The aim was to describe variation in length of the dorsal hoof wall in contact with the dermis for cows on a single farm, and hence, derive minimum appropriate claw lengths for routine foot trimming. The hind feet of 68 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were collected post mortem, and the internal structures were visualised using x-ray µCT. The internal distance from the proximal limit of the wall h...

Pathological claw formations occur subsequent to irregular or prolonged claw trimming periods and as a result of improper flooring. Clinical experience and material testing finds horn of minor quality to be associated with the malformations. Finite element models (FEM) of a flat claw (FC), a contracted claw (CC), and a laminitic claw (LC) were designed from native claw specimens to combine mate...

Telezhenko E. 2007. Effect of flooring system on locomotion comfort in dairy cows: aspects of gait, preference and claw condition. Doctor’s dissertation. ISSN 1652-6880, ISBN 978-91-576-7375-6 The aim of the thesis was to study influence of different flooring systems on several aspects of locomotion of dairy cows. To assess the gait on different floors, trackway analysis was used. Cows walking ...

Lameness is 3rd most prevalent disease after mastitis and infertility, in the dairy industry today an important welfare issue causing significant impact on economics. leads to involuntary culling of lactating cattle due effect production reproduction.Mostly lameness occurs foot lesions irrespective breed, management animal. Two hundred four Sahiwal cows were evaluated for associated claw lesion...

The incidence of lameness in beef cows on pasture is generally quite low. Grass pastures are normal walking surfaces for cattle. They provide comfortable forgiving footing that offers traction, thus preventing injuries from slips and falls. Softer walking surfaces also reduce the mechanical factors that encourage claw horn overgrowth and altered weight-bearing that are important predisposing ca...

Claw trimming every four to six months has become a routine procedure for the majority of high yielding housed dairy cows. Various methods have been described, but the Dutch Five Step method (Toussaint Raven 1985) is probably the most widely used approach around the world and has been the basis for most research. Despite being the most commonly used protocol internationally, the Dutch Five Step...

Keratins are the characteristic structural proteins of the highly cornified epidermis of the skin, feathers, and hoof. Keratin proteins provide the structural basis for the unique properties of the biomaterial horn and its protective function against a wide range of environmental factors. Hoof horn is produced through a complex process of differentiation (keratinization) of epidermal cells. For...

The quest for efficient production of pork protein to be able to feed a growing population is critical for the pork industry. A disease that causes a large impact on cost and efficiency of production is lameness. This disease is like a stealthy thief. The losses from this disease often go unnoticed or recognized. The consequences are larger in proportion than most producers are aware. Lameness ...