Vertebral fracture associated with trauma during movement and restraint of cattle

Two female Limousin calves in a group of 68 calves suffered fractures of a lumbar vertebra subsequent to moving through a chute and being restrained to facilitate administration of vaccines. One calf collapsed as it exited the chute, whereas the second calf collapsed 10 minutes after it was released from the chute. Both heifers were euthanatized. The fractures, of the first lumbar and of the third lumbar vertebral bodies, respectively, were not associated with mineral imbalances. Fractures were determined to be the result of calves attempting to escape through a gap formed by erosion of the area beneath a gate in the holding pen of the corral system. By moving cattle in such a way as to bypass the gate, further injuries were avoided. The calves described here underscore the importance of the use of corral systems appropriate for cattle of various sizes and the necessity of maintaining properly repaired corral systems to prevent injuries to cattle.