Comparison of morphometric measurements on sheep and goat claws with shape and dimensions of distal phalanx bones on extremity radiographs

Sheep and goat breeding have an important place in animal husbandry in our country. In this study, it was aimed to determine the claw sizes by morphometric measurements on normal and overgrown claws of pastured and untrimmed sheep and goats. With this information, it is expected to achieve a more accurate idea about the decision and type of claw trimming. In addition, it was aimed to reveal normal variations by determining dorsal wall and sole thicknesses on distal extremity radiographs of sheep and goats. Morphological classification and comparison of the shapes P3 bones was aimed to reveal species differences and contribute to their identification on bone basis. In the study, 88 Saanen goats and 50 Kıvırcık sheep kept at BUÜ Veterinary Faculty Research and Application Farm were used. Dorsal wall length, heel length, diagonal dorsal wall length, solar width and length, axial and abaxial wall heights of the claw, and dorsal wall angle were measured in each animal with the help of callipers. Dorsal wall and solar thicknesses were determined on axio-abaxial radiographs. In addition, 5 different types of extensor process models for sheep and 6 different types for goats and three different dorsal wall shapes were detected. Significant differences were found in almost all the parameters determined on the claws according to the claw location and age groups. The averages of the same parameters according to the location and age groups of normal animals and those with overgrown/deformed claws were determined and reference values were established. Excessive horn growth of the claws occurred in 5.3% of the sheep and in 32.5% of the goats. The shape distribution of extensor process according to the foot was not statistically significant in sheep, but significant differences were found in goats. As a result, the hoof measurements of sheep and goats and P3 shapes differ both from each other and in terms of the location of the claws.