The Angus Journal is a monthly magazine known for in-depth coverage of American Angus Association programs and services; the Angus business; herd management techniques; and advertising reflecting genetics herd philosophies.
Issue link: http://angusjournal.epubxp.com/i/435083
140 � ANGUSJournal � January 2015 T he American Angus Association is now accepting hoof scores in anticipation of developing an expected progeny difference (EPD) to assist in selection decisions, Dan Moser told cattlemen gathered for the breed improvement breakout session at the Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show Nov. 4-6, 2014, in Kansas City, Mo. "Folks are making signifi cant investment in your genetics, and they expect them to last," he noted, pointing out that proper hoof structure plays a signifi cant role in an animal's longevity. Moser encouraged those in attendance to start collecting and submitting hoof scores as he unveiled a foot- scoring system the Association will use to evaluate the trait in Angus cattle. "Our goal is to come up with a simple system that characterizes the cattle well enough that we can build tools to help with your decision-making in the future," said Moser, who serves as president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and director of performance programs for the American Angus Association. Moser said two main issues have been identifi ed: (1) foot angle, or set to the pastern; and (2) claw set. Cattle that don't have the proper pastern set often tend to have shallow heels, he noted. As they sit back on their heels, they don't get as much wear on their toes, so the toes tend to grow out. This can cause lameness in especially the rear limbs, though the front limbs can be affected, too. Problems with claw set often show up as scissor or corkscrew claws in which the toes don't stay separated and sometimes curl in, even crossing in some cases. Moser said this more often affects the front feet, but can occur with the back feet, as well. "Those are real issues that impact soundness of cattle," Moser emphasized, noting that the Association intends to develop EPDs that will assist producers in evaluating seedstock for their ability to propagate sound hoof structure. Your data needed Developing that selection tool depends fi rst on gathering data, said Moser, adding that the Association is building the framework to collect that information for use in future evaluations. Emphasizing that doing so is strictly voluntary, he encouraged Angus breeders to submit foot scores on two traits — foot angle and claw set, scoring both on a 1-to-9 system, where 5 is the ideal. He offered diagrams used by the Australian Angus Association to illustrate the scoring system, noting that educational materials from the American Angus Association would soon be forthcoming (see Figs. 1 and 2). Looking at foot angle, Moser explained, the ideal to score a 5 would have a 45° angle to the pastern. Animals that are extremely weak in the pastern, very shallow in their heel and extremely long on their toes would score a 9. "Animals that are extremely straight in their front end and up on their toes, having no set to their pastern, would be a 1," Moser said, noting that you don't see very many 35 Keys to Success Seedstock & Genetic Selection Solid Footing American Angus Association to start collecting hoof scores to generate expected progeny differences. Story & photos by Shauna Rose Hermel, editor @ "Folks are making significant investment in your genetics, and they expect them to last," noted Dan Moser, pointing out that proper hoof structure plays a significant role in an animal's longevity.