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Foot and Leg Scores: Difference between revisions
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Animals should be evaluated on dry, hard, level ground under good lighting. Observers should have a clear and unobstructed view of the animal’s feet and should observe the animal while standing still. Animals should not be evaluated in a chute or other restraint. | Animals should be evaluated on dry, hard, level ground under good lighting. Observers should have a clear and unobstructed view of the animal’s feet and should observe the animal while standing still. Animals should not be evaluated in a chute or other restraint. | ||
''BIF recommends that | ''BIF recommends that organizations establish a minimal set of phenotypes that can be routinely scored and meet the improvement objectives of the breeders. BIF recommends, at a minimum, organizations collect claw set/shape and foot/hoof angle using a 1-9 rubric.'' | ||
====Hoof Claw Shape:==== | ====Hoof Claw Shape:==== | ||
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====Scorer/technician training or certification==== | ====Scorer/technician training or certification==== | ||
Some breeders may feel unequipped or undertrained to provide a reliable and consistent evaluation of these phenotypes. ''BIF recommends that | Some breeders may feel unequipped or undertrained to provide a reliable and consistent evaluation of these phenotypes. ''BIF recommends that organizations develop a standardized rubric or scoring criteria based on the information provided in these Guidelines''. Images illustrating each category of the phenotype are useful in both training and routine observation to provide a consistent application of the scoring system. It may be useful to provide hands-on training events at expositions or field days to assist breeders in skill set development. Further, online training modules may prove useful. | ||
===Adjusted Value=== | ===Adjusted Value=== | ||
Revision as of 12:41, 23 October 2019
Quality foot and hoof structure in beef cattle favorably contribute to the longevity of beef cows and bulls by reducing voluntary culling due to poor or malformed feet or involuntary culling due to injury or lameness. Seedstock and commercial beef producers have long recognized the importance of foot/hoof soundness. However, unlike type trait evaluation in the dairy industry, recommendations for the appraisal and genetic evaluation of feet and leg structure in beef cattle have only recently been explored.[1][2][3]
Phenotype
A number of hoof, foot and limb attributes may be suitable for genetic evaluation. Several studies include the use of conformation data scored separately for front and rear leg phenotypes [1][3]. Scores taken for hoof, foot, and limb attributes are typically taken at yearling age, but can also be evaluated annually on mature cows.
Hoof, foot and leg scores should be gathered using a subjective measurement on a 1-9 scale, with the optimum falling in the middle of the scale. A visual rubric is helpful in identifying proper phenotypes.[4][5]File:FootandLeg.png
Animals should be evaluated on dry, hard, level ground under good lighting. Observers should have a clear and unobstructed view of the animal’s feet and should observe the animal while standing still. Animals should not be evaluated in a chute or other restraint.
BIF recommends that organizations establish a minimal set of phenotypes that can be routinely scored and meet the improvement objectives of the breeders. BIF recommends, at a minimum, organizations collect claw set/shape and foot/hoof angle using a 1-9 rubric.
Hoof Claw Shape:
Hoof claw shape is described as the relative size and curvature of the lateral and medial claw on an individual hoof where the distance between claws serves to indicate the level of divergence. A score on the low end of the scale represents an extremely weak, open and divergent claw set, where a score on the high end represents an extreme scissor or corkscrew claw with noticeable curling of one or both claws. BIF recommends to score the worst hoof.
Hoof Angle:
Hoof angle is measured as the degree of angularity from the toe and the base of the hoof to the base of the coronary band. Heel depth plays a significant role in hoof angle. A score on the low end of the scale represents an extremely straight and rigid pastern and hoof, where a score on the high end represents an extremely shallow heel and long claw, which is commonly associated with weak pasterns. BIF recommends to score the worst hoof.
Animals to evaluate
Phenotypes should be collected on yearling bulls and heifers evaluating all animals in the contemporary group. Cows and bulls may also be evaluated annually. It is suggested to collect these records while collecting other mature animal phenotypes such as mature weights or heights. Breeds may adopt reporting strategies to gather this information coincidental to other phenotypes (yearling weights or mature weights) or breeders may submit this data independently. Animals should be evaluated prior to any foot or hoof trimming.
Scorer/technician training or certification
Some breeders may feel unequipped or undertrained to provide a reliable and consistent evaluation of these phenotypes. BIF recommends that organizations develop a standardized rubric or scoring criteria based on the information provided in these Guidelines. Images illustrating each category of the phenotype are useful in both training and routine observation to provide a consistent application of the scoring system. It may be useful to provide hands-on training events at expositions or field days to assist breeders in skill set development. Further, online training modules may prove useful.
Adjusted Value
No adjustments factors have been developed for foot and leg scores.
Contempory Group
Genetic Evaluation
Usage
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Jeyaruban, G. B., B. Tier, D. Johnston, and H. Graser. 2012. Genetic analysis of feet and leg traits of Australian Angus cattle using linear and threshold models. Anim. Prod. Sci. 52:1-10.
- ↑ American Angus Association. 2017. Foot Score Guidelines. http://www.angus.org/performance/footscore/footscorebrochure.pdf. (Accessed September 30, 2019)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Giess, L. K.; Jensen, B. R.; Weaber, R. L.; Bormann, J. M.; and Fiske, W. A. (2018) "Feet and Leg Traits are Moderately to Lowly Heritable in Red Angus Cattle," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 4: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.7533
- ↑ Australian Angus Association. 2016. Collecting Structural Soundness Scores. https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/content/uploads/2016/11/CI_Yearlings-4.pdf (Accessed October 1, 2019)
- ↑ American Angus Association. 2018. Foot Score Guidelines. https://www.angus.org/performance/footscore/footscoreposter.pdf (Accessed September 30, 2019)
