Claw Shape Research Articles

Larvae of theGonioctenasubgenusSpartoxena: description of mature larvae ofG. leprieuriandG. aegrota(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae)

AbstractMature larvae ofGonioctena leprieuri(Pic) andGonioctena aegrota(Fabricius) are described and illustrated for the first time, based on specimens collected onGenistaspp. (Fabaceae) in Spain. A key to known larvae of subgenusSpartoxenaMotschulsky is provided. Diagnostic characters for the identification of species within this subgenus are shape of labrum, arrangement of microtrichia of epipharynx, shape of tarsal claws, and numbers of tubercles on abdominal segments. Notes on distributions and host plants are provided.

Prevalence and interrelationships of hoof lesions and lameness in Swedish dairy cows

The prevalence of hoof lesions and lameness in 4899 heifers and cows was determined at claw trimming one time in a cross-sectional study on 101 Swedish dairy farms, 1996–1998. The percentage of affected animals was 41% for heel-horn erosion, 30% for sole haemorrhages, 27% for erosive dermatitis, 21% for abnormal claw shape, 14% for white-line haemorrhages, 8.8% for white-line fissures, 8.6% for sole ulcers, 3.3% for double soles, 2.3% for verrucose dermatitis, and 1.8% for interdigital hyperplasia (IH). Seventy-two percent of all animals had at least one hoof lesion. The prevalence of lameness was 5.1%; most hoof lesions did not cause lameness. Differences between herds were substantial; the herd-specific, animal-level prevalence of lesions ranged from 25 to 98% and of lameness from 0 to 33%. Sole haemorrhages were found in all herds. The proportion of variance at the between-herd level was particularly high for heel-horn erosion (62%) and abnormal claw shape (54%). Strong correlations between lesions were found within hooves (and animals), e.g. for heel-horn erosion and dermatitis (Spearman’s rank correlation, r s =0.36 and 0.37, respectively) and for sole and white-line haemorrhages ( r s =0.25 and 0.28). Most hoof lesions affected hind and front hooves bilaterally, whereas the correlation between hind and front hooves generally was lower. Herds that ranked high for prevalence of sole ulcer also ranked high for sole haemorrhages and for abnormal claw shape and herds that ranked high for dermatitis also ranked high for heel-horn erosion, verrucose dermatitis and IH. Abnormal claw shape was strongly associated with sole ulcer ( r s =0.41 at cow level)—suggesting the importance of maintaining a correct claw shape for the prevention of hoof-horn lesions.

Fiddler crab claw shape variation: a geometric morphometric analysis across the genus Uca (Crustacea: Brachyura: Ocypodidae)

For decades, the extreme asymmetric chelipeds of male fiddler crabs (genus Uca) have been used as a model system for the description and discussion of allometry. Almost all previous studies, however, have concentrated on intraspecific variation and have not examined claw variation among species. In this study, modern methods of describing shape and size, geometric morphometrics, are used to study claw variation across the genus. These analyses are also performed in a phylogenetic context using independent contrasts. Within and among species, major claws show allometric trends in both shape and size. Minor claw growth is isometric within species; across species, these claws are isometric with respect to size, but allometric with respect to shape. Although the variation is much greater in major claws, the allometric pattern of shape change for both majors and minors can be characterized by a general increase in the length of the pollex relative to the manus and the size of the propodus relative to the carpus. There is some phylogenetic clustering of claw shape and size, but there does not appear to be a significant level of phylogenetic dependence because no conclusions are changed when independent contrasts are used. Regenerated major claws have stronger allometric patterns than unregenerated claws, causing them to have shapes associated with relatively larger claws. Minor claw shape shows a strong correlation with habitat type.

On the development of the papillary body in the feline claw.

