Hoof Angle Research Articles

Validation of the hind feet position score and its association with heel height difference in dairy cows.

Hind feet position scoring (HFPS) categorizes the outward rotation of the hind feet from the line parallel to the midline of the body in standing dairy cows. It has previously been used as an indication of both differences in heel height between the lateral and medial hind claw (to determine the need of hoof trimming) and the presence of claw lesions in sound cattle. In this observational study, the agreement of HFPS with other types of hoof angle measurements, as well as its association with the heel height difference (HHD) between the claws were investigated.A total of 51 dairy cows were assessed independently by three observers in two measuring rounds on two different measuring days each. On each occasion, they scored the HFPS, and measured the angle of outward rotation of both hind feet using a digital protractor (DIG) and a compass app (COMP). Heel height difference was measured only during the second occasion. Intra- and interobserver agreement were calculated using weighted kappa statistics (HFPS) and intraclass correlation (DIG, COMP and HHD). Associations between HFPS and DIG, COMP and HHD were analyzed using linear mixed models.Intra- and interobserver reliability were poor to good for HFPS, DIG, COMP and HHD. HFPS was significantly associated with DIG and COMP but not with HHD. Using the median value of repeated HFPS scores could increase the robustness of the HFPS assessment, as our data indicate that the cows frequently shift the position of their hind claws. Overall, there was a poor correlation between HHD and HFPS, so HFPS may not be determined by HHD alone; future research should consider other reasons for outward rotation of the hind feet.

Radiological measurements of the feet of normal Straight Egyptian Arabian horses in Qatar

The Arabian horse has been identified as carrying a risk locus for equine metabolic syndrome, predisposing this breed to development of laminitis. Radigraphy of the equine foot is widely considered the main diagnostic imaging technique for evaluation of the laminitic horse. Knowledge of ‘normal’ breed values allows assessment of the degree and severity of radiological changes associated with laminitis. The objective of this study was to investigate the normal values for radiological measurements of the feet of the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse in Qatar. The design was a clinical prospective study. Radiographs of the fore and hind feet of 10 clinically normal adult Straight Egyptian Arabian horses were taken. On the lateromedial views, 17 measurements were taken (13 distances and four angles). On the horizontal dorsopalmar/plantar views, two measurements were taken. On the dorsal 45 degree, proximo-palmarodistal oblique projections, four measurements were taken. Normal reference ranges were reported for radiological measurements of the feet of the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse. Several variables showed significant differences between fore and hind feet, including hoof angle, distal wall thickness, and two proximal inner layer measurements (p < 0.05). In addition, the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse was found to have a number of measurements which varied from previously published reports. The results reported within provide a useful reference for normal radiographic measurements of the Straight Egyptian Arabian horse with relevance for laminitis.

Changes in aspects of hoof and distal limb conformation in foals by radiographic evaluation.

This study investigated age-related radiographic changes in the distal parts of the forelimbs by radiographic evaluation and identified the radiographic changes associated with diseases specific to foals. The hoof angle (HA), distal phalanx angle (P3A), distal phalanx palmer angle (P3PA), distal interphalangeal joint angle (DIPJA), and metacarpophalangeal joint angle (MPJA) on lateromedial radiographs of forelimbs were measured on the day after birth (Day 1); at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age; and then at monthly intervals until 12 months of age. HA and P3A significantly increased from 1 day to 4 weeks and 4 weeks to 3 months of age. The P3PA increased dramatically from 1 day to 1 week, 1 week to 2 weeks, and 2 weeks to 8 weeks of age, and then decreased after 3 months of age. DIPJA significantly decreased from 1 day to 2 weeks of age before increasing from 3 to 5 months of age. MPJA increased with age until 4 weeks, slightly decreased from 2 to 4 months of age, and then gradually decreased from 4 to 6 months of age. The findings indicate that foals' forelimbs typically show flexion of the fetlock and a broken backward hoof-pastern axis just after birth, an upright fetlock until 4 months of age, and a change to a mature conformation after 6 months of age. Physiological variants were correlated with the occurrence of common foal diseases during the radiographic evaluation periods.

The influence of different horseshoes and ground substrateson mid-stance hoof orientation at the walk.

Horseshoes with modified contact surfaces combined with deformable ground substrates are used to change hoof orientation during mid-stance, for example, for therapeutic reasons. To measure the effect of horseshoes and ground substrates on sagittal and transverse plane hoof orientation at mid-stance using a dorsal hoof wall mounted triaxial accelerometer. In vivo experiment, randomised crossover design. Differences in sagittal and transverse plane angles between standing and mid-stance of the left front hoof of six horses walking with regular horseshoes, egg bar, toe-wide, medial-wide, lateral-wide and three-degree egg bar shoes on turf, sand and hard ground substrates were assessed with linear mixed models with horseshoe and substrate type as fixed factors (p < 0.05) for each animal. Hoof angles were significantly affected by horseshoe (p < 0.001), surface (p < 0.001) and the combination (p < 0.001). The sagittal plane angle increased in deformable ground substrates at walk-in mid-stance on turf [mean (±standard deviation): 2.6° (±3.8°)] and on sand [2.6° (±4.1°)] across all shoes. The greatest increase was observed with egg bar shoes [turf: 4.37° (±3.82°); sand 4.69° (±3.83°)]. There was a tendency for the hoof to sink laterally into deformable ground substrates among all shoes [turf: 1.11° (±1.49°); sand: 0.93° (±1.93°)]. Medial-wide shoes increased the lateral sinking [turf: 2.00° (±1.63°); sand: 1.79° (±1.58°)]. Lateral-wide shoes reduced the lateral sinking on turf [0.62° (±1.26°)] and induced a marginal medial sinking on sand [-0.007° (±2.03°)]. The substrate properties were not quantitatively assessed, and observations were limited to front hooves at the walk. A larger sample size would be preferable. Mid-stance hoof orientation changes with specific combinations of shoes and ground substrates in the walking horse.

Effects of Jumping Phase, Leading Limb, and Arena Surface Type on Forelimb Hoof Movement.

During the stance phase of equine locomotion, ground reaction forces are exerted on the hoof, leading first to rapid deceleration ("braking") and later to acceleration ("propulsion") as the hoof leaves the ground. Excessive hoof deceleration has been identified as a risk factor for musculoskeletal injury and may be influenced by arena surface properties. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the effect of arena surface type (dirt, synthetic) on hoof translation of the leading and trailing forelimbs during jump takeoff and landing. Solar hoof angle, displacement, velocity, and deceleration were captured using kinematic markers and high-speed video for four horses jumping over a 1.1 m oxer at 12 different arenas (5 dirt, 7 synthetic). Surface vertical impact and horizontal shear properties were measured simultaneously. The effects of surface type (dirt, synthetic), jump phase (takeoff, landing), and limb (leading, trailing) on hoof movement were assessed using ANOVA (p < 0.05), while the relationships of hoof movement with surface mechanical properties were examined with correlation. Slide time (p = 0.032), horizontal velocity of the hoof (p < 0.001), and deceleration (p < 0.001) were greater in the leading limb, suggesting a higher risk of injury to the leading limb when braking. However, surface type and jump phase did not significantly affect deceleration during braking.

Conformation and morphological features of the udder of fi rst-calf heifers depending on their belonging to genealogical line

The object of research was the fi rst-calf heifers of Black-and-White breed. The purpose of the work was to assess the conformation and morphological features of the udder of fi rst-calf heifers depending on their belonging to genealogical line. Three groups were formed per 30 heads in each for 2–3 months of on the fi rst lactation depending on belonging to the genealogical line. The 1st group included the daughters of sires of the line Wes Back Idial 1013415, the 2nd group of line Montwik Chieftain 95679, the 3rd group of line Refl ection Sovereign 198998. The research was carried out in CJSC “Konstantinovo” in the Penza district of the Penza region. It was found on the base of a linear evaluation of the conformation of the fi rst-calf heifers that the cows of the line Refl ection Sovereign 198998 turned out to be taller, which also had an advantage in the largest number of indicators, namely, the strength of the physique, the position of the pelvis, muscularity, the setting of the hind limbs, the angle of the hoof, the width of the rear udder parts and the length of the teats. The cows of the line Montwick Chieftain 95679 turned out to be more close to the optimal indicators of the linear assessment and diff ered in many ways such as trunk depth, hind limb positioning, hoof angle, length of the anterior udder parts, height of attachment of the posterior udder parts, udder cleft, location of the anterior teats, teats length. The decrease in udder length was more signifi cant in cows of the line Wes Back Ideal 1013415 and Refl ection Sovereign 198998. The characteristics of cows of Black-and-White holsteinezied breed taking into account the methodology of linear evaluation of the udder and its decline indicators, gives a confi dent understanding and judgment about the use of animals in dairy cattle breeding of individual groups formed depending on the belonging to genealogical line, having high indicators close to livestock standards.

