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

Abstract

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