Dairylands
EX93
Registered: 03-2006
Location: Straid
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Heifers doing splits
I have had 3 do the splits this winter, herd size mid 70s.
I have the concrete grooved but this seems to be happening in different places in the sheds anyway, so no clear problem areas.
Is there a genetic component?
As I say it only ever seems to happen to heifers.
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10/3/2014, 11:56
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judgefarms
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Registered: 01-2014
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Re:
What kind of grooving? How often do you scrape? Are the heifers separated by size? What age/size are getting the splits? What do u bed with? Sorry for the berage of questions, haha.
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10/3/2014, 14:57
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drdiederich
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Re:
A few years back we had the same thing. Turns out they were low on magnesium. We increased the magnesium oxide in the ration and in a few weeks it went away.
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10/3/2014, 18:33
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Dairylands
EX93
Registered: 03-2006
Location: Straid
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Re: Heifers doing splits
Calved heifers, just run with cows. Grooved both directions, automatic scrapers, or else slats, matresses with sawdust.
Didn't think along nutrition lines till now. Might get latest one blood tested before they shoot her. Still can't get up or stand 3 days later.
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11/3/2014, 11:26
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craethke
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Registered: 09-2011
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Re: Heifers doing splits
Do you put hobbles on the animal immediately when it happens, before you move them? It has been a lifesaver here, apart from a possible nutritional cause. Could be a boss cow standing her ground, we certainly have a few of those who take it upon themselves to welcome every newcomer to the pen with a well timed shove or two. Sorry to hear about it happening, it is heartbreaking to see a young animal not able to get up. Good luck.
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11/3/2014, 17:20
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