The effect of herd characteristics on claw disorders and claw measurements in Friesians

Effects of management and herd characteristics on claw disorders and claw measurements were studied. Data were collected on Friesian heifers in 81 herds with freestalls. Disorders were sole lesions (pododermatitis) and infections (dermatitis interdigitalis).The least squares means for herd effects from genetic analyses were analysed for effects of management factors: level of concentrates, days required to reach maximum level of concentrates after calving, ration components, herd production average and formalin footbath. Herd characteristics involved with claws were also studied: housing before and after calving and pasturing.Correlations among disorders and measurements at the herd level were low. Disorders were only affected by the barn floor type after calving. An increase in concentrates and the use of a formalin footbath were associated with longer claws. Cows housed on a combination of a slatted and a flat floor after calving (nearly all outside feeding systems) had shorter claws. Deeper heels were found in herds feeding a high amount of concentrates and in herds with high production averages.Managemental and environmental factors have to be studied in detail under field conditions before their effects can be clarified.