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Foot and Leg Scores: Difference between revisions
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A number of hoof, foot and limb attributes may be suitable for genetic evaluation. Several studies include the use of conformation data scored separately for front and rear leg phenotypes (Jeyaruban et al. 2012; Giess et al. 2018). Scores taken for hoof, foot, and limp attributes are typically taken at yearling age, but can also be evaluated annually on mature cows. | |||
Hoof, foot and leg scores should be gathered using a subjective measurement on a 1-9 scale, with the optimum falling in the middle of the scale. A visual rubric is helpful in identifying proper phenotypes (Australian Angus Association. 2016; American Angus Association. 2018).<ref>Australian Angus Association. 2016. Collecting Structural Soundness Scores. https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/content/uploads/2016/11/CI_Yearlings-4.pdf (Accessed October 1, 2019)</ref><ref>American Angus Association. 2018. Foot Score Guidelines. https://www.angus.org/performance/footscore/footscoreposter.pdf (Accessed September 30, 2019)</ref> | |||
It is recommended that breed associations establish a minimal set of phenotypes that can be routinely scored and meet the improvement objectives of the breeders. It is recommended, at a minimum, breed associations collect claw set/shape and foot/hoof angle using a 1-9 rubric. | |||
===Hoof Claw Shape:=== | |||
Hoof claw shape is described as the relative size and curvature of the lateral and medial claw on an individual hoof where the distance between claws serves to indicate the level of divergence. A score on the low end of the scale represents an extremely weak, open and divergent claw set, where a score on the high end represents an extreme scissor or corkscrew claw with noticeable curling of one or both claws. It is recommended to score the worst hoof. | |||
===Hoof Angle:=== | |||
Hoof angle is measured as the degree of angularity from the toe and the base of the hoof to the base of the coronary band. Heel depth plays a significant role in hoof angle. A score on the low end of the scale represents an extremely straight and rigid pastern and hoof, where a score on the high end represents an extremely shallow heel and long claw, which is commonly associated with weak pasterns. It is recommended to score the worst hoof. | |||
===Adjusted Value=== | ===Adjusted Value=== | ||
Revision as of 19:25, 22 October 2019
Quality foot and hoof structure in beef cattle favorably contribute to the longevity of beef cows and bulls by reducing voluntary culling due to poor or malformed feet or involuntary culling due to injury or lameness. Seedstock and commercial beef producers have long recognized the importance of foot/hoof soundness. However, unlike type trait evaluation in the dairy industry, recommendations for the appraisal and genetic evaluation of feet and leg structure in beef cattle have only recently been explored.[1][2][3]
Phenotype
A number of hoof, foot and limb attributes may be suitable for genetic evaluation. Several studies include the use of conformation data scored separately for front and rear leg phenotypes (Jeyaruban et al. 2012; Giess et al. 2018). Scores taken for hoof, foot, and limp attributes are typically taken at yearling age, but can also be evaluated annually on mature cows.
Hoof, foot and leg scores should be gathered using a subjective measurement on a 1-9 scale, with the optimum falling in the middle of the scale. A visual rubric is helpful in identifying proper phenotypes (Australian Angus Association. 2016; American Angus Association. 2018).[4][5]
It is recommended that breed associations establish a minimal set of phenotypes that can be routinely scored and meet the improvement objectives of the breeders. It is recommended, at a minimum, breed associations collect claw set/shape and foot/hoof angle using a 1-9 rubric.
Hoof Claw Shape:
Hoof claw shape is described as the relative size and curvature of the lateral and medial claw on an individual hoof where the distance between claws serves to indicate the level of divergence. A score on the low end of the scale represents an extremely weak, open and divergent claw set, where a score on the high end represents an extreme scissor or corkscrew claw with noticeable curling of one or both claws. It is recommended to score the worst hoof.
Hoof Angle:
Hoof angle is measured as the degree of angularity from the toe and the base of the hoof to the base of the coronary band. Heel depth plays a significant role in hoof angle. A score on the low end of the scale represents an extremely straight and rigid pastern and hoof, where a score on the high end represents an extremely shallow heel and long claw, which is commonly associated with weak pasterns. It is recommended to score the worst hoof.
Adjusted Value
Contempory Group
Genetic Evaluation
Usage
- ↑ Jeyaruban, G. B., B. Tier, D. Johnston, and H. Graser. 2012. Genetic analysis of feet and leg traits of Australian Angus cattle using linear and threshold models. Anim. Prod. Sci. 52:1-10.
- ↑ American Angus Association. 2017. Foot Score Guidelines. http://www.angus.org/performance/footscore/footscorebrochure.pdf. (Accessed September 30, 2019)
- ↑ Giess, L. K.; Jensen, B. R.; Weaber, R. L.; Bormann, J. M.; and Fiske, W. A. (2018) "Feet and Leg Traits are Moderately to Lowly Heritable in Red Angus Cattle," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 4: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.7533
- ↑ Australian Angus Association. 2016. Collecting Structural Soundness Scores. https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/content/uploads/2016/11/CI_Yearlings-4.pdf (Accessed October 1, 2019)
- ↑ American Angus Association. 2018. Foot Score Guidelines. https://www.angus.org/performance/footscore/footscoreposter.pdf (Accessed September 30, 2019)
