Sep 20, 2018
Beef Conformation: Hooves
*This is an excerpt from Beef Conformation Basics, ANR-1452.
The hoof is one of the more complex aspects to consider when evaluating structural soundness. Problems with the hoof, such as excessive or uneven toe growth, may be caused by genetic, nutritional, or environmental factors or may be indicative of other concerns the animal may face structurally. The ideal hoof is free of cracks and other abnormalities and has two symmetrical claws that both point forward. The hoof shown in Figure 1 is an example of good structure in regard to symmetry and toe alignment. Adequate attention should also be paid to the amount of heel depth because cattle with too much angle to their hocks and pasterns can be very shallow in the heel. The hoof should be dense and able to support the weight of the animal without cracking, as this can lead to lameness.
Another condition to look out for when evaluating the hoof is corkscrew claw, or screw claw, which is the twisting of the toe in a way that places the side wall of the hoof in direct contact with the ground. Sometimes the condition begins to show itself with the toes pointing inward instead of forward. The feet shown in Figure 2 exhibit the classical symptoms of this disorder, which is usually seen in cattle more than 2 years old. It can affect all hooves or be present in just one hoof. Although the mode of inheritance is not completely understood, this disorder is believed to be a heritable trait. The condition can lead to lameness due to improper distribution of weight within the toe. Cattle with this disorder should be culled and eliminated from the herd as soon as possible.
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*This is an excerpt from Beef Conformation Basics, ANR-1452.
The two points of reference to be aware of in evaluating the hip are the hooks and pins. Both points are identified in Figures 16 and 17, with the pins being the point beneath the tail head. Although some breeds, such as those influenced by Brahman genetics, are less likely to be level, the ideal beef animal would be nearly level from hooks to pins. Although it is not always the case, a level hip normally equals a longer, more muscular hip if for no other reason than length itself. Also, a level hip is normally considered more eye-appealing. As the hip becomes less level, it can become shorter and be associated with other issues such as cattle having their hind legs placed too far beneath them.
Some producers have defended cattle with a minor slope from hooks to pins by saying these cattle have an advantage when it comes to calving and expelling afterbirth. As long as the slope is not extreme, not much compromise is made in regard to structural correctness.
One of the more problematic arrangements of the hip can be found when cattle are higher at their pins than at their hooks. In females, this can lead to problems with calving and expelling afterbirth. Although the calving problem is only expressed in females, breeding bulls exhibiting this characteristic should be selected against as well in order to not perpetuate the characteristic.
*This is an excerpt from Beef Conformation Basics, ANR-1452.
From the front, cattle whose hooves are faced forward are ideal. The steer shown in figure 14 is a good example of both hooves pointing directly forward. Much as it is with the hind legs, some angle in the outward direction is acceptable, and any angle of 10 degrees or less is accepted as normal. Functionality of the front end is normally not compromised until the outward turn approaches 30 degrees or more. Cattle with this condition are commonly referred to as being splay footed. Cattle that are splay footed can usually also be classified as being knock kneed. Figure 15 is a good example of a heifer having both of these conditions.
Another condition in beef cattle concerning the front limbs occurs when the front hooves point inward toward each other. Cattle exhibiting this condition are said to be pigeon toed. This condition is rarely seen and is detrimental to the functionality of the forelimbs.
*This is an excerpt from Beef Conformation Basics, ANR-1452.
When evaluating beef cattle from the rear, hooves of the animal should point forward. However, that is not the case in a large number of beef cattle. In many instances, the hooves of the hind legs turn outward instead of pointing forward. Cattle with this condition are commonly referred to as being cow hocked. The hocks are also usually turned inward and can be closer together than the hooves in some extreme cases. In milder cases, cattle are unhindered in terms of normal productivity. The steer shown in Figure 12 is slightly cow hocked but would be considered normal, as anything less than a 10-degree angle is considered as normal. In some extreme cases, this condition can result in uneven toe growth and wear. Cattle more extreme in this condition are usually very light muscled as is the heifer shown in Figure 13.
Less commonly seen in beef cattle is the condition known as bowleggedness. This term is used to describe cattle whose hooves are pointed inward on their hind limbs. Though this term may also be used to describe a similar condition in the front limbs, it usually describes cattle that are farther apart at the hocks than at their hooves. This condition is considered more serious in terms of inhibiting proper mobility and is far less common in comparison to the cow-hocked condition.