Characterizing Foot and Leg Scores for Montana's Registered Angus Cattle.

The objective of this study was to characterize foot angle and claw set scores of Montana's (USA) registered Angus cattle using a total of 4723 cattle scored: 1475 yearling bulls, 992 yearling heifers, 1044 2- and 3-year-old cows, and 1212 cows ≥ 4 years old. Yearling bulls had a 0.12 and 0.20 greater mean foot angle and claw set score, respectively, compared to yearling heifers (p < 0.01). Foot angle and claw set scores increased (p < 0.01) with advancing cow age. The combined worst foot changed quadratically with age (p < 0.01) with the majority of problem feet in cows aged 2 to 3 years and older being hind feet issues. The proportion of foot angle and claw set scores not equal to 5 increased quadratically with age (p < 0.01), with heifers having the lowest proportion of scores not equal to 5 (15.8 and 31.7%, respectively) compared to cows aged 4 years and older. Sire lines had an effect on progeny claw set (p < 0.05) and foot angle scores (p < 0.05), as well as variation of progeny foot scores. These data could potentially be used to refine expected progeny difference models.

Importance of Foot and Leg Structure for Beef Cattle in Forage-Based Production Systems.

Understanding the relationship of foot angle and claw set to beef cattle structural soundness will be critical to the selection of animals that fit forage-based production systems. In an effort to address concerns about foot and leg structure, the American Angus Association's foot angle and foot claw set expected progeny differences (EPD) were developed in 2019. As a result, these relatively new EPD and associated guidelines have limited phenotypic data submitted thus far. While ample research has evaluated lameness and foot issues in the dairy breeds, less is known about the factors that affect foot structure in beef cattle. This review focuses on beef cattle foot and leg structure, selection factors that may have led to increased problems with feet and legs, and the importance of foot and leg structure in forage-based grazing production systems. Specifically, the importance of locomotion and freedom of movement in extensive rangeland environments is discussed relative to the current literature. In addition, environmental factors that may influence foot and leg structure are addressed as well as heritability of various aspects of foot and leg traits. Where possible, information gaps and research needs are identified to enhance further investigation and the improvement of foot and leg selection tools.