Abstract
The main research objective was to study the influence of the hoof shape, hardness and elasticity of the hoofed horn on the cows’ productive use period duration in modern dairy complexes. The research object was black-motley cows, rejected due to limb disease. The shape of the hoof is divided into normal, with angle of 45-55о, sharp – less than 45о and obtuse – more than 55о. In the group of retired cows with the correct shape, there was 76% of animals. Studies have shown that 55.2% of cows had a hoof hardness 80-85 ShA, but the longest period of life was in animals with a score of 91 or more ShA, and the maximum lifetime milk yield with an indicator 86-90 ShA. Most of (61,6%) retired cows had an indicator of hoof horn elasticity 3,1-3,5×1010 Pa. Moreover, the highest rates of productive longevity were observed in cows with hoof horn elasticity 2,6-3,0×1010 Pa. Therefore, for further use, it is desirable to select animals having front wall inclination angle of the hoof 50-550, with hardness hoofed horn 86-90 ShA, and elasticity 2,6-3,0×1010 Pa.
Highlights
The modern milk production technology, based on the intensification of all production processes, assuming its maximum mechanization and automation, creates very stringent conditions for keeping and operating animals
Large-group loose housing on concrete floors, year-round uniform feeding on the background of inactivity, the mismatch of technology elements to the physiological needs and a number of other reasons led to a noticeable increase in diseases of cattle stock limbs, especially in dairy cows [1-4]
The quality and health of cattle stock is of economic importance, the goal of our research was to study the effect of hoof shape, hardness and elasticity of the hoofed horn on the cows’ productive use period duration in modern dairy complexes
Summary
The modern milk production technology, based on the intensification of all production processes, assuming its maximum mechanization and automation, creates very stringent conditions for keeping and operating animals. Large-group loose housing on concrete floors, year-round uniform feeding on the background of inactivity, the mismatch of technology elements to the physiological needs and a number of other reasons led to a noticeable increase in diseases of cattle stock limbs, especially in dairy cows [1-4]. The introduction of highly mechanized industrial technologies into dairy cattle breeding, in the presence of various constructional drawbacks in the design and construction of cattle breeding complexes, significantly increases injuries, leads to stressful situations and general discomfort. All this leads to a decrease in the natural organism resistance and negatively affects the productive longevity of animals. Gramera (2008), in Europe, the prevalence of leg damage is approximately 50% in stall systems and 70-80% in loose keeping [9-12]
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