Locomotion, lameness, hoof and leg traits in cattle - I. Phenotypic influences and relationships

Four hoof traits (foot angle, heel depth, length of dorsal border and diagonal) and locomotion were recorded on a herd of 157 cows at monthly intervals in order to investigate the phenotypic influences on these traits and their development over time. In addition, information on udder size, rear leg side view (RLSV), milk production and management was also collected. Hoof traits recorded on only one claw of one rear foot were found to give a representative picture of both claws on both rear feet. Based on correlation coefficients, heel depth was the least, and diagonal the most adequate trait to describe hoof shape. All claw traits and locomotion showed variation between years and were influenced by seasonal factors as well as the age of the animal, with the exception of foot angle. The phenotypic correlation between locomotion and the other traits varied, depending on the data preparation and chosen data subsets, but it was generally small. The most noticeable relationship was found between locomotion and RLSV. Locomotion deteriorated considerably after the start of the housing season but reached a constant level after 10 weeks. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.