Comparison of Six Different Methods for Measuring the Equine Hoof and Recording of its Three-Dimensional Conformation.

Different measuring techniques have been used to objectify the classification of hoof shape. The MicroScribe is a novel tool that might prove useful for measuring hooves without prior reconstruction or compensation of projection artefacts. The aim of this study was to compare biometric data of the equine hoof collected by the MicroScribe tool and measurements collected directly from hooves, scaled photographs and radiographs, from photogrammetry models and computed tomography datasets. The suitability of MicroScribe generated data to differentiate individual hoof conformations was tested. A total of 62 measures were recorded from 16 forehooves. 21 linear and nine angular measures were collected by at least four methods each, and evaluated further by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Ratios and differences of these measures were calculated as suitable for the definition of hoof shapes and analysed as well. Absolute equivalency of methods was detected for five linear and none of the angular measurements. The precision of the tested measurement methods was comparable. In some cases, different methods measure different structures. Radiographs tended to overestimate, while computed tomography slides to underestimate distances. Photogrammetry and scaled photographs were less suitable for measuring hoof angles. The MicroScribe tool can readily be used for hoof measurements. Its values for linear measures showed good equivalency with other methods based on real hooves. For angular measurements, the uneven hoof surface might introduce imprecision. Not all hoof conformations could be detected based on measuring results alone. Diagnosis by a skilled veterinarian is still essential.

15 Evaluating Repeatability and Scorer Differences When Assigning Feet and Legs Scores in Simmental Heifers

Abstract The objective of this paper was to determine the relationship and repeatability of between-evaluator scores for claw set (CS), hoof angle (HA), and rear leg side view (RSV). Repeatability of feet and legs scoring has implications on scorer bias and subsequently on the estimation of genetic parameters, expected progeny differences (EPD), and accuracy. Data were collected on 112 13-15-month-old Simmental heifers by 4 evaluators, where scorer 1 (S1) was a trained and experienced evaluator and subsequently trained scorers 2 (S2), 3 (S3), and 4 (S4) for approximately 20 minutes before all 4 evaluators sequentially scored every female at the same time. Training was conducted using feet and leg rubrics provided by the American Simmental Association (ASA) on a 1-9 scale, with 5 being optimum for each trait. Scorers were provided an online evaluation instrument, requiring responses for each evaluator for each animal, and included identification, CS, HA, and RSV. Pearson correlations were computed pairwise, with each new scorer compared to the trained scorer. For partial linear regression, the three new evaluators were fit individually to S1. Pearson correlation values ranged from 0.088 to 0.397. The correlation between S1 and S3 was the strongest for all traits. The weakest correlation of 0.088 was in rear leg side view between S1 and S2. Partial linear regression adjusted R-squared values ranged from 0.00 to 0.15. The correlation between S1 and S3 was the strongest for all traits. The weakest correlation of 0.00 was in rear leg side view between S1 and S2. The correlations between S1 and S2 was significant for CS and HA (P = 0.002, P = 0.039), but not for RSV (P = 0.355). The correlation between S1 and S3 was significant for CS, HA, and RSV [P = 1.5x10^(-5), P = 0.006, P = 0.02]. The correlation between S1 and S4 was not significant for CS, HA, and RSV (P = 0.276, P = 0.085, P = 0.223). Overall, the scores had weak correlations, which illustrates the differences in variability across scorers. The weak correlation also illustrates the need for more robust and intensive training of evaluators. Overall, while the scores are not highly correlated between evaluators, scorer bias should not affect estimation of genetic parameters long as each contemporary group is scored by one evaluator.

