Claw Traits Research Articles

316 Routine Claw Trimming Data Provides Insight into the Occurrence of Claw Lesions Holstein Herds in the Central Region of South Africa

Abstract Claw lesions in dairy cows are a primary contributor to lameness, posing severe welfare concerns due to the distress and discomfort experienced by affected cows. Claw disorders have a significant negative impact on herd efficiency, milk yield, reproductive performance, and involuntary culling. Despite increased awareness of the detrimental effects of lameness, its incidence has continued to rise. Reducing the occurrence of lameness remains a major challenge, especially in defining and recording of claw traits. In South Africa (SA), claw data is limited to private hoof trimmers with paper-based recording. The objective of this research was to examine the occurrence and recording of claw lesions in Holstein cattle from the central region of South Africa. Claw-trimming data from five intensively managed dairy farms (average herd size: 1,073) using both dirt lot (DL) and free-stall (FS) housing systems were analyzed over a six-year period (2014 to 2019). The Claw Lesion Identification in Dairy Cattle brochure, co-developed by Zinpro Corporation and the International Lameness Committee, was used as the reference for lesion identification by a local hoof trimmer. Digital dermatitis (D) showed the greatest prevalence (64.02% of all recorded lesions), followed by sole ulcers (U; 8.59%), white line disease (W; 6.27%), and sole hemorrhage (H; 4.28%), with most lesions occurring in the rear feet. A chi-square test of independence between lesion and housing was rejected (P < 0.0001). Correspondence analysis (CA) was then used to explore these dependencies. The first dimension of the graphical display explained 90.7% of the variation in the data. The CA indicated that the prevalence of D and F are strongly associated, and closely associated with U. The prevalence of these lesions is also associated with housing systems DL and FS. The CA also confirmed a close association between W and H, and the prevalence of these lesions in housing system DL+FS. Improving the precision of claw lesion identification and recording, especially with regard to lesions that tend to occur together, can furnish essential data to identify the most prevalent lesions in a population. This will enhance our comprehension of the causal factors behind these significant lesions and offer producers practical recommendations to use these data for prevention, early detection, management, and improvement of lameness.

Gradual Growth of Several Claw Traits and Claw Lesions in Dairy Cows after Hoof Trimming

Several claw measurements, horn growth and wear were recorded monthly in a research farm to investigate the effect of solid concrete floor and gradual growth of these traits over 3 month after trimming. Two methods of hoof trimming were used: Standard Dutch (STD) and hollow (HOL). The experimental cows (19 primiparous and 19 multiparous) were selected (8 primiparous and 11 multiparous cows for STD and 9 primiparous and 10 multiparous cows for HOL). Information on claw traits was recorded on right lateral hind claw between November 2021 and April 2022. In addition, lesions development of interdigital dermatitis and heel erosion (IDHE) and digital dermatitis (DD) was studied in both rear feet. No differences were detected in claw traits among the trimming methods. A gradual growth of all claw traits investigated, was detected in each month (1, 2 and 3) after trimming. Lesions of IDHE developed gradually over time in both trimming methods. Development of different stages of DD was investigated 3 months after trimming methods. Classical ulcerative lesions (stage M2). Persisted in each month after trimming and did not cure effectively after caw trimming and frequent use of footbaths.

Length of a sexually selected ornament-armament in fiddler crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Ocypodidae): One way, over deep time and space

Abstract Using three data sources, we measured claw lengths of the extremely large major claws of 70 species of fiddler crabs, spread over four major biogeographic regions and all 11 genera, as a function of carapace length. Despite a diversity of biogeography, body size, type of sexual signaling and mating behavior, and details of claw morphology, all species groupings follow the same linear relationship. No subgroupings could be determined, by region, among diverse genera, by ancestral-derived status, or by data source. Major claw size is known to be implicated in female selection of mates, which might be expected to diversify claw lengths among species and genera, as might differences in combat might be expected to diversify claw length, as it does in other claw traits. The constancy suggests a possible functional constraint on major claw length across the fiddler crabs, which is to be determined. Efficient folding of the claw as the male rapidly retreats into a burrow, or a protection of the carapace from frontal attack by predators or combatants in an initial aggressive encounter might select for this pervasive relationship. Tests are suggested. The sexually selected major claw is more variable than the naturally selected minor claw, but this difference in variability could be attributed partially to regeneration of the major cheliped and even variation in shape. A surprising similar trend of closing force index for the major claw exists for a large number of species spread throughout the genera and major regions occupied by fiddler crabs, but a considerable variation exists in a variety of functional traits. Thus, the constancy of length relationship stands out distinctly from a considerable background variation in form. As a sexually selected trait, the claw length constancy begs for an explanation.