The pre- and post-natal development of the feline claw was studied in 22 feline fetuses with a crown-rump length (CRL) ranging from 40 to 160 mm, in six kittens up to an age of 22 days, and in four adult cats. In fetuses up to a CRL of 75 mm, the characteristic shape of the feline claw was developed. Segment-specific dermal modifications in the various segments, especially the dorsal ridge, started to develop in fetuses with a CRL between 75 and 105 mm. Modifications of the papillary body in the different claw segments took place in the last third of prenatal development and were continued postnatally. At first, the basal lamina became wavy, followed by the formation of small dermal microridges, which would be enlarged to dermal ridges and lamellae. In the claw of adult cats, the papillary body was very small. The dermal tissue of the proximal part of the coronet formed low microridges with short papillae originating on and between these low ridges. In the wall segment, dermal microridges were formed which were arranged in a parallel fashion, and in the distal part of the wall, short dermal micropapillae arose on the crest of each microridge. In the sole segment, thin dermal lamellae were developed. The sequence of papillary body development and the varying conformations of the papillary body in the different segments of the feline claw are compared to those in the nail, the canine claw and hooves.

Maintenance Claw Trimming in Cattle with Special Emphasis on the Dutch Method

Application of the Dutch claw trimming method requires understanding of horn structure and function including growth and wear as well as the biomechanics of weight bearing. The shape and weight bearing surface of normal claws can be described as follows: The normal weight bearing area of the claw includes the heel, wall, and the white line as well as the sole.6 It is important to note that the abaxial wall is weight bearing along its entire length from the abaxial heel wall junction to the toe.6 The axial wall and white line is only weight bearing for a short distance up to a point where they diverge proximally in the interdigital space.6 The sole is weight bearing along its entire surface except at its innermost portion directly adjacent to the interdigital space. Here the sole is sloped for approximately one-third of the width of the sole in that area.6

Three new species of Diphascon of the pingue group (Eutardigrada, Hypsibiidae) from Antarctica

This paper contributes to the knowledge of the pingue group of species within the genus Diphascon. Three new species are described, Diphascon (D.) polare, D. (D.) dastychi and D. (D.) victoriae, from Victoria Land (Antarctica); they differ from other species of the pingue group in characters of the bucco-pharyngeal apparatus. D. polare and D. victoriae differ also in the claw shape. A key is provided to the Diphascon pingue group.

フリーストール牛舎飼養乳牛における削蹄後の後肢蹄形状変化と蹄底潜在病変

フリーストール牛舎飼養乳牛における削蹄後の後肢蹄形状変化と蹄底潜在病変

A new species of the Simulium damnosum complex from Uganda, and comparative morphology of the tarsal claws in females of this complex.

The female, male, pupa and larva of Simulium (Edwardsellum) pandanophilum sp. nov. (Diptera: Simuliidae) from western Uganda are described. Diagnostic features are the shape of the tarsal claws of females and, cytogenetically, new intraspecific inversions on chromosomes I and II. Simulium pandanophilum is assigned to the Simulium damnosum complex. Different tarsal claw shapes of West African members of the S. damnosum complex are also described.

Three new tardigrade species associated with barnacles from the Thai coast of Andaman sea

Three new marine heterotardigrades, Archechiniscus symbalanus, and Styraconyx craticuliformis of the family Halechiniscidae and Echiniscoides andamanensis of the family Echiniscoididae, are reported on the basis of the specimens sieved from intertidal barnacles in the Thai coast of the Andaman Sea. Archechinisos symbalanus n. sp. is related to Archehiniscus minutus Grimaldi De Zio and D'Addabbo Gallo, but discernible from it by possessing median cirrus, stylet sheath, sensory spine of leg I, prominent basal processes on all leg pairs, and S‐shaped seminal receptacles. Styraconyx craticuliformis n. sp. is similar to S. craticulus (Pollock) in bearing the grid‐like dorsal cuticle, but distinguished from it by the shape of claws and cirrophore of primary clava. Ediniscoides andamanensis n. sp. is related to Echiniscoides pollocki Hallas and Kristensen and E. sigismundi sigismundi (M. Schultze) in sharing the same patterns of sensory leg appendages and the claw configuration of 8–8–8–7, but characterized by t...