The Correlation between linear traits of Ukrainian cows of Black-and-White Dairy cattle

The aim of this study was to assess the correlation variability between linear traits of the first-born cows of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed. The material of the study was based on the information about the linear classification of cows in the enterprise like "Ukrlandfarming" PE "Burynske" Podlisnivsky branch of Sumy region. There were evaluated18 descriptive such as: height (H), chest width (CW), body depth (BD), angularity (ANG), rear position (RP), rear width (RW), pelvic limbs angle (PLA), hoof angle (HA), pelvic limbs posture (PLP), fore udder attachment (FAA), rear udder attachment (RAA), central ligament (CL), udder depth (UD), fore teats position (FTP), rear teats position (RTP), teats length (TL), locomotion (Loc) and body condition (BC). The coefficients of phenotypic correlations between all descriptive traits of the linear classification differed significantly in variability in direction, strength and reliability. The cows rump height correlated with the rest of descriptive type traits, which characterize the condition of body and limbs from negative (-0.131; PLA) to positive (0.306; HA). Chest width did not differ significant correlate variability with correlation coefficients from -0.071 (PLA) to 0.192 (RW). The body depth correlated with high reliability with ANG (0.336), RP (0.248) and RW (0.346) and negative - with PLA (-0.285). Angularity correlated with Height (0.217), RW (0.208) and HA (0.188) and negative with PLA (-0.194). Pelvic limbs angle differed in negative relative variability with all linear traits from -0.037 (PLP) to -0.285 (BD). Pelvic limbs posture was positively correlated with Height (0.167), BD (0.178), RW (0.163) and HA (0.202) and negative with CW (-0.134) and PLA (-0.037). The fore udder attachment was positively correlated with CW (0,141), BD (0,219), ANG (0.222) and RW (0.132) and negative with PLA (-0.156). The rear udder height attachment was positively correlated only with RP (0,155) and negatively with BD (-0,161) and RW (-0,201). The central udder ligament was correlated with BD (0.240) and ANG (0.295) and RW (0.171). Udder depth correlated with significant variability from negative (-0.397) with BD to positive (0.256) with Height. The locomotion of cows correlated with PLP (0.349) and HA (0.374), with PLA (0.187) and RW (0.145). There was received a negative correlation between body condition score and most linear type traits, especially with Height (-0.134), BD (-0.322), ANG (-0.351), RP (-0.174) and RW (-0.196). Fore udder attachment was positively correlated with RAA (0.324), CL (0.353) and WD (0.255). Rear udder attachment was similarly correlated with CL (0.381) and UD (0.339), and central ligament was correlated with UD (0.258), respectively. The established positive level of phenotypic correlations between individual linear traits of the conformation type, especially between anatomically and functionally related, testified to their indirect development in the direction of desired dairy type. Key words: linear type traits,Ukrainian Black-andWhite dairy breed, correlation.

Genetic parameter estimates for feet and leg traits in Red Angus cattle.

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for feet and leg traits, relationships within feet and leg traits, and relationships between feet and leg traits and production traits in Red Angus cattle. Subjective scores for 14 traits including body condition score (BCS), front hoof angle (FHA), front heel depth (FHD), front claw shape (FCS), rear hoof angle (RHA), rear heel depth (RHD), rear claw shape (RCS), size of hoof (SIZE), front side view (FSV), knee orientation (KNEE), front hoof orientation (FHO), rear side view (RSV), rear view (RV), and a composite score (COMP) were collected by trained evaluators on 1,720 Red Angus cattle. All traits except COMP were scored as intermediate optimum traits. Performance data, and EPD were obtained on all animals measured and a three-generation pedigree was obtained from the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) that contained 13,306 animals. Data were modeled using a linear bivariate animal model with random additive genetic and residual effects, and fixed effects of age and contemporary group (herd-year) implemented in ASREML 4.0. Heritability estimates of BCS, FHA, FHD, FCS, RHA, RHD, RCS, SIZE, FSV, KNEE, FHO, RSV, RV, and COMP were 0.11, 0.20, 0.17, 0.09, 0.19, 0.25, 0.17, 0.36, 0.16, 0.17, 0.17, 0.30, 0.14, and 0.12, respectively. These results demonstrate feet and leg traits are lowly to moderately heritable. Strong, positive genetic correlations were observed between FHA and FHD (0.89), FHA and RHA (0.88), FHD and RHA (0.85), FHA and RHD (0.85), FHD and RHD (0.94), and FHO and KNEE (0.95), indicating these traits were highly related to each other. Strong and negative genetic correlations were observed between KNEE and FSV (-0.59) and FHO and FSV (-0.75). The strongest Pearson correlation between front limb traits (FHA, FHD, FSV, FHO, KNEE, and COMP) and Stayability EPD (STAY) was FSV (r = 0.16) and for rear limb traits (RHA, RHD, RCS, RSV, RV, and COMP) and STAY was RCS (r = -0.12). This suggests cattle with more slope to the angle of the shoulder and cattle with less evidence of hoof curl may stay in the herd longer. Further investigation into the economic viability of feet and leg trait genetic prediction with a larger population of animals is required to help validate these findings.

