Three Adaptions to the Functional Trimming Method

Veterinarians and claw trimmers throughout the world routinely use the functional trimming method developed by Raven (1985). Our field research indicates three modifications to functional trimming procedures may decrease the incidence of lameness and increase the longevity of dairy cows.
First, a dorsal wall angle of 48° is the widely accepted standard; however, our observations show a steeper angle, greater than 52°, allows the claw to function more correctly. The steeper claw angle may retain the integrity of the digital cushion, reducing the onset of claw horn lesions.
Second, initial functional trimming guidelines discussed sparing the heel of the medial claw but did not specify an ideal length of the flat portion of the medial claw sole surface. We found that trimming the flat sole surface equal to the length of the dorsal wall and sole thickness combined (80mm), stabilized the medial claw, increased the dorsal wall angle, and spared the heel to a greater degree.
Third, original functional trimming guidelines dictate equal modeling of the medial and lateral claws. Our field assessments indicate modeling the lateral and medial claws at a ratio of 2:1, respectively, reduces the plantar surface area of the lateral claw and shifts the primary impact from the typical area to the abaxial wall. This reduces ...