popping paserns

[moodog5]

I have a heifer that all through the winter shows all the judges commented on how sound she was. Also the guy we purchased her from said she was one of the soundest heifers he had ever raised. Right before we put her in the cooler we noticed that she was popping in her pasterns. Is there anything we can do or what could be the problem? Or is she just becoming unsound?

 

[Gargan]

she could just be stale. Has she been penned up without any excercise? walking her or letting her out in  a lot at nights may help her.

 

[flacowman]

It also could be an unexpected growth spurt.  We sold a bull a few years back that was very competitive in the ring, right up until Jr. nationals as a 2 year old when he promptly grew about 3 inches of frame in the month before and fell apart, both structurally and balance-wise for about 4 months until he bulked back up.  Sometimes they just have quirky periods.

 

[moodog5]

Thanks for the opinions! And yes she does get turned out every evening

 

[zak]

A lot of it could do with her diet. Also can't hurt to give her selenium bolus.

 

[Gargan]

A lot of it could do with her diet. Also can't hurt to give her selenium bolus.

Ive heard this helps as well. (thumbsup)