The Development of a Hoof Conformation Assessment for Use in Dairy Goats.

ABSTRACT: The assessment of hoof conformation is important due to its recognized relationship with the biomechanical functionality of the hoof. Hoof conformation can be assessed using objective measures or subjective scores. However, to date, there are limited data using either method in dairy goats. Therefore, the aims were to (1) develop a reliable method of assessing hoof conformation in dairy goats, and (2) compare two aspects of a subjective assessment against corresponding objective measures as a means of validation. A total of 1035 goats contributed photographs across 16 commercial dairy goat farms. Photographs were taken of the left front and left hind hoof in the lateral and dorsal aspect at five assessments across the goats' first two lactations. Hoof conformation was assessed using five s

SUBMITTER: Deeming LE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6912638 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature