Relationships of Hoof Characteristics and Selected Hoof Minerals of Bulls in a 112-Day Postweaning Feedlot Performance Test

Abstract

Observations on hoof growth of Angus (n = 20), Brangus (n = 19), Hereford (n = 31), and Simmental (n = 53) during a 112-d postweaning feedlot performance test were used to study hoof characteristics relative to hoof mineral composition. Hoof measurements, scores, and .5-g hoof samples were obtained from the right front foot of all bulls on d 1 and 112 of four tests conducted in three locations in Arkansas. Data were analyzed using least squares analysis of variance. The model used included terms for an overall mean, test, breed, farm of origin within breed, initial age, and initial weight within breed and residual error. Means were separated using repeated t-test. Residual correlation coefficients were obtained from the residual sum of squares. Test and breed were significant for hoof angle but not for hoof growth, hoof score, and hoof pigment. Farm of origin within breed, initial age, and initial weight within breed were not significant for any hoof trait. The model explained .72, .39, .42, and .83 of the variation (R2) of the main effects of hoof angle, hoof growth, hoof score, and hoof pigment, respectively. Hoof angle for Angus and Brangus bulls was different (P<.05) than hoof angle of Hereford and Simmental bulls. Significant residual phenotypic correlations were found for hoof angle, hoof growth, and hoof score with some hoof minerals. These data indicate that there are breed effects on hoof angle and that a relationship exists among the mineral content of hooves and both hoof measurements and scores.