If the animal steps forward with a toe caught, the hoof can be injured. You can minimize damage by using a pipe instead of square corner metal at the bottom of a side wall. This round finish will minimize damage to the hoof. The ideal condition would be to have no space between the side wall and the ground in the crowding facility. Equipment should be inspected every day before it is used.
Loose metal can cause mechanical injuries to dozens of animals before it is detected.
Mechanical injuries should not be left to heal on their own. A minor injury can become a severe local infection which can cause loss of animal performance. Mechanical injuries vary widely, as does appropriate management. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate treatments. Footrot While footrot is the most commonly diagnosed cause of lameness in feedlots, it actually accounts for less than 10 percent of the confirmed cases of lameness.