Keep your feet: assessing foot structure in sheep and cattle

In primary school, I had a teacher with a tattoo on his foot that read, “Keep your feet.” At the time, as a 10-year-old, the significance of the message was lost on me; my classmates and I were more scandalised by the discovery. But now, years later, the phrase has come to mind, offering wisdom. It’s a reminder to stay upright and steady through challenges.?

Farming, by its very nature, presents no shortage of tough times. Environmental challenges, financial stress and isolation can pile up all at once, particularly during prolonged droughts like those currently affecting parts of the country.?

Keeping your feet becomes a metaphor for staying grounded amidst adversity, emphasising the importance of mental well-being alongside physical and operational resilience. We can weather life’s challenges, just as livestock with sound foot structure are better equipped to navigate the physical demands of their environment.?

The importance of foot structure

Foot structure in livestock is a critical component of successful breeding programs, as foot health directly impacts mobility, longevity and overall performance. Livestock with poor foot structure are more susceptible to lameness, which reduces fertility, impacts weight gain and increases culling rates, all of which impose additional costs on producers. Lameness also raises welfare concerns.?

Genetic selection for improved foot conformation not only enhances flock or herd longevity but also reduces expenses related to veterinary interventions. Structural traits such as hoof angle, claw set and leg alignment are influenced by genetics, meaning that targeted selection can improve these traits over time.

Foot structure EBVs and current research

Estimated breeding values (EBVs) for foot structure traits provide a valuable tool for genetic improvement, though their availability varies across livestock species. In sheep, research is ongoing, and breeders are still waiting for widely available foot structure EBVs.?

In some cattle breeds, such as Angus, these EBVs have been developed and are being successfully utilised. For example, EBVs for traits like foot angle and claw set in Angus cattle have proven effective in selecting for improved mobility and structural soundness. These EBVs are calculated using both phenotypic and genomic data, ensuring greater predictive accuracy.

Research indicates that structural traits like foot angle and claw set exhibit moderate heritability, ranging from 0.16 to 0.37, making genetic progress feasible with targeted selection. As these tools become more refined and widely adopted, they hold the potential to enhance productivity and animal welfare across both sheep and cattle industries.

Foot structure in sheep

Sound foot structure in sheep is essential for animal welfare, productivity and longevity, particularly in environments where stock are prone to foot-related challenges because of wet conditions or uneven terrain. The neXtgen Agri Visual Appraisal Guide outlines several key traits for assessing foot health in sheep.

Front and back foot shape

This trait evaluates the shape of the foot when viewed from the side. Feet should be well-formed to promote mobility and reduce the risk of lameness. Poor foot shape can lead to uneven wear and eventual mobility issues. A well-structured foot will distribute weight evenly, preventing undue stress on any specific part of the foot and reducing the likelihood of deformities or injuries.

Front and back pasterns

Pastern angle is closely linked to structural soundness. Ideal pasterns have a slight angle, providing the right balance between strength and flexibility. Poor pasterns, which may be overly straight or excessively angled, can result in uneven foot wear and predispose animals to lameness. When evaluating pasterns, it is important to look for a slight slope that supports the weight distribution of the animal and offers adequate shock absorption during movement.

Foot roll?

This assesses the degree of rolling in the hoof from a front view. Excessive rolling can increase the risk of lameness and is often a structural fault to be avoided in breeding programs. Feet that roll excessively can place additional stress on the joints, leading to discomfort and potential long-term mobility issues. Minimising foot roll ensures more efficient movement and reduces the likelihood of foot-related injury.

Front foot twist?

Ideally, feet should point directly forward. A twist in the front feet, particularly to an extreme degree, compromises mobility and overall soundness. This twisting may cause uneven stress on the animal’s joints, leading to premature wear or arthritis. It is crucial to assess the alignment of the front feet carefully to ensure they are pointed in the correct direction.

Lameness and footrot?

Lameness and footrot can severely impact productivity, causing weight loss, reduced fertility and, in extreme cases, the need for culling. Selecting animals with strong, well-formed feet and good alignment can reduce the likelihood of lameness issues.

Stepping beyond visual appraisal alone, genetic selection for resistance to footrot and other foot-related conditions is an important move toward improving overall flock health. In New Zealand, breeders can already utilise EBVs for footrot resistance, a tool that we hope will become available in Australia in the near future.?

Foot structure in cattle

The importance of sound foot structure in cattle parallels that in sheep. Traits such as front and rear foot angle, claw set and leg alignment play a pivotal role in maintaining mobility and productivity. The assessment of these traits ensures that animals can withstand the physical demands of grazing, breeding and weight bearing without succumbing to lameness or structural breakdown.

Front and rear foot angle?

These traits assess the pasterns and hoof alignment, focusing on heel depth and pastern strength. Proper angles distribute weight evenly, reducing joint strain and supporting optimal mobility. Ideal hooves should be well-formed with moderate to steep heel depth and strong pasterns (Figure 6). In cattle, the front foot angle should be slightly steeper than the rear foot angle, which helps support the weight distribution as animals move across different terrains.

Front feet claw set?

This trait measures the symmetry and alignment of the claws on the front feet (Figure 7). An ideal claw set features straight, forward-pointing claws with minimal deviation. Improper claw set, such as divergent or scissor claws, increases stress on the hoof, elevating the risk of lameness. Maintaining proper claw set ensures that the hooves wear evenly, preventing uneven pressure points that could lead to joint or hoof issues.

Rear leg hind view?

Evaluating hind leg alignment from the rear perspective ensures straight and symmetrical legs (Figure 8). Conditions like bow-leggedness or cow-hocked alignment can lead to inefficient movement and joint stress. Misalignment of the rear legs can cause uneven gait, leading to additional strain on the joints and increased risk of injury.

Rear leg side view?

This assessment focuses on the angle of the rear legs from the side. A slight angle is ideal for balancing efficient movement and weight distribution. Steep or shallow angles can increase the risk of joint strain and mobility issues. A balanced rear leg angle allows for better movement and support during grazing, breeding and weight bearing.

Keeping your feet: a pathway for livestock breeders

Foot structure is a vital part of any breeding program. By focusing on sound foot structure, livestock breeders can ensure that their animals are well-equipped to handle the physical challenges posed by their environments. There are benefits across the board, from animal welfare to the financial pay offs of greater productivity and reduced costs.

While structural soundness EBVs are not yet available for all livestock breeds, the steps taken by some breeds demonstrate a clear pathway forward. Developing such tools will involve collaboration among breeders, breed societies and researchers.?

In the meantime, livestock breeders can focus on existing assessment practices to inform breeding decisions and prepare for the future. By prioritising foot structure now, breeders can strengthen their operations, ensuring long-term success in the livestock industry.

Finally, keeping your feet is as much about human resilience as it is about structural integrity in livestock. Just as animals with sound foot structure are better prepared to navigate the demands of their environment and thrive, breeders who prioritise structural soundness are setting the foundation for future success.?

Tough times in farming are inevitable but, by staying steady and investing in the right tools and knowledge, breeders can ensure both their animals and their operations remain productive and sustainable. As the phrase goes, “Keep your feet”. Stay steady, stay resilient and step confidently into the future.??

Written by Phoebe Eckermann, neXtgen Agri International

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