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The hooves of the main digits curve medially towards each other.  The lateral digit carries more weight than the medial digit, and is larger.  On the abaxial wall, the distal border makes contact with the ground along its entire length, whereas, on the axial wall, only does so toward the toe.  The thickness of the wall increases towards the apex and the plantar surface.
 
The hooves of the main digits curve medially towards each other.  The lateral digit carries more weight than the medial digit, and is larger.  On the abaxial wall, the distal border makes contact with the ground along its entire length, whereas, on the axial wall, only does so toward the toe.  The thickness of the wall increases towards the apex and the plantar surface.
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The horn of the hoof generally grows at a rate of 5 mm per month, and cattle allowed to move freely, growth should equal wear.  In intensively kept cattle, growth exceeds wear, and foot trimming is required to maintain optimal shape and angle.  The optimal angle of the toe from the ground is 50 degrees.
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The horn of the hoof generally grows at a rate of 5 mm per month, and in cattle allowed to move freely, growth should equal wear.  In intensively kept cattle, growth exceeds wear, and foot trimming is required to maintain optimal shape and angle.  The optimal angle of the toe from the ground is 50 degrees.
    
'''Dewclaws''' are present in most ruminants but do not make contact with the ground.  They consist of wall and bulb and have no practical importance.
 
'''Dewclaws''' are present in most ruminants but do not make contact with the ground.  They consist of wall and bulb and have no practical importance.
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