Examinations of the Digit of Slaughtered Bulls in Comparison to their Development in the First Three Month Using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

Development of the bovine claw is still an area of investigation where more information is needed to get a clearer picture of the numerous problems when it has reaches maturity. One tool to measure claw development is dual energy x-rax absorptiometry (DXA). Three years ago, we started this investigation using DXA to describe the development of the horn capsul in new born calves of different sexes and breeding lines. In addition, the whole body or body regions were analysed for the amount of fat tissue, lean tissue, bone mineral content and bone mineral density. Thus, measurements of skeleton growth and bone density of the claw region in hind and fore claws have been done. The first 18 bulls originating from this previous study have finished their second year and went to the slaughterhouse. This analysis compares the data of the first ...