Pronounced heterochely in the ghost shrimp, Neotrypaea californiensis (Decapoda: Thalassinidea: Callianassidae): allometry, inferred function and development

To understand their function and ontogeny better, we conducted a morphometric analysis of claw size and shape variation in the strikingly heterochelous, north‐eastern Pacific ghost shrimp, Neotrypaea (formerly Callianassa) californiensis. Master claws approached 25% of total body weight in mature males, but rarely exceeded 10% in females. Minor claws were less than 3% of body weight in both sexes. The proportions of right and left master claws did not differ significantly from 50:50. Males exhibited a greater positive allometry than females in both master and minor claw size, though master claws differed more than minor claws. Sexual dimorphism was also observed in master but not minor claw shape: compared to females, mature male master claws: a) were proportionally higher relative to their length; b) exhibited a deeper propodal notch and consequently a larger gape; c) developed a more slender and more distally hooked dactyl; and d) exhibited more well‐developed teeth about the periphery of the claw gape.The shape of the conspicuous gape in mature male master claws bore a close resemblance to the cross‐section of similar‐sized master claws. The shape of this gape, and the presence of fine teeth about its periphery, strongly suggests that master claws function in a highly stereotyped form of grappling during agonistic encounters or perhaps during mating between similar‐sized conspecifics. In addition, a landmark morphometric analysis of relative growth suggested that the pronounced propodal notch develops via localized deformations near the base of the fixed finger rather than via a more generalized contraction of the ventral manus region. Finally, a preliminary survey suggests that the distinctive propodal notch, which may be diagnostic of the hypothesized grappling function, has evolved at least twice in the Callianassidae, once in the Callianassinae and once in the Callichirinae. Sexual selection may have significantly influenced the evolution of these unusual master claws.

Two new species and new records ofMacrobiotus(Eutardigrada) from New Zealand

Abstract New Zealand specimens identified as Macrobiotus liviae Ramazzotti, 1962 by Horning et al. (1978) do not belong to that species but to five species: Macrobiotus pseudoliviae n. sp., Macrobiotus armatus n. sp., Macrobiotus montanus Murray, 1910, Macrobiotus diffusus Binda & Pilato, 1987 (new record for New Zealand), and Macrobiotus hieronimi Pilato & Claxton, 1988 (new record for New Zealand). Macrobiotus pseudoliviae differs from Macrobioitus liviae in the buccal armature, the shape of claws, and in the morphology of the egg. Macrobiotus armatus is clearly identified by a spur on the main branch of the claws on the first three pairs of legs.

Redescription ofIsohypsibius wilsoniand description of two new species ofIsohypsibius(Eutardigrada) from New Zealand

Abstract Isohypsibius wilsoni (Horning, Schuster & Grigarick, 1978) was originally described as a very variable species. I examined the holotype, two paratypes, and five other specimens attributed to Isohypsibius wilsoni by Horning et al., and realised that they belong to several different species. Isohypsibius wilsoni is redescribed and the new species, Isohypsibius campbellensis n. sp. and Isohypsibius palmai n. sp., are described. The three species differ in the cuticular sculpture, the bucco‐pharyngeal apparatus, the claw shape, and the presence/absence of eyes and cuticular bars on the first three pairs of legs.

Structural characteristics of the bovine claw: Horn growth and wear, horn hardness and claw conformation

Claw quality is the product of horn characteristics, claw shape and anatomy and physiology of the inner structure. This paper aims to review some of the different approaches that have been employed to evaluate claw quality. The various factors that may influence horn growth and wear are reviewed, including physiological, seasonal, nutritional, environmental, management and anatomical aspects. Horn hardness is similarly described. Claw conformation is discussed, commencing with a brief outline of the various methods used to determine claw shape and size, followed by an account of some of the factors that influence claw conformation. The clinical importance of claw conformation in cattle is considered with particular reference to lameness, longevity and production traits. Finally, the prospect of improving claw quality by selection of bulls based on claw measurements is reviewed.

