Anatomical measurement of sole thickness in cattle following application of two different trimming techniques

Authors

  • S. R. van Amstel Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, PO Box 1071, Knoxville, TN 37901-1071
  • F. L. Palin Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303-3083
  • J. K. Shearer Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610-0136
  • B. F. Robinson Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303-3083

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol36no2p136-140

Keywords:

anatomy, claws, complications, lameness, soles, thickness, water content

Abstract

Thin soles with complications and lameness have become a major problem in large dairies within the US. The cause is multifactorial, including excessive removal of sole horn during maintenance claw trimming procedures. This study compared sole horn thickness after trimming, using two commonly practiced trimming methods. Cadaver legs were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (non-trimmed group, n=90); group 2 (Dutch Trimmed group, n=66); and group 3 (White Line Trimmed group, n=48). An adaptation of the Dutch trimming method resulted in significantly fewer thin soles as compared to the second method where the white line was used as an appraisal for sole horn thickness.
Cover image of Volume 36, No.2 of the Bovine Practitioner: a photo of the Wisconsin State Capitol taken across Lake Monona at night

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Published

2002-06-01

How to Cite

van Amstel, S. R., Palin, F. L., Shearer, J. K., & Robinson, B. F. (2002). Anatomical measurement of sole thickness in cattle following application of two different trimming techniques. The Bovine Practitioner, 36(2), 136–140. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol36no2p136-140

Issue

Vol. 36, No. 2 (2002 June)

Section

Articles

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