ASSESSMENT OF FOOT SCORE TRAITS ON BULL PRODUCTIVITY

The objective of this study was to evaluate foot score guidelines developed by the American Angus Association in correlation to bull fertility. Angus bulls were utilized (n=167) over the course of six years (bulls born in 2014 through 2020) from Angelo State University’s Registered Angus cattle program. Confirmation of the claw set and foot angle were evaluated, receiving a numerical score utilizing the American Angus Association Guidelines. Bull productivity was evaluated as weight measures along with scrotal circumference (measurement of the testes at the largest portion in centimeters) and a numerical scoring method for motility. Pearson Correlation Coefficient analysis was used to compare yearling-age foot scores with productivity traits. Detection of significantly correlated variables (P ≤ 0.05) was observed for recorded weaning weight and yearling weight measures with recorded scrotal circumferences (0.47 and 0.52 respectively). The objective of the study is to evaluate the relationship of foot scores in Angus bulls with scrotal circumference and sperm cell motility. Scrotal circumference and sperm cell motility were lowly correlated with ankle scores of 0.14. The standard error values for scrotal measures with regard to the ankle scores of 3 and 7 was 0.63 whereas the standard error values for scores 4 through 6 range from 0.25 to 0.28. With regard to “marginally unsound” cattle with foot scores of 3 or lower, it is not unreasonable to speculate that these bulls were limited, to some degree, in their movement or skeletal organization and therefore physiologically unable to develop, grow, and perform.