Measures of the forelimb claws of finisher bulls - relevance for claw diseases and claw trimming

作者：Sigmund B; Sauter Louis C; Feist M; Nuss K^*

来源：Tieraerztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere, 2010, 38(3): 147-155.

• Cattle
• forelimbs
• claw measures
• sole ulcers
• claw trimming

Introduction: Despite the center of body mass is located more to the forelimbs of cattle, sole ulcers and other claw horn disruptions occur far more frequently in the hindlimbs. The aim of the present study was to determine parameters of claw size based on a reference value, the "standardised sole thickness". The intention was to compare the parameters of lateral and medial claws to gain information about the claw shape, about the correlation of claw size to sole ulcers and for the functional claw trimming technique. Material und methods: Measurements of macroscopically healthy forelimb claws of 30 finisher bulls were carried out post mortem. As reference value a "standardised sole thickness" of 5 mm at the tip and 8 mm in the heel region in both claws was created, and a flat sole surface established. The measurements were carried out in the claw horn capsule as well as the corium surface using precision instruments which had an accuracy of 0.05 mm. The values of both lateral and medial claws were pooled for statistical evaluation. The parameters of the lateral and medial claws were tested with the paired T-test (p < 0.05) for differences. Results: In the lateral claws, the different width parameters (heel, sole) were larger compared to the medial claws whereas in the medial claws the length parameters (claw, sole, dorsal wall) were significantly greater. Asymmetry between lateral and medial claws in the fore limbs was not pronounced as in the hind limbs. In 6/30 bulls the lateral claw protruded distally compared to the level of the medial claw despite a standardized sole thickness. Conclusions: Beside the musculo-tendinous attachment to the trunk, the protection systems of the forelimb claws may be based on the more equal claw size, the higher heels and the somewhat steeper dorsal wall angles compared to the hind limb claws. Clinical relevance: The forelimb claws show characteristics that might help to prevent overload and claw disease. According to the present study, functional trimming should start at the lateral claw which should be cut down to the height of the medial claw sole to achieve an even load distribution.

• 出版日期2010