In yak, hoof trimming is not a routine practice and is used mainly for treatment.
The frequency of hoof trimming depends on environment, management practices, and genetics. The yaks should have their hooves inspected and, if necessary, trimmed, every 4–6 months. Wet and muddy environments with limited access to dry and/or rocky ground will cause hooves to over grow more quickly and may require even more maintenance. Some breeders will create rock piles and rock or cement bases around water and feed areas to help yaks wear down hooves. Breaking off long toes are extremely painful, causing lamesness, you will find that the yaks will put little to no pressure on their foot and spend most of the time laying down. Broken toes can take weeks to heal from.
Hoof Anatomy
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- left side – trimmed; right side -Long, broken toe
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- Example of cow-hocked
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- Trimmed toes- Blaine Tanner
The shape and size of the hoof are a result of the balance between growth rate and wear rate. Both overgrowth and overwear impact balance and pressure of the hooves, hoof trimming is key in preventing lameness. Corrective trimming from a young age can be used to reduce confirmational issues, such as; cow-hocked. Cow-hocked is commonly seen in yaks, where the hocks point towards each other and the toes of the hooves point outwards from the body. Generally, in cow-hocked yaks, you will see and overgrowth of the inside toe.
Are your yak's toes long? *click the plus or minus to view example picture*
Long front toes, rocked back on the heel.
Long rear toes, broken outside toe and long curving toe.
