaluation and Prevention of Corkscrew Claws
Corkscrew claws cannot be prevented or corrected with hoof trimming, however proper trimming can minimize the pain experienced by cattle with this condition. Hoof trimmers also play a key role in helping to identify causes before grown animals ever enter the trimming chute.
Heifers and cows require different environments. Observing heifers through every stage of growth can help identify when and where corkscrew claws begin forming. Hoof trimmers and managers can walk through heifer pens and evaluate hooves throughout rearing. They can also help review facilities and provide recommendations for changing group sizes and retrofitting barns.
Heifer housing must be sized and managed differently so the pedal bone grows correctly. Calves that are weaning age and older require correct cement grooving, bunk height, curb height and curb width to prevent hoof issues. This is because of the pressure applied to the pedal bone when the animal stretches forward to eat at the feed bunk. The repetitive reaching and stretching causes the inside claw to twist. The twisting of the claw causes inflammation in and around the joints. This inflammation draws calcium out of the bones creating permanent bone spurs, causing extra pressure and inflammation (trauma) on the pedal bone of the medial claw. These rules and measurements should be followed when housing heifers:
- Flooring: Floors should provide adequate traction, but not so much that it encourages pushing against the feed rail and/or headlocks.
- Bunks: J-shaped bunks should be used over H-shaped bunks and sized and spaced appropriately to the animal’s age.
- Headlocks: If used, headlocks must be the correct angle and size for the animal’s age. When possible, producers should opt for a post and rail feed barrier to reduce the amount of pressure cattle exert on the feed barrier and on their feet as they reach for feed.
- Bedding: Youngstock should be bedded with manure solids or wood shavings instead of sand bedding.
In addition to properly designing new facilities and retrofitting older ones, adjustments to management and nutrition also aid prevention:
- Stocking density: Animals should have appropriate stocking density and not be overcrowded.
- Feeding: Youngstock should always have access to non-sorted feed and never be limit-fed, unless there is room for all the animals to eat at the same time.
- Trace minerals: Corkscrew claws on the back inside hoof can result from thin soles. Providing proper trace mineral nutrition, especially Zinpro® Availa® Zn, supports hoof health and can prevent thin soles.
For recommendations on heifer facility design, management and grouping strategies, reference the Dairyland Initiative.
Trimming Tips for Cows with Corkscrew Claws
Trimming cannot reverse a corkscrew claw, but the proper techniques can help an affected cow be more comfortable. All animals should be individually evaluated to determine how often they should be trimmed. A cow with corkscrew claws should be trimmed more frequently, every three to four months, to prevent further bone damage and claw rotation. Trimming can also help transfer weight from the hoof sole to the hoof wall and aid in preventing future claw lesions.
Trimming Front Medial Claw Rotations
Learn how to trim a front left medial claw rotation.
The front lateral claw measures less than 3” (7.25 cm).
Try to achieve a 52-degree hoof angle – this may not always be possible.
Sole thickness is a priority and there should be at least .25” (6 mm) at the toe end.
This outside claw is too short. The sole thickness at the toe end measures less than .25” (6 mm) and the inside claw measures 3.25” (8.1 cm) in dorsal wall length.
The rotated claw should be modeled to transfer weight onto the abaxial (outside) wall on the medial claw.
Trimming Hind Medial Claw Rotations
Learn how to trim a hind medial claw rotation.
Remove the buckle from the dorsal wall.
Once there is a straight dorsal wall, measure 3” (7.25 cm) for first lactation or younger or 3.25” (8.1 cm) for mature Holstein cows from the coronary band down towards the toe.
Severe corkscrew claws require more modeling due to sole hemorrhages.
This cow is in a low-wear environment with organic bedding (manure solids and wood shavings) and short walking distance.
In severe cases like this, the lateral claw is non-functioning.
Prevention is Achievable
Partnering with dairies, our team has helped evaluate and adjust facilities to prevent and eliminate corkscrew claws from herds. Corkscrew claws can seem like a never-ending challenge, but by working with everyone across the dairy to evaluate heifer growth and to improve the environment, they can be a thing of the past. A collaborative relationship between the farm team and hoof trimmer can help identify corkscrew claw issues and make sure animals in all stages are positioned for optimal hoof health.
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