Frictional properties of cattle hooves and their conformation after trimming

The conformation of the hooves of nine heifers obtained from an abattoir wa s measured and their coefficient of static friction (mu) was determined for movement in forward, backward and sideways directions. The hooves were tri mmed by the Dutch method and their conformation and mu were measured again. Trimming increased mu, and decreased the length of the digit and the angle between it and the floor. The value of CI was considerably greater for mov ement in a forward or backwards direction than sideways. The relationship b etween the value of mu for sideways movement and hoof conformation was exam ined by using 52 lower limbs from a variety of cattle breeds. Although mu w as greater for Belgian blue than other cattle breeds, there were no relatio nships between mu and hoof conformation, including a measure of the roughne ss of the sole.