Influence of trimming, hoof angle and shoeing on breakover duration in sound horses examined with hoof-mounted inertial sensors.

Aim of the current in vivo, observational study was to investigate the effect of trimming, heel elevation and different types of shoeing on breakover duration (BreakD) with a novel, hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor system. Ten sound, crossbred horses were examined barefoot before and after trimming fitted with an IMU sensor at the dorsal hoof wall. Additionally, application of 5° heel wedges, plain steel shoes, rolled-toe shoes and palmarly-placed quarter-clip shoes was tested. Horses were guided in a straight line on firm ground. Obtained data were speed corrected prior to calculations testing the influence of different manipulations for their significance on BreakD. Trimming had no significant influence on BreakD. Heel elevation caused a significant decrease of BreakD in walk and trot. Shoeing with a plain steel shoe resulted in a significant increase in BreakD in walk. This could be rescinded by creating a rolled toe or placing the shoe palmarly. Obtained results emphasize the use of heel wedges or rolled-toe and palmarly-placed shoes to ease breakover in the context of therapeutic shoeing. Hoof-mounted IMU sensors with high resolution seem to be a practical and valuable approach to accurately examine BreakD and factors influencing this parameter.

The Immediate Effect of Routine Hoof Trimming and Shoeing on Horses’ Gait

Evaluation of the effect of changes in the horses’ feet after routine trimming and shoeing on gait at the trot is needed improve routine foot care. Evaluate changes in foot conformation and gait after routine farriery. Correlate alterations in a horse's gait before and after routine hoof trimming and shoe application. Fifteen horses received routine hoof trimming and horseshoe application. Dorsal and lateral photographs of the right and left front feet and inertial gait analysis at the trot were completed before and after trimming and shoeing. Measurements were made of hoof photos using a calibrated system. Gait and hoof measurements before and after farrier intervention were compared. Hoof measurement changes in relation to gait changes before and after farrier intervention were analyzed for significant associations. Mean medial to lateral coronary band length (P = .02), lateral (P = .01) and medial (P = .03) coronary band height, dorsal hoof wall length (P = .0004), heel length (P = .0002), heel overhang length (P < .0001), palmar coronary band height (P = .01), and hoof angle (P = .03) in each foot were significantly different pre- and post- farrier intervention. There was no statistical difference in the total head and pelvis movement before and after farrier intervention. The difference in the pooled mean of heel length before and after intervention was correlated with difference in maximum head movement (P = .03.) Pooled mean differences for dorsal hoof wall length (P = .04), heel length and heel overhang length (P = .006) before and after trimming were correlated with differences in maximum pelvis movement. Pooled mean differences for heel length (P = .005) and hoof angle (P = .04) before and after trimming were correlated with difference in minimum pelvis movement. Change in hoof conformation due to routine hoof trimming and shoeing does not change the gait in non–lame horses; however, some hoof characteristics measurements are correlated with immediate change in stride parameters. Use of hoof measurements may assist farriers and veterinarians in applying routine hoof care. Further studies could help determine what hoof conformation changes may be helpful to treat lame horses.

