Authors : L. A. Goonewardene , R.K. Hand , Z. Wang , L. Al-Ani , R. Carlyon , E.K. Okine and R.C.Yang
Abstract: Data for the study were obtained over three years, from 2655 cows in 10 herds that had a history of sand cracks. The objectives were to establish the prevalence, intensity and severity of sand cracks, follow the same cows in successive years, and ascertain when cracks occur and if the severity changes over time. The prevalence of sand cracks on the forelimbs was 26.6% and on all limbs 27.4%. Older cows showed a higher (P<0.01) prevalence than younger cows and the Angus x Hereford crossbred and Red Angus had higher (P<0.01) prevalence than Shorthorn and Hereford. In general, 53-55% of the cows had a single crack and the number of cracks was independent of cow age, breed, year and cow condition score. Older cows had cracks that showed visible separation whereas more of the heifers had hairline cracks (P<0.01). The effects of year, breed and cow condition score had no effect (P>0.05) on severity score. Among the same cows represented in three consecutive years, the severity scores increased linearly (P<0.05) from the first to the third year, indicating a progressive increase in severity. It is therefore likely that the cracks become more severe with time and eliminating sand cracks by conventional management practices would be difficult.
L. A. Goonewardene , R.K. Hand , Z. Wang , L. Al-Ani , R. Carlyon , E.K. Okine and R.C.Yang , 2004. A Study on the Occurrence of Sand Cracks in Commercial Beef Cattle . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 3: 864-871.