1999 Volume 52 Issue 7 Pages 421-426
Fourty-seven cattle (11 heifers, 11 first-calf heifers, 13 second-calf cows and 12 mature cows) housed in a cubicle system one week after calving, were examined for changes in the hind claws at one month intervals two months before to three months after calving. All the feet were trimmed at two months before calving. The abaxial wall of the outer claw increased in length and the weight bearing surface of the inner claw decreased in area significantly at two months after calving, resulting in a distinct difference between the inner and the outer claw shape. A high prevalence of the white line defect and heel erosion was detected at calving and persisted up to 3 months postcalving. Sole haemorrhage was most prevalent two to three months after calving, being significantly higher at the outer claw. The occurrence of foot diseases seemed to be due to the subclinical sole lesions and lost effects of the hoof trimming after calving.
