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150. Much lameness in cattle results from lesions in the outer claw of the hind foot. This feature may be linked to the foot and leg conformation of the cow, although other factors such as horn quality may be involved. However, breeding companies and farmers are increasingly paying more attention to the conformation of legs and feet in an attempt to reduce any predisposition to lameness. Work has shown that the daughters of some bulls are much more likely to suffer foot lameness than those of others.
151. Subject to the recommendations at paragraphs 40 and 41, breeding companies should pay special attention to the selection of cattle with good feet and legs so as to reduce the risk of lameness. This may require the collection and processing of more on-farm data to aid better choice of breeding animals.
152. Sire selection should take account of good linear assessment scores for foot depth and angle and straightness of legs. Replacements should not be bred from cows or sires with a history of severe clinical lameness or badly deformed feet and legs.
153. Bulls should be culled if their offspring have a poor record of foot health and conformation, even though they may be genetically superior in other traits.