RESEARCH
Corns and Sand Cracks – Research Dispels the Myths Bonnie Warnyca
There are a lot of non-scientific assumptions related to corns and sand cracks on beef cattle, but Dr. Chris Clark at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine says they only rarely need specific intervention.
A corn – is a fleshy fold between the two claws and most of the time it’s not a problem. There is only a problem when they become big enough and are pinched on either side by the hoof.
“Years ago, many producers thought that corns needed to be surgically removed, but sometimes the cure is worse than the disease,” says Clark. “When you cut out a corn, the skin has to be sutured and the toes wired together to allow for healing. The wound is then exposed to urine and mud and manure and there is the chance of infection.” “Corns are not an indication of a hereditary problem and in fact, studies show that it is only Hereford cattle that have a slight predisposition to low grade corns naturally. I see a lot of low grade corns, and if they are not inflamed then it’s usually not a problem.” Clark did his Master’s program on sand cracks and he says that they too are misunderstood. He says they are commonly found in the outside claw of the front foot, on older animals, on
Photo depicts a typical sand crack
Post mortem – cross section view of a sand crack – while it branches out it does not reach the quick of the animal
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Charolais Connection • March 2020
