The answer is the modern dairy industry still has not recognized
the requirements for the hoof to function “normally.” Despite
all the advances in technology promoting animal productivity
through cow comfort – such as barn stall design, ventilation,
water supply, etc. – lameness has become the number one animal
welfare issue for the dairy industry. In order for the cow’s
hoof to function normally, certain requirements are needed.
These are: genetics allowing adequate feet and leg structure,
sound nutrition and minimal stress. The most important, though,
is an environment that will allow the sole of the hoof to shed,
enabling the outer walls to wear, creating a functional shape to
provide the animal a comfortable gait. There are three
components to the claw itself. The outer walls, being hardest
and weight-bearing, absorb the least amount of moisture. The
white line that binds the sole to the outer walls is weakest and
absorbs the most amount of moisture. Finally, the sole, which is
medium for both strength an