Urogyrus cichlidarum gen.nov., sp.nov., Urogyridae fam.nov., monogène parasite de la vessie urinaire de poissons cichlidés au Cameroun

Urogyrus cichlidarum gen.nov., sp.nov. (Dactylogyridea, Urogyridae fam.nov.) is proposed for a monogenean found in the urinary bladder of Chromidotilapia batesi Boulenger, 1901, Nanochromis caudifasciatus Boulenger, 1913, Pungu maclareni Trewavas, Green and Corbet, 1972, Stomatepia pindu Trewavas, Green and Corbet, 1972, and Tilapia sp., freshwater Cichlidae in Cameroon. The new genus is distinguished from other urinary bladder monogeneans and from all Dactylogyridea by the haptor with 2 unequal ventral hooks, a single ventral transverse bar, and 14 ventral marginal hooklets, and by a vas deferens loop around left intestinal branch as well as by a male copulatory apparatus with two accessory pieces in a claw shape. This new genus is proposed as the type of a new family, Urogyridae, and its systematic position is discussed.

A cross-sectional study of prevalence and risk factors of dermatitis interdigitalis in female dairy calves in the Netherlands

The hind claws of 1141 female dairy breeding calves, between 2.5 and 12 months of age, were examined for symptoms of dermatitis interdigitalis (DI). The mean prevalence in calves was 67.1% (±2.7% for 95% confidence interval). The prevalence of DI increased with age and eventually almost all 1-year-old animals were affected in at least one claw. Logistic regression modelling revealed that the presence of DI and sole haemorrhages were related positively. Large between-herd variation existed (range in prevalence: 0–100%). Herd factors related to DI were herd size and type of housing. Animals housed in a straw yard showed a 3.2-fold decreased risk of being affected when compared with housing on slatted floors. Also, feeding a larger variety of dietary components (hay, milk, concentrates plus silage) was protective. Using claw shape as one of the criteria for sire selection reduced the risk of DI 1.6-fold.

Claw traits in cattle breeding programs: Report of the E.A.A.P. working group “Claw quality in cattle”

Claw quality in cattle breeding can be defined by claw measures, which show high genetic correlations to the occurrence of claw disorders and to the economic loss by claw disorders. High claw quality provides the opportunity for increased longevity and lifetime performance. Heritabilities and additive genetic variation of claw disorders and claw measures are high enough to provide scope for selection. The morphological claw measures, length of diagonal from the tip of the toe to the proximal heel, length of dorsal border and length of heel, are the most useful traits for genetic improvement of claw quality in a progeny-testing program. These claw shape measures, recorded at the claws of one front and rear leg, give a selection response of 63% relative to direct selection against claw disorders. Adding leg judgments to the selection index increased the relative selection response by about 20%. Selection of bulls, based on claw measures in a performance test at an age of about 1 year, is a promising approach to improve claw health in daughters. Multiple correlations of claw disorders of daughters with claw measures taken on their sires as young bulls at about 1 year averaged 0.79. Genetic correlations were of moderate size between angle of dorsal border to ground and stay-ability to 72 ( r g=0.15) and 84 months ( r g=0.22). Foot angle contributed 32% to 35% of the type traits in a sire selection index for milk yield and functional type traits. Cows with a shorter diagonal of the claw in the first lactation will stay longer in the herds. Practical implementation of selection on claw traits in artificial insemination breeding programs is recommended. Genetic improvement of claw health can be implemented by a progeny test of first lactating daughters on farm, a progeny test of sons at testing stations and by a performance test of young bulls. Claw measures may be also candidates for inclusion as secondary traits in a nucleus breeding program with Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET).

Effects of slatted flooring on claw shape in intensively housed fattening beef cattle

Intensivism in the Irish beef industry is a recent and fast-developing process involving the concentration of cattle into large slatted floor houses where they are confined for a six-month winter period. Surveys carried out to assess any alterations in the disease pattern as a result of changing to slatted floors from traditional straw yard housing indicated that twice as much disease (10% incidence) was encountered on slatted floors as on straw yard (5% of cattle).
 Lameness with an incidence of five percent of cattle affected was the most serious disease problem on slats and the major lesion causing lameness was septic traumatic pododermatitis which accounted for 43 percent of all lameness cases. Surveys of defects of claws post-mortem indicated that abrasion of the white line was the primary inciting cause of bruising and penetration at the white line though ungulysis or chronic foot rot was an important secondary cause.
 Abrasion of hoof horn was considered a function of two factors—floor construction and horn quality. Accordingly to assess the influence of floor construction on claw shape through abrasion the rates of horn growth and wear were measured in beef cattle housed either on slats or on straw over a six-month winter period.