Структурные адаптации копытец крупного рогатого скота в условиях современного агроценоза

The article presents the results of studies of anatomical, histological and morphometric characteristics of bovine ungulates aimed at identifying signs of structural adaptation of the distal part of the limb to anthropogenically modeled content conditions. The factors that the hoof experiences are the predominance of static load, the high weight of the animal, and the support on solid soil. As a morphological control, elk is considered as a parrotfish animal with similar body size and weight, located in the conditions of natural biotsenose and moving on forest soils. It is shown that constant presence of cattle in conditions of hypokinesia on hard floors leads to change of limb setting and change of hoof shape, which is reflected in change of hoof shape, increase of hoof angle, ratio of plantar and dorsal hoof surfaces length. At the same time, the biomechanical load is redistributed between parts of the hoof so that the load on the wall increases and on the ball decreases. This may be a factor predisposing the hoof to the appearance of microtraumas, later manifested by laminites.

PSI-35 Foot and hair shedding scores of crossbred cattle grazing native rangeland differ by age group

Abstract Structural soundness is crucial to improve productivity and longevity of beef cattle in rangeland landscapes. In addition, hair shedding scores are utilized to select for heat tolerant cattle. Thus, the objective of this study was to collect data indicative of cattle adaptability to extensive rangeland landscapes in the Cal Poly beef cattle herd. Three trained technicians assigned claw set, foot angle and hair shedding scores. All data were collected over a 2-day period (n = 3 ranch locations) and foot scores were only collected from females (n = 211) that were at least 1 year of age. Each female was assigned a score for foot angle and claw set (1–9, 5 being ideal). A hair shedding score was also allocated (1–5, 1 = 0% winter coat, 5 = 100% winter coat) to both cows and calves of dams assigned to different age groups. Cattle were retrospectively assigned to a group based on age (Young = 2–3 years of age, Moderate = 4–7 years of age, Old = 8+ years of age) and data were analyzed with the main effects of ranch location and cow age group. Ranch location had no impact (P &amp;gt; 0.05) on foot score or hair shedding score. Cow age group had a significant impact (P &amp;lt; 0.01) on claw set, with young cows exhibiting a lower and more ideal foot score. However, cow age had no effect on hoof angle (P = 0.23). Young cows had a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) hair shedding score than their counterparts. Calf hair shedding score was not different (P ≥ 0.23) among dam age groups or ranch locations. Thus, these data indicate that feet and leg structure is compromised as cows age, and younger cows with higher hair shedding scores may lack adaptability to heat stress.

Effect of shoeing conditions on hoof dimensions in Icelandic and Warmblood horses

In Icelandic horses (ICE), high, long hooves with added weights are often used to improve gait quality in competitions. From a biomechanical point of view, excessively long hooves can be problematic as they increase forces acting on the distal limb. The study aimed to determine if hoof capsule size and angle of ICE at competitions are comparable to those of Warmblood horses (WB) requiring shoeing. Hoof dimensions and balance were quantified in 13 horses of each breed at the beginning of a shoeing period (BSP), allowing a baseline comparison between breeds, as well as for WB at the end of a shoeing period (ESP) and for ICE when shod for competition (COMP). Left front and hind hoof capsules and bony structures of the hooves were measured on lateromedial and dorsopalmar/dorsoplantar radiographs at BSP (ICE, WB), ESP (WB) and COMP (ICE), respectively, using the software Metron-Hoof-Pro.Compared to WBBSP, ICEBSP had larger hoof capsules relative to the size of P3 and, when controlled for withers height, longer dorsal hoof wall lengths. The comparison of ICECOMP to WBESP indicated that the relative increase in hoof length and volume was greater in ICECOMP compared to WBESP. Hoof balance was closer to previously published values in WBs, while hoof angles in ICE (particularly palmar/plantar angle of P3) were generally larger and thus less problematic. In conclusion, hooves of ICECOMP were relatively larger and less balanced than WBESP, but hoof angles in WB were smaller than in ICE.

