Characterisation of white line degeneration in sheep and evidence for genetic influences on its occurrence

摘要: Shelly hoof in sheep occurs when the wall becomes detached from laminar corium; it often then impacted with debris leading to infection, pain and lameness. The problem of shelly is under-reported confused classical footrot. A study was conducted using data on 9,169 Blackface Texel 22 farms UK. aim estimate prevalence these breeds, quantify genetic basis hoof, describe a pilot trail characterise physical properties horn Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). results showed that has high (47% for 24% ewes) under moderate control (h2 = 0.3). TEM images fragmented dorsal horn, microscopic crevices deeper into accompanied by bacteria other micro-organisms. invasion facilitated separation cells characteristic ‘un-zipping’ phenomenon, poor attachment keratin cell membranes, membrane quality ‘lace-chain’ effect incomplete keratