Pressure Distribution under the Hoofs of Trimmed Dairy Cattle Compared to Untrimme

The distribution of pressure applied at the weight bearing surface of claws during the stance phase was assessed in 14 cows, both before and after trimming. Pressure measurements of front and rear feet were collected from mature Holstein cows using a pressure sensitive film system Matscan ? (Tekscan Inc.). Baseline data were collected prior to trimming from each cow during a single stride. Claws were visually trimmed and balanced according to the method of Toussaint Raven for evaluating the effect, if any, on pressure distribution within and between the claws of each foot. The middle point within the stance phase (mid-stance) of front limbs and rear limbs of the cows was selected for the analysis. The distribution of pressures for un-trimmed and trimmed claws within four pre-selected regions were compared. The analysis was done using a mixed model for repeated measurements from SAS? and tested for variations in pressure distribution within claws between the two groups. There was a ...