Gait biomechanics and digital growth and weight bearing pattern in dairy cows

Lameness is one the most important problems in dairy herds and a major cause of financial loss and pain and discomfort to animals. Different surveys have revealed that most lameness causing lesions in cattle originate in the claw and in order to better understand the claw disorders, one has to have good understanding of the anatomic structure, horn characteristics, and biomechanics of the claw. The claw is a direct product of the underlying living tissue and different factors affect the rate of horn growth and wear. Here, we aim to review the different factors effecting the horn growth and wear, weight bearing, and biomechanics of the claw.