Definition:
A downer cow is a term used to describe live cows that cannot walk. This agricultural term become popular to the public after Mad Cow Disease emerged. All cows with severe cases of Mad Cow Disease normally become downers.
Treatment:
Many believe that the best and most humane solution for downer cow is to slaughter the affected animals than keeping them alive yet unhealthy.
Symptoms and Signs:
The first sign of a downer cow is that cows have a spraddle-legged appearance upon initial viewing. Some cows can sit on their briskets, while others can only lie down on their side.
Causes:
Injury or a disease causes a cow to be a downer. However, many types of diseases, conditions and injuries can lead to a downer. The most common is calving difficulties and injuries from accidental trips. Other diseases associated with this condition involve neurological diseases.
