The Bagpipe - American Highland Cattle Association

6
GENETICS AND SELECTION
Uneven Claw Size
Ideally, the two claws should be close to the same size, although slight irregularities in size are of little or no
concern.
Spread Toes (Splayed Toes)
Spread or splayed toes result from a weakness of the tendons between the toes. The claws are pushed
apart which stresses the soft tissue, leading to cracks which may become inflamed. Interdigital granuloma
(corns) may also be formed. Sieber et al. (1986) reported splayed toes to be moderately heritable.
Steep Pasterns and Weak Pasterns
Steep pasterns place stress on the skeleton because the shock absorbing ability of the front limb is reduced. This is
generally considered to be a more serious defect in all species of livestock than slightly weak or “soft” pasterns. Based
upon Swiss and German research as well as a 1983 survey of 19 member countries, the World Simmental Federation
(WSF) established guidelines for several structural traits. The drawing below suggests that a slope of 54º is considered
to be average (x), “normal” or “ideal”. The notation, x + s, represents the average + one standard deviation, a range
within which 68% of the animals are found in a normally distributed population. As shown below, this range for the
pastern slope would be 35º to 73º. The notation, “HB”, together with the dotted line, indicates the suggested limit for
acceptance into the herd book. The range of acceptability for pastern slope was determined to be from 35º to 75º.
STEEP PASTERN
WEAK PASTERN
54º 73º 75º 80º
Normal X+S HB
54º 35º HB 30º 25º 20º
Normal X-S
Shallow Heels
As shown in the figure on the following page, the WSF used the ratio of length of toe to depth of heel to establish
guidelines for the latter trait. For the front limb, the normal or ideal ratio is 1.7 and the acceptable limit is 3.5. For the
hind limb, the ideal is 1.9 and the acceptable limit is 3.5.
Splay-Footed (Toed-Out)
WSF guidelines for the splay-footed condition are shown on the following page. This defect is usually associated
with knock knees. An angle of 10º is considered normal or ideal, and the acceptable limit was set at 40º. However, some
countries, notably Australia, felt that 30º should be the maximum tolerable angle.
Pigeon-Toed (Toed-In)
The pigeon-toed condition is not as common as the splay-footed defect. However, it can be a more serious problem
when it becomes extreme. It is usually associated with a base narrow stance and uneven weight distribution on the
outside claw. When pigeon-toed animals move, they often wingout or “roll” on their front end.
Cracked Hooves
Cracked hooves can result in lameness that may require treatment. It is usually not observed in younger cattle
unless they have been foundered.