[Is there a lasting effect of functional claw-trimming on claw conditions?].

The influence of regular claw-trimming on the occurrence and prevalence of claw disorders was examined on a total of 164 dairy cows (Simmental, Red Friesian, Holstein Friesian). Ten dairy farms in the Austrian province of Salzburg were used for this study. Three examinations of the claws were carried out with an interval of six months in between to find out claw disorders. The results were recorded according to a claw scoring system. The claw scores were in the range of other studies using the same scoring system. The median of the claw scores at the beginning of the study was 27 in the tied stall group compared with 37 in the loose housing group, remaining at that level in the first group and falling to 25 in the second group. All in all, the positive effect of regular claw trimming was more pronounced in the loose housing group than in the tethered housing group.