Kinetic effect of different ground conditions on the sole of the claws of standing and walking dairy cows

Abstract

For the first time, we analyzed the direct kinetic effects of concrete and rubber flooring on the soles of live dairy cows' claws while standing and walking. Ten adult dairy cows were equipped with foil-based pressure sensors (HoofSystem, Tekscan Inc., Boston, MA) under their left hind leg using a leather claw shoe. These sensors captured parameters of pressure distribution and vertical ground reaction forces while the cows walked on the 2 tested flooring types. The mean pressure was 15.1 to 21.1% lower on rubber flooring compared with concrete; mean pressure values (± standard deviation) were 36.32 ± 7.77 N/cm 2 for static measures and 57.33 ± 11.77 N/cm 2 for dynamic measures. We observed an even more obvious relief on rubber flooring in the maximum pressure loads, which were 30.1 to 32.7% lower on rubber flooring compared with concrete; mean pressure values (± standard deviation) were 98.79 ± 14.49 N/cm 2 for static measures and 150.45 ± 20.87 N/ cm 2 for dynamic measures). The force-time curves of the dynamic measures essentially showed biphasic curve progression, with local peaks at 29 and 79% of the stance phase. However, we found considerable differences in curve progression between individuals and between the lateral and medial claws, which may be verified in further investigations with more animals. The study showed a noticeable reduction in mechanical load during standing and walking on rubber flooring compared with concrete.

Technology applications in bovine gait analysis: a scoping review

“…They typically come in the form of walkway plates and mats that allow animals to walk over or stand on them. However, one study developed an insole pressure system by attaching a sensor-equipped shoe (a leather claw shoe) to the cow’s left hind claw to measure kinetic outputs for both standing and walking conditions (61).…”

“…They typically come in the form of walkway plates and mats that allow animals to walk over or stand on them. However, one study developed an insole pressure system by attaching a sensor-equipped shoe (a leather claw shoe) to the cow's left hind claw to measure kinetic outputs for both standing and walking conditions (61). Pressure mapping systems had considerable variation in dimensions, ranging from 24.6 × 24.6 cm (I-Scan system to assess static pressure distribution of only the left hind foot) to 61 × 488 cm (Gaitwise system to capture more gait cycle steps for lameness detection purposes).…”

Impact of Gait and Diameter during Circular Exercise on Front Hoof Area, Vertical Force, and Pressure in Mature Horses

“…The walk having the greatest pressure is driven by the inclusion of the area and vertical force in the calculation of pressure. Most studies utilizing the Tekscan Hoof System for gait analysis have done so at the walk [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 32 ] or trot [ 31 , 33 , 34 ]. The Tekscan sensors may not be able to record data as accurately when speed increases for gaits such as the canter or even a faster trot.…”

“…The space in which straight-line exercise was recorded was 25 m in length. Multiple recordings have previously been suggested for exercise protocols utilizing sensors such as this to gain a mean of the desired outputs [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Each horse was recorded three times at both the walk and trot traveling in a straight line the length of the indoor arena.…”

Identifying cow – level factors and farm characteristics associated with locomotion scores in dairy cows using cumulative link mixed models

“…The soft, frictional properties of grass sod help cows increase their stride length and to walk confidently [105]. Weight is distributed more equally between both claws when walking on soft grounds as they can sink into the ground during locomotion rather than coming to a sudden halt as on inelastic, hard surfaces [106,107]. Previous research has supported the hypothesis that pasture access is beneficial to locomotion and lameness dynamics [108].…”