Equestrian and biomechanical perspectives on laterality in the horse

It has been suggested that one of the underlying causes of asymmetrical performance and left/right bias in sound riding horses is laterality originating in the cerebral cortices described in many species. The aim of this paper is to review the published evidence for inherent biomechanical laterality in horses deemed to be clinically sound and relate these findings to descriptions of sidedness in equestrian texts. There are no established criteria to determine if a horse is left or right dominant but the preferred limb has been defined as the forelimb that is more frequently protracted during stance and when grazing. Findings on left-right differences in forelimb hoof shape and front hoof angles have been linked to asymmetric forelimb ground reaction forces. Asymmetries interpreted as motor laterality have been found among foals and unhandled youngsters, and the consistency or extent of asymmetries seems to increase with age. Expressions of laterality also vary with breed, sex, training and handling, stress, and body shape but there are no studies of the possible link between laterality and lameness. In a recent study of a group of seven dressage horses, a movement pattern in many ways similar to descriptions of sidedness in the equestrian literature, e.g. one hind limb being more protracted and placed more laterally than the other, has been documented. The role of innate laterality versus painful conditions, training, human handedness and simply habit remains to be determined. Understanding the biomechanical manifestations of laterality in healthy horses, including individual variation, would yield a potential basis for how laterality should be taken into account in relation to training/riding and rehabilitation of lameness.

Changes in Hoof Shape During a Seven-Week Period When Horses Were Shod Versus Barefoot.

Simple SummaryThis study explored changes in hoof shape related to the application of horseshoes. Past research has indicated that horse hooves change shape in response to gallop exercise, so this study sought to separate the changes due to exercise from changes due to wearing horseshoes. Amongst the most important findings were that proximal (coronary band) hoof circumference decreased more when horses were shod compared to barefoot, and hoof angle decreased when horses were shod but increased when horses were barefoot over a seven-week interval. A better understanding of the relationship between hoof shape and shoeing could help improve horse management practices. This crossover study tested the hypothesis that hoof shape would differ after a seven-week period of horses (n = 11) wearing shoes versus barefoot. An ANOVA appropriate to a crossover design was used to assess the differences in the change in hoof shape over the seven-week period and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results are displayed as the mean difference for horses when shod versus barefoot ± the SEM for the left (L) and right (R) front hooves. Proximal hoof circumference (PHC) decreased when horses were shod and barefoot, but this decrease was greater when horses were shod (L −0.65 ± 0.16 cm; p = 0.0026; R −0.78 ± 0.13 cm; p = 0.0002). Hoof angle increased slightly when horses were barefoot and decreased when they were shod (L −1.70 ± 0.31°; p = 0.0004; R −1.84 ± 0.54°; p = 0.0079). Sole length decreased more when horses were barefoot, but this was only significant for the right fore (R 5.07 ± 1.06 mm; p = 0.0010). Solar circumference increased when horses were barefoot but decreased when shod (L −1.19 ± 0.41 cm; p = 0.0182; R −1.50 ± 0.31 cm; p = 0.0010). This is the first study to show a significantly lower PHC when horses were shod compared to barefoot. The study suggests that shod horses may benefit from a shorter shoeing interval to help mitigate the changes in hoof angle.

Comparison of Clinic - Histopathologic Findings and Morphometric Measurements of Subclinical Laminitic Claws in Dairy Cattle

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinic-histopathologic characteristics and to compare the morphometric measurements of healthy and subclinical laminitic claws of dairy cattle at different ages and weights. Non-lame 60 Holstein feet randomly collected from the slaughterhouse were evaluated. The effects of age, body-weight, claw location (right front lateal or right front medial etc), and presence of laminitis were investigated. The claws‘ conformation were evaluated morphometrically with ten measurements (toe length, toe height, outer and inner edges of the claw, heel height, the length of heel, the length of diagonal front wall, dorsal hoof angle, the width and the length of the sole). The claws were classified as normal or laminitic according to the histopathologic findings. The clinical findings of laminitis was confirmed on 71.2% of the claws (n=66). The toe length, toe height, the height of outer and inner edges of the claw, heel height, the length of heel, the length of diagonal front wall were smaller in laminitic claws. The dorsal hoof angle of healthy claws were bigger and statistically significant than the laminitic claws. Small haemorrhagic areas were determined in the parietal corium in the laminitic claws comparing to macroscopically healthy claws. The histopathologic characteristics of the corium of laminitic claws involve the hyperaemia, haemorrhages, oedema, thrombosis of capillaries and presence of mononuclear cell infiltration in dermis, stretching epidermal lamella, necrosis of epithelial cells and detachment of the lamellar basement membrane. According to this study results, contrary to literature, there was not a reliable relation between some changes in morphological structure of the claws and the presence of the laminitis were observed.

