Functional and corrective claw trimming

The biomechanics of weight bearing in dairy cows, combined with modern feed ing practices and housing systems common to intensive dairy production, oft en lead to claw horn overgrowth and overburdening of the lateral claw of re ar and medial claw of front feet. Lf not corrected, overburdening predispos es to claw disorders, particularly sole ulcers and white-line disease. The purpose of functional trimming is to correct claw horn overgrowth, thereby reestablishing appropriate distribution of the cow's body weight within and between the claws of each foot. The objectives of claw trimming are to cor rect lesions of the claw capsule by adjusting weight bearing and to remove loose and damaged claw horn tissue. Properly applied, the principles of fun ctional and corrective trimming are effective measures for treatment, contr ol, and prevention of lameness disorders.