Effect of season and temperature before and after calving on the future milk production of born heifers

Effect of season and temperature before and after calving on the future milk production of born heifers

Relationship Between Claw Traits and Hoof Disorders in Crossbred Dairy Cattle Maintained Under Field Conditions

Relationship Between Claw Traits and Hoof Disorders in Crossbred Dairy Cattle Maintained Under Field Conditions

Morphological and physiological characteristics of claw quality in South African Bonsmara cattle

Sound claws are essential for beef cattle, given the marked influence they have on functional longevity and subsequent performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological and physiological claw characteristics of Bonsmara SA beef cattle in the major bioregions of South Africa. Normal claws of 89 Bonsmara stud animals were collected from three bioregions in which Bonsmara cattle are farmed, namely Mesic Highveld Grassland, Eastern Kalahari Bushveld and Central Bushveld bioregions. Most of these claws were from Bonsmara bulls that were slaughtered after completion of a standardized intensive feeding test and a few were from older cows. Lateral toe length (LL), medial toe length (ML), claw circumference, colour coding and tensile strength (TS) were determined on the fore and hind claws and mineral composition only on the fore claws. Multifactorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) models indicated that bioregion, moisture content, calcium (Ca), selenium (Se) and claw position (fore versus hind claws) had a significant effect (P <0.05) on TS. It is clear that environmental factors need to be considered in the evaluation of claw quality. This research serves as a benchmark for claw traits in the Bonsmara breed. Recording of claw and conformation traits is essential for genetic improvement.Keywords: bioregion, claw parameters, colour, lateral and medial claw length, mineral composition, tensile strength

Estimation of heritability for claw traits in Holstein cattle using Bayesian and REML approaches

The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of claw conformation traits in Slovak Holstein cattle by using two approaches: the Bayesian method and the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) algorithm. Overall 860 claw trimming records of 716 dairy cows were included in this study. The claw morphometric data were collected after functional trimming between 2012 and 2017. The conformation of claws was evaluated based on eight parameters (angle, length, heel depth, height, diagonal, width, total and functional areas) by digital image analysis and NIS Elements 3.0 software. The heritability of those traits was estimated using a single trait animal model including fixed effects of herd-year-season, stage of lactation and sire. Both of applied approaches indicated low or moderate level of heritability across analysed traits, in average 0.28 ±0.08 (REML) resp. 0.22 ±0.09 (Bayesian). The highest heritability was found for diagonal of claw (0.41), while the lowest one was observed for the total area of claw (0.18) and the claw height (0.12) based on the REML algorithm and Bayesian approach, respectively. The study confirmed previous assumption that the claw conformation traits are inherited in low or moderate mode. Future analysis of genetic correlations between them can be beneficial for construction of new selection indices, better responding to today’s welfare requests and use of new generation indicators made possible.

Effect of the claw disorders on production performance in dairy cattle

The aim of the study was the influence of claw disorders on production traits in dairy cattle. Observed were claw traits as claw angle, claw length, heel index, claw height, claw diagonal and claw width. Right hind claw after functional trimming was evaluated. Occurrence of claw disorders like interdigital dermatitis and heel erosion (IDHE), digital dermatitis (DD) and sole ulcer (SV) as well as the progress of disease were observed. Basic summary and variation statistics was performed by the SAS software. Two herds were included in the study. Holstein dairy cows (n=101) produced 11 875 kg of milk, 468 kg (3.94%) of fat and 396 kg (3.34%) of proteins. Holstein cows were affected with IDHE in 22 cases, with DD in 6 cases and with sole ulcer in 10 cases. Slovak Simmental dairy cows (n=101) produced 5834 kg of milk, 258 kg (4.44%) of fat and 209 kg (3.59%) of proteins. Slovak Simmental cows were affected with IDHE in 8 cases, with DD in 5 cases and with sole ulcer in 19 cases. Observed was that claw disorders caused deviations of milk production.