Sagittal plane fore hoof unevenness is associated with fore and hindlimb asymmetrical force vectors in the sagittal and frontal planes.

Asymmetry in forelimb dorsal hoof wall angles, termed unevenness, is associated with forelimb gait asymmetries, but compensatory mechanisms and out of plane ground reaction forces (GRFs) due to unevenness have yet to be documented. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of fore hoof unevenness on contralateral fore and hind limb force vectors patterns, in both sagittal and frontal planes. A group of n = 34 riding horses were classified into four groups: hoof angle difference of more than 1.5 degrees (UNEVEN; n = 27), including higher left fore (HIGH-LF; n = 12), higher right fore (HIGH-RF; n = 15), and hoof angle difference of less than 1.5 degrees (EVEN; n = 7). Three dimensional ground reaction forces GRFs were collected during trotting. GRF summary vectors representing the magnitude (VecMag) and angular direction (VecAng) of the entire stance phase in the sagittal and the frontal plane were calculated. The effects of unevenness on GRF production were explored using linear regression, repeated measures ANOVA and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) with significance at (P<0.05). In all uneven groups, increasing unevenness affected sagittal VecAng values in the forelimbs, with more propulsive GRF in the high hoof. In the HIGH-RF group, medial GRFs were also found in the high RF hoof compared to lateral GRFs in the low LF hoof (RF VecAng: 0.97±1.64 (deg); LF VecAng: -0.64±1.19 (deg); P<0.05). In both HIGH groups, compensatory associations to increasing unevenness were only found in the RH, but also a significantly greater lateral VecAng was found in the LH (P<0.05) compared to the RH limb. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found between hindlimb pairs in the EVEN group. Unbalanced sagittal and increased frontal plane GRFs in uneven horses suggest that they have greater locomotory challenges, as the equine musculoskeletal system is not constructed to withstand movement and loading in the frontal plane as effectively as it is in the sagittal plane.

LIFE-SPAN COWS OF UKRAINIAN BLACK-AND-WHITE DAIRY BREED IS DEPENDING ON LEVEL ESTIMATION OF LINEAR TYPE TRAITS WHICH CHARACTERIZE THE CONDITION OF FEET AND LEGS

Research on assessing the type of first-calf heifers of Sumy interbreed type of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy cattle was conducted by the method of linear classification in a herd of breeding farm Pidlisnivska branch of private stock company "Rise-Maksymko", Sumy region.&#x0D; The descriptive traits of type characterizing condition of cow’s limbs: hock angle, rear legs rear view, hoof angle and locomotion were studied. According to the research results, hock angle affects greatly longevity of the studied cows in the herd. The longest duration of life had the animals estimated in 6 and 5 points by the trait of hock angle. The difference in longevity between the cows estimated in 6 points compared with the groups of animals with assessment of 1 and 9 points, was 252 and 582 days respectively. Animals with elephantine rear legs rear view was used by 330 days longer, compared with the animals of same age with sickle hocks.&#x0D; The results proved a positive effect of rear legs rear view on longevity of the animals. The difference between the animal groups with the highest and lowest scores was 735 days with high degree of reliability (P&lt;0.001).&#x0D; The high influence the trait of hoof angle on longevity of cows was determined. Animals with the highest classification score lived 626 days longer than animals with a score of one point. However, it should be noted that hoof angle had the least impact on longevity among all traits which characterize qualitative condition of hind limbs.&#x0D; The cows with the assessment the trait of locomotion in 9 points lived 737 days longer compared with the animals with a score of one point. In general, assessing the average longevity of the cows of Sumy interbreed type of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed depending on the level of assessment for the trait of locomotion it was established the most durable cows were with a score above 5 points.&#x0D; Studying the relationship between linear estimation of traits which characterize condition of feet and legs at the cows of Sumy interbreed type of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed and their longevity it was found that the cows with high scores for condition of development of these traits would have longer productive use. Therefore, degree of development of the indicators of linear estimation of limbs for their daughters should take into account selecting sires to the herd.