Skeletal indicators of locomotor behavior in living and extinct carnivores

ABSTRACT In this paper, I assess the correspondence between locomotor function (climbing, digging, and running) and skeletal morphology in living carnivores. Published behavioral observations are used to assign fifty-three extant carnivore species to four broad locomotor categories: arboreal, scansorial, terrestrial, and semi-fossorial. Body weight and measurements of claw shape, relative size of fore and hind claws, olecranon size and orientation, astragalar shape, and manus and hindlimb proportions are presented for each species. The correspondence between locomotor type and morphologic indices is examined with bivariate and multivariate (discriminant function) analyses. Results demonstrate that osteological indices are good predictors of locomotor behavior among extant carnivores. Arboreal and scansorial carnivores exhibit relatively more curved claws, longer proximal phalanges, and shorter metatarsals than do terrestrial taxa; semi-fossorial carnivores differ from other locomotor types in having relat...

Genetic aspects of claw disorders, claw measurements and ‘type’ scores for feet in Friesian cattle

Data on claw measurements and disorders were collected on Black and White Friesian or Holstein heifers in 82 herds. Disorders were sole lesions and dermatitis interdigitalis and were determined on all heifers that had been milking between 40 and 100 days at the time of the visit. Heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations among claw measurements and claw disorders were computed. Heritabilities for claw measurements were: angle, 0.25; length, 0.26; heel depth, 0.16; and heel depth-difference, 0.08. Angle and length estimated by eye had heritabilities of 0.18 and 0.22, respectively. The total of all lesion scores from different regions of the sole on both hooves had a heritability of 0.39. Heritabilities of dermatitis interdigitalis and sole ulcer (presence or absence) were 0.23 and 0.16, respectively. Claw measurements seemed to be more related to lesion scores than to dermatitis interdigitalis scores. Genetic correlations suggested that cows with higher claw angles had fewer dermatitis interdigitalis, total lesions and sole ulcers. Longer claws were genetically associated with higher total lesion scores and more sole ulcers. Claw measurements estimated by eye showed low genetic relations with claw disorders. Further research is needed to determine whether claw shape is a predisposing factor for or a result of a claw disorder.

Importance of claw quality in cattle: Review and recommendations to achieve genetic improvement. Report of the E.A.A.P. working group on “claw quality in cattle”

The objective of this report is to review results of research and to discuss recommendations to achieve genetic improvement of claw quality. High claw quality is defined as a low susceptibility for claw disorders and a low need for footcare. The economic importance of claw problems is considerable, with about 25% of dairy cows treated per year. Direct effects are costs of trimming, veterinary costs and forced culling (2–3%). Indirect costs are decreased milk production or daily gain, lower fertility, decrease of herd life, and lower salvage value. Lameness problems are mainly localized in the claws and can have a traumatic, systemic or infectious origin. The claw quality is a product of claw shape, characteristics of the horn and anatomy of the inner structure of the claw. Environmental factors like housing systems, management and nutrition give considerable herd effects. Improvement of claw quality in the short term can be achieved by managemental procedures that will reduce foot and leg problems in confinement. Genetic improvement can give a contribution in the long term. Genetic variation in claw traits and claw disorders are recorded between and within breeds. Heritabilities and additive genetic variation for claw shape measurements (e.g. claw length, claw angle) are high enough to obtain genetic change in these traits. Claw measurements are partly symptoms but also predisposition factors for claw disorders like sole ulcers. Shorter and steeper hind leg claws are favourable predispositions. Veterinary records on claw and leg disorders after treatment yield very low heritabilities. Claw judgements should be replaced by more effective measurements because of low h 2 and low correlation to claw disorders. Implementation of genetic improvement based on measurements of claw shape (angle, length) may start with a progeny test of 30–50 daughters in first lactation of the most promising A.I. bulls in milk production. Relationships of claw characteristics of young bulls with those of their parents and daughters is recommended for further analysis.