Studies on the development of the claws in new born calves of different breeds and crossbreds using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA)

S Nüske,J Hampe,A M Scholz,M Förster

doi:10.5194/aab-48-305-2005

S Nüske, J Hampe + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-48-305-2005

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Abstract

Abstract. This study evaluated claw development in 199 calves of different genetic background during the first 70 days of life. Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) was found to be a useful tool for this purpose. By the means of DXA, in humans as in animals, body constitution and composition can be examined in vivo. Thus, the whole body or body regions can be analyzed for the content of fat tissue, lean tissue, bone mineral content and bone mineral density. Large differences in claw parameters were observed, depending on the position of the claws, sex and breed, including interaction effects between gender and breeds. In all four pairs of claws, the medial claws had significantly higher contents of bone mineral than the lateral claws. All fore claws had a higher density than hind claws. Male calves showed significantly higher values than females in all measured parameters. Comparing breeds and crossbreds, pure German Holsteins had the lowest values in all parameters with exception of the R-value. Within breeds/crossbreds and gender various interactions could be found. Calves of first lactation cows had lower values than calves of elder cows. Calves with a small birth weight and calves originating of a multiple birth had significantly lower values of the scanned parameters than calves with higher birth weight or monoparous calves.

Highlights

Little is known about the development of the bovine claw despite it being the seat of lesions causing severe lameness and losses (HINRICHS et al, 2003)
Measurements of bone mineral density of the claw region in hind and fore claws give a possibility in judgment of skeleton growth and bone density, which has not yet been examined
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) results change rapidly with the number of measurement, age and body weight All parameters grew, except fat and fat%. This can be explained by the existence and vanishing of the fetal cushion, which still covers the claw for the first weeks after birth and disappears

Summary

Introduction

Little is known about the development of the bovine claw despite it being the seat of lesions causing severe lameness and losses (HINRICHS et al, 2003). Content and density of the content of the capsula ungulae yet have not been investigated in a larger number of growing animals. It is not known at what age the claw reaches maturity. This is of economic importance regarding the timing of first calving and the possibility that overburdening immature claws may have long-term implications for claw health. There is inadequate information regarding the time scale of claw deterioration after the point of maturity

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