The Study of Incidence of Lameness in Relations to Claw Traits in Crossbred Dairy Cattle under Field Conditions

The present study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of hoof problems in relation claw traits in crossbred dairy cows under field conditions of Bangalore and Kolar districts in Karnataka state. Out of 456 crossbred cows studied, 129 had lameness. Breed wise graded HF cows had more incidences (35.2%), followed by HF crossbreds (10.0%) and Jersey crossbred (6.2%) cows. The overall incidence was 28.3%. The effect of claw traits on lameness was significant (P < 0.01). As the length, height, width, heel height and space between the claws increases, hoof disorders also increase with lameness. It can be concluded that lameness is a common problem in most of the small and large herds.

Claw health index for Dutch dairy cattle based on claw trimming and conformation data

The purpose of this study was to develop a model for a routine genetic evaluation of claw health traits and to develop an index including data on claw health and conformation traits. Claw health data comprised observations on 40,536 dairy cows of claw traits recorded by claw trimmers. Claw health traits scored were sole hemorrhage (SH), digital dermatitis (DD), interdigital dermatitis (ID), wall ulcer (WU), sole ulcer (SU), interdigital hyperplasia (IH), and white line disease (WL). A combined claw health trait was added as a trait to the data, combining all claw disorders. Observations on 5 feet and leg conformation traits on 41,048 animals were evaluated as predictive traits for claw health. These conformation traits were rear leg side view, rear leg rear view, foot angle, locomotion, and feet and legs. Prevalence of claw disorders ranged from 3% (WU) to 38% (SH). Overall, 69% of the animals had at least one claw disorder. Estimated heritabilities for claw health traits ranged from 0.01 (WU) to 0.13 (IH), and repeatabilities (within and across lactation) ranged from 0.15 (WU) to 0.57 (IH). Genetic correlations of claw health traits in parity 1 and parities ≥2 ranged from 0.72 to 1.00. Estimated genetic correlations among claw health traits ranged from −0.35 to 0.88 and between claw health and conformation traits ranged from −0.58 to 0.41. The breeding goal for claw health was to reduce costs due to claw disorders. The economic index for claw health, which included claw health and feet and leg conformation traits, had a reliability of 59% for an average progeny-tested bull in the Netherlands. The prevalence of claw disorders can be reduced up to 0.7% per year with selection on claw health only.

THE EVOLUTION OF ARMAMENT STRENGTH: EVIDENCE FOR A CONSTRAINT ON THE BITING PERFORMANCE OF CLAWS OF DUROPHAGOUS DECAPODS

Abstract Performance data for the claws of six sympatric species of Cancer crabs confirmed a puzzling pattern reported previously for two other decapod crustaceans (stone crabs, Menippe mercenaria, and lobsters, Homarus americanus): Although biting forces increased, maximum muscle stresses (force per unit area) declined with increasing claw size. The negative allometry of muscle stress and the stress at a given claw size were fairly consistent within and among Cancer species despite significant differences in adult body size and relative claw size, but were not consistent among decapod genera. Therefore, claw height can be used as a reliable predictor of maximum biting force for the genus Cancer, but must be used with caution as a predictor of maximum biting force in wider evolutionary and biogeographical comparisons of decapods. The decline in maximum muscle stress with increasing claw size in Cancer crabs contrasts with the pattern in several other claw traits. Significantly, three traits that affect maximal biting force increased intraspecifically with increasing claw size: relative claw size, mechanical advantage, and sarcomere length of the closer muscle. Closer apodeme area and angle of pinnation of the closer muscle fibers varied isometrically with claw size. The concordant behavior of these traits suggests selection for higher biting forces in larger crabs. The contrast between the size dependence of muscle stress (negative allometry) and the remaining claw traits (isometry or positive allometry) strongly suggests that an as yet unidentified constraint impairs muscle performance in larger claws. The negative allometry of muscle stress in two distantly related taxa (stone crabs and lobsters) further suggests this constraint may be widespread in decapod crustaceans. The implications of this performance constraint for the evolution of claw size and the “arms-race” between decapod predators and their hard-shelled prey is discussed.

