The Bagpipe - American Highland Cattle Association

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SHALLOW HEEL FORE HEEL HIND HEEL a b a/b = 1.7 2.5 3.0 3.5 HB 4.0 a b a/b = 1.9 2.8 3.0 3.5 HB 4.0 Turned out front end: splay-footed and knock-need (WSF) 10º 20º 30º 40º 50º Normal HB Soft Hooves Dense, tough feet wear better than porous, soft feet. Many livestock breeders believe that dark hooves are tougher than light-colored hooves. However, research by Pflug (1978) showed that pigmentation is not related to density. He reported that traits such as moisture content and microstructure (number and diameter of tubules) of the horny wall of the hoof are the primary factors affecting strength. Summary of Foot Problems If any of the foot defects discussed above are severe enough in a yearling animal to prevent the toes from making solid contact with the ground and wearing normally, he may experience real problems later on. If they are only slight to moderate, he should perform satisfactorily (Blockey 1981). In a summary of South African Simmental cattle, Massman (1986) reported that foot and pastern problems accounted for 6% of the cattle that were rejected by inspectors for registration in the herd book. 7
8 GENETICS AND SELECTION THE HIND & FORE LIMBS The Hind Limb The hind limb of the ideal animal should exhibit the following characteristics: 1. Acceptable set to the hock, as viewed from the side. 2. Straight hind legs, as viewed from the rear. In South African Simmental herds, hind leg problems are the biggest single reason (15%) for the rejection from the herd book (Massman, 1986). Common defects of the hind limb are discussed in the following sections. Post-Legged (Straight Hocks) The post-legged condition is perhaps the most serious skeletal defect in beef cattle, especially in bulls. Post hind legs are often associated with steep pasterns. In severe cases, the animal is apt to become arthritic in any one or all of the joints of the hind limb - hock, stifle or hip (Blockey, 1981). In a study on the pathogenetic relationship between straight hocks and the genetic defect, spastic paresis, Rieck & Leipold (1964) measured the hock angle of over 200 cattle. The average angle was 143º. Animals affected with spastic paresis showed an angle in excess of 158º. As a result of this and other research, the WSF developed guidelines for the angle of the hock joint. The range of acceptability was from 120º to 155º, with an ideal of 140º. In contrast, the ideal hock joint angle for the horse is 175º, which would be much too straight for the bovine. Results of inadequate angulation: posty hind legs, puffy hocks, steep pasterns, steep shoulder, buck knees and small feet. Sickle-Hocked The sickle-hocked condition is a serious problem if it reaches extreme proportions, especially when associated with weak hind pasterns. Severe sickle hocks have been reported to impair the serving capacity of bulls (Blockey, 1981). Cow-Hocked The cow-hocked condition is relatively common but seldom has a detrimental effect on function. In extreme cases, it can result in a long, flat outside claw on the hind feet. Bow-Legged The bow-legged condition is not as common as cow hocks but is more serious than the latter. It is associated with a base narrow stance and a disproportionate amount of weight on the outside claw, often resulting in rolled or corkscrew claw. Extreme cases may result in puffy hocks and lameness. Front Limb A steep shoulder reduces the shock absorbing ability of the front limb. It may also cause a short choppy stride and reduce the animal’s ability to move long distances in extensive range country. When combined with buck knees and steep pasterns, the problem becomes more serious. Guidelines for the slope of the shoulder have not been established in cattle. In the horse, the ideal slope appears to be about 51º. The shoulder of the bovine should probably be no steeper than that of a horse. Buck-Kneed (Over at the Knees) A correct animal’s knee should be straight up and down and in line with the forearm and cannon. A knee that pitches forward of a line perpendicular to the ground is said to be buck-kneed. This is a very minor defect that has little or no effect on function. In fact, in animals confined to concrete feedlots, calf knees may possibly work to their advantage because it could have a cushioning effect and thereby reduce stress on the front limbs.
Page 2 and 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS BREED CHARACTERIS
Page 4 and 5: Hardiness was also affected followi
Page 6 and 7: BOVINE SKELETON VERTEBRAL COLUMN 1.
Page 10 and 11: Knock-Kneed This is a common defect
Page 12 and 13: Bowed Legs, Base Narrow, etc. It sh
Page 14 and 15: GENETICS 101 Scott Barao, Ph.D. Ove
Page 16 and 17: Heritability - Heritability is the
Page 18 and 19: thus can recover nutrients efficien
Page 20 and 21: Monitoring the Animals Producers ca
Page 22 and 23: The following table (taken from the
Page 24 and 25: WINTER FEEDING William Lipsey Weane
Page 26 and 27: Glossary Dry Matter: The actual dry
Page 28 and 29: REPRODUCTION CALVING TIME Making su
Page 30 and 31: the shoulders and chest through the
Page 32 and 33: Feeding Colostrum Colostrum in the
Page 34 and 35: ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION VS. NATURAL
Page 36 and 37: MANAGEMENT BASICS FOR HIGHLAND OWNE
Page 38 and 39: 4. Buy livestock from known sources
Page 40 and 41: The next step is to undertake the p
Page 42 and 43: A MINIMUM HERD HEALTH PROGRAM FOR A
Page 44 and 45: 2. Have your veterinarian palpate c
Page 46 and 47: ZEALAND FARM: The calves are weaned
Page 48 and 49: TREATMENT OF CALF SCOURS Pat White,
Page 50 and 51: It is a common mistake to give the
Page 52 and 53: species. Another vaccine is given o
Page 54 and 55: CONTROL AND RESTRAINT Ted Millen, D
Page 56 and 57: mean no interference. All cattle ow
Page 58 and 59:
going to go with a wood floor, I su
Page 60 and 61:
MARKETING AND PROMOTION FARM DIRECT
Page 62 and 63:
4. Contact the local health authori
Page 64 and 65:
6. Final Checklist Farm Direct Mark
Page 66:
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The Bagpipe - American Highland Cattle Association

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