Investigation of Manure-Induced Physicochemical Changes of the Claw Horn in Dairy Cattle

Concentration of minerals in the hoof horny capsule of healthy and lame dairy cows

“…Phosphorus concentrations did not differ between the groups (P=0.416) and Penev et al (2014) found no relationship between hoof hardness and concentration of this macroelement in the horny tissue, even though Baggott et al (1988) reported higher hoof wall resistance in animals with higher phosphorus concentrations. Casagrande (2013) concluded that cows with high serum phosphorus concentrations exhibited healthier and stronger hooves, which was related to greater keratin synthesis.…”

“…Analysis of mineral concentrations in horny tissues of dairy cows can provide objective indexes of metabolic health and foot strength assessment (PENEV et al, 2014). Some changes in the mineral profile of animals in this study require clarification; as stated by Baggott et al (1988), we must consider not only changes in mineral concentration, but also cell disorders, pathological changes, poor absorption of these components in the diet, and even metabolic disorders.…”