Development of Claw Traits and Claw Lesions in Dairy Cows Kept on Different Floor Systems

Several claw shape measurements, horn hardness, and horn growth and wear were recorded monthly at 12 dairy farms to investigate the effect of floor type and changes in these traits over time. Herds were either housed on a slatted floor (SL), solid concrete floor (SC), grooved floor (GR), or on a straw yard (SY). Twenty cows per farm were selected and stratified by parity. Information on claw traits was recorded on right lateral hind claws between October 2002 and May 2003. In addition, lesion development of interdigital dermatitis and heel erosion (IDHE) and digital dermatitis (DD) was studied in both rear feet. No differences in claw traits were detected among groups on different floor types, with the exception of claw angle. Claw angles were smallest in cows on SY. Claws of cows on SC were steeper than those on SL and GR. The study provided no evidence that floor-related differences in claw lesions were related to differences in horn growth, wear, and resulting claw shape. Lesions of IDHE developed gradually over time and did not differ among flooring types. Cows in SY had the smallest lesion scores for DD, whereas cows on SL had significantly less DD than cows on SC and GR. Incidence of DD fluctuated over time. Development of different stages of DD was monitored in-depth. Both early and healed stages were rather changeable and often turned into other disease stages. Classical ulcerative lesions (stage M2) persisted for a long time, with 20% of the initially unaffected claws having active lesions of DD within 5 mo. The M2 lesions generally did not cure effectively after claw trimming, and frequent use of footbaths resulted in a poor prognosis for recovery.

Behaviour and claw health in tied dairy cows with varying access to exercise in an outdoor paddock

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different access to an exercise area on behaviour, time to lie down, claw conformation, claw lesions and milk production. The study was carried out on an organic dairy farm with 52 tied cows. The cows were randomly assigned to one of four treatments, with 13 cows in each group, and matched according to lactation number, milk production and whether or not they were de-horned. The treatments were: exercise every day (E7), exercise two days per week (E2), exercise one day per week (E1) or no exercise (NoE). Exercised cows were brought to one of two outdoor paddocks for 1 h. Observations of behaviour were made using one-zero sampling during the 1 h exercise, twice per month and treatment, during the six months of winter housing (780 min per group in total). Treatment NoE was observed in their stalls during the same time as the other treatments were exercised. The duration of the two phases of the lying down movement was recorded four times per cow. Claw traits were recorded at trimming at the beginning and the end of the six month study period. The farm measured the individual milk yield one day per month. There was an increase in the mean percentage of walking and trotting with decreasing access to exercise. Cows in the E1 and E2 treatment explored the environment more than cows in the E7 treatment. The wear of the claws during the winter was greater for the exercised cows compared to NoE and resulted in shorter claws at spring trimming. There was no difference in the duration of lying down movements for different treatments, nor a difference in milk production. These results shows that adult dairy cows used the time to walk, trot and explore the environment when given access to an outdoor paddock, and that exercise had a positive effect on the claw conformation.

Genetische Analyse von Klauenmaßen aus der Eigenleistungsprüfung von Jungbullen

Abstract. Title of the paper: Genetic analysis of claw measurements from the performance test of young bulls The present study deals with the analysis of the claw measurements length of dorsal wall, length of heel, high of heel, diagonal, angle of dorsal wall and hardness of claw horn from the performance test of young bulls. Data collection take place at one fore leg and one hind leg from 798 young German Holstein bulls (black and white, red and white) and 89 young Angler bulls. The analysis of the systematic fixed effects was followed by the estimation of genetic parameters. A breeding value estimation was done with some of the claw traits and rank correlation for the breeding values of the claw traits and some official exterieur breeding values and the length of productive life were calculated. Heritabilities ranked from 0.00 (hardness of claw horn, upper point of measurement of hind leg) to 0.45 (diagonal of the foreleg). Genetic correlation between fore leg and hind leg vary between 0.14 and 0.99. Rank correlation of the claw trait breeding values ranked from –0.65 to 0.64. Rank correlation between official breeding values and claw trait breeding values vary from –0.27 to 0.37.

