Trends of the claw condition in fattening bulls kept under two defined housing systems and two feeding regimes.

摘要

The development and condition of the claw of fattening bulls kept under an intensive and an extensive housing system and two feeding regimes were compared. The claws were scored four times during the fattening period and the results were compared with data of the fattening performance. Sixty two-month-old bull calves were randomly distributed to four groups: tie-stall system and complete pelleted ration (G1); paddock and complete pelleted ration (G2); tie-stall system and maize silage and concentrate ration (G3) and paddock and maize silage and concentrate ration (G4). Under repeated weight control, the condition of the claws was assessed on day 80, 200, 320 and 450 for pathological changes, using a uniform scoring system. At the beginning, all groups had a claw score at a comparable level. In the second half of the study, the claw condition became significantly worse in the tie-stall group. The feeding at the reported level had no remarkable influence. In terms of average daily weight gain, both paddock groups proved superior. The long lasting confinement on a muddy surface in winter and very hard surface during the dry summer periods had no negative influence on claw soundness in all periods. The tie-stall system led to a worse claw condition. As sufficient natural wear of the claws was observed, no claw trimming was necessary. In bulls kept in an extensive system, high level fattening performances were achieved. Under a tie-stall system for fattening bulls, a decrease in the condition of the claw was observed with increasing body weight.