Effect Off Two Finishing Systems on Claw Characteristics in Beef Steers

formation and loss of horn tissue as well as variation in horn quality become more important in animal production as confinement time increases. Abrasive and hard surfaces such as concrete increase the rate of horn wear and thus, new horn of high quality must replace the worn horn or animal performance will be affected (Hahn et al., 1986). Description of claw characteristics under “natural” conditions on pasture and its comparison to adaptation on concrete and a high grain diets may help the understanding of the nature of claw disorders. Horn growth and abrasion form the shape of the claw. Bovine claw shape can be also characterized by dorsal wall length, sole surface area and sole thickness. Differences in shape between lateral and medial claws determine the balance of the foot. The pathogenesis, location, and severity of lameness lesions appear to be dependent on biomechanical interactions of the claw structures and weight distribution within the claw and between the medial and lateral claws.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect ...