Study on Hoof Growth Pattern in Sheep to Find Proper Indices of Hoof Trimming

Hoof trimming of sheep is a relatively skill based practice that have been done in some sheep in case of indoor housing or hoof diseases. Proper knowledge of the hoof growth pattern in mature and young sheep could make valuable clues for doing hoof trimming. This current anatomic study on ovine hoof was done to find growth pattern and weight bearing surfaces of the ovine hoof. Fore and hindlimbs of 15, two years old slaughtered ewes were selected. Hooves were incised saggitally by an electric saw and toe height to ground and to the solar surface, heel height, sole length, toe length, toe length to the sensitive tissue, sole thickness in toe and heel region (mm) were measured. Toe angle mathematically measured from toe height and toe length, and toe to heel height were measured as well. Results were compared by t-test in different limbs and digits. Toe angle were significantly different in forelimbs (55.09 ± 8.1) and hindlimbs (50.43 ± 6.9) and heel height was significantly different (30.2 ± 3.3, 23.6 ± 4.4) in the fore and hind limbs respectively ...