| Application Dept. |
Department of Animal Science |
| Principal Investigator |
Yi-Chun Lin, Assistant Professor |
| Project Title |
Cow Claw Model: Advancing General and Functional Trimming Practices and Replacing Animal Experimentation |
| Co-Principal Investigator |
Distinguished Professor Wen-Jea J. Tseng- Department of Materials Science and Engineering Associate Professor Chien-Kai Wang, Department of Animal Science |
| Co-Investigator |
Professor Peng-Wen Chen, Department of Veterinary Medicine |
| Abstract |
Based on statistics, lameness is one of the primary reasons for the involuntary culling of dairy cows in Taiwan. Not only does it significantly impact the production efficiency of dairy cows, but it can also cause serious harm to animal welfare. The global prevalence of lameness in dairy cows ranges between 17% and 35%, with over 90% of cases caused by hoof lesions, highlighting the importance of hoof trimming. Traditionally, hoof trimming requires specialized knowledge and practical experience. Direct training on live cattle presents multiple challenges, including the difficulty of obtaining training animals, the variability of site conditions, and the unpredictability of cattle behaviour. Therefore, this project aims to develop a hoof-trimming model to assist stockpersons and veterinary students in mastering hoof-trimming skills. The technical focal points in developing the hoof module include ensuring the accuracy of anatomical structure and relative position, designing materials to closely match the hardness and toughness of real cow hooves, and incorporating replaceable modules to cater to various teaching needs. This educational hoof model is useful for education and training and serves as a platform for research and development, advancing studies and innovations in hoof health care. It aligns with policies on the welfare of experimental animals. The uniqueness and functionality of this model are expected to attract international attention, meeting the needs of global livestock and veterinary schools and fostering international cooperation and exchange. Ultimately, this project will contribute to enhancing the standard of animal health care and education and lay the foundation for developing more professional animal teaching modules in the future. |
