Frictional properties of cattle hooves and their conformation after trimming

The conformation of the hooves of nine heifers obtained from an abattoir was measured and their coefficient of static friction (mu) was determined for movement in forward, backward and sideways directions. The hooves were trimmed by the Dutch method and their conformation and p were measured again. Trimming increased mu, and decreased the length of the digit and the angle between it and the floor. The value of mu was considerably greater for movement in a forward or backwards direction than sideways. The relationship between the value of mu for sideways movement and hoof conformation was examined by using 52 lower limbs from a variety of cattle breeds. Although mu was greater for Belgian blue than other cattle breeds, there were no relationships between mu and hoof conformation, including a measure of the roughness of the sole.