What to do with a polydactyly calf

[MBowen05]

I have a heifer that is polydactyly (poor buying decision on my behalf). Can anything good come from keeping her? Or should I just fatten her up for market? Also, are cows with this condition in any pain when they walk?

 

[Hippie Rancher]

:welcome:

 

[Victoria]

It is a genetic defect so there is no way the heifer should be bred. Pain can be gauged by limping, depression, not eating, not playing (in a calf). If she is up bouncing and eating she is probably OK. As she grows and fattens you may find she does get more pain as her hoof will not support as much weight. It will depend on her ability to compensate and the severity of the deformation I would think. Mind you I have never dealt with an animal that has had this condition so don't rely on what I have to say about it.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

:welcome: from New York
Yes, it is a genetic defect and no she should NEVER be bred. She should be looked at as a feeder. As mentioned, she may get lame as she gets heavier, but she may not. You might be able to feed her out to finish.