The evolution of armament strength: evidence for a constraint on the biting performance of claws of durophagous decapods.

Performance data for the claws of six sympatric species of Cancer crabs confirmed a puzzling pattern reported previously for two other decapod crustaceans (stone crabs, Menippe mercenaria, and lobsters, Homarus americanus): Although biting forces increased, maximum muscle stresses (force per unit area) declined with increasing claw size. The negative allometry of muscle stress and the stress at a given claw size were fairly consistent within and among Cancer species despite significant differences in adult body size and relative claw size, but were not consistent among decapod genera. Therefore, claw height can be used as a reliable predictor of maximum biting force for the genus Cancer, but must be used with caution as a predictor of maximum biting force in wider evolutionary and biogeographical comparisons of decapods. The decline in maximum muscle stress with increasing claw size in Cancer crabs contrasts with the pattern in several other claw traits. Significantly, three traits that affect maximal biting force increased intraspecifically with increasing claw size: relative claw size, mechanical advantage, and sarcomere length of the closer muscle. Closer apodeme area and angle of pinnation of the closer muscle fibers varied isometrically with claw size. The concordant behavior of these traits suggests selection for higher biting forces in larger crabs. The contrast between the size dependence of muscle stress (negative allometry) and the remaining claw traits (isometry or positive allometry) strongly suggests that an as yet unidentified constraint impairs muscle performance in larger claws. The negative allometry of muscle stress in two distantly related taxa (stone crabs and lobsters) further suggests this constraint may be widespread in decapod crustaceans. The implications of this performance constraint for the evolution of claw size and the "arms-race" between decapod predators and their hard-shelled prey is discussed.

Locomotion, lameness, hoof and leg traits in cattle I.: Phenotypic influences and relationships

Four hoof traits (foot angle, heel depth, length of dorsal border and diagonal) and locomotion were recorded on a herd of 157 cows at monthly intervals in order to investigate the phenotypic influences on these traits and their development over time. In addition, information on udder size, rear leg side view (RLSV), milk production and management was also collected. Hoof traits recorded on only one claw of one rear foot were found to give a representative picture of both claws on both rear feet. Based on correlation coefficients, heel depth was the least, and diagonal the most adequate trait to describe hoof shape. All claw traits and locomotion showed variation between years and were influenced by seasonal factors as well as the age of the animal, with the exception of foot angle. The phenotypic correlation between locomotion and the other traits varied, depending on the data preparation and chosen data subsets, but it was generally small. The most noticeable relationship was found between locomotion and RLSV. Locomotion deteriorated considerably after the start of the housing season but reached a constant level after 10 weeks.

Claw conformation of dairy heifers in twomanagement systems

A computerized conformation determination system was used to evaluate objectively claw conformation of dairy heifers in two management systems, i.e., housed indoors on concrete slats or out of doors in a dry lot. Examinations were made at 4-week intervals from 12-13 months of age until calving at 24-26 months. Overall, the angle of the dorsal border did not differ between front and hind claws. Length of the dorsal border, heel height, and toe:heel ratio were greater for front claws (P < 0.001). Hind claws were longer than front claws (P < 0.001), but front claws were wider (P < 0.001). On both front and hind limbs, lateral claws were wider than medial claws (P < 0.001). Angles of the dorsal border decreased, but lengths of the dorsal border and heel heights increased over time (P < 0.05). Significant differences in claw conformation were found between the two management groups. Heifers maintained out of doors had longer toes and wider lateral claws than heifers housed indoors (P < 0.05). At time of entry into the respective management group, no significant differences in claw traits were found between the two groups. At calving, however, out-door-housed heifers had hind claws with smaller dorsal angles and longer dorsal borders (P < 0.05).

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).

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.