Thin Soles and Lameness

Thin soles and the resulting lameness are often associated with losses from increased culling rates in large dairy operations, but this also occurs in the small dairy. Moisture content may cause softening in the sole horn, predisposing it to an increase in wear. The rear lateral claw is the most affected due to its weight bearing function.

The protective function of the claw capsule is based on adequate sole thickness of roughly 7mm in the area of the toe. Sole thickness is a function of the rate of growth vs. the rate of wear, both of which are affected by several factors. Rates of wear have been associated with concrete surfaces, poor cow comfort, commingling of animals, poor horn quality, poor stock, and claw horn moisture. Of the above, claw horn moisture may be the most important, as prolonged water contact of the claw horn occurs in many dairy operations due to flush systems used to manage manure or from the water used in sprinkler systems to clean udders or to reduce heat stress.

The lateral claw of the rear leg is commonly more severely affected with thin soles than other claws. (Contusion of the corium of the sole is an important cause of lameness in confinement conditions and contributes to excessive sole horn wear.) The front claws are larger and have thicker soles compared with the rear claws. This results in lower moisture levels in the outer sole horn layers. Also, dairy cows often stand with their front legs on bedding and hind legs in the alleyway, where they are constantly exposed to moisture from manure and urine.

It is important to keep up a regular maintenance-trimming program with accurate records to help your dairy keep ahead of this potential problem. When possible try to reduce standing water, and improve the housing of your herd if you observe your cows not taking advantage of their bedding. When in doubt block up any affected claw to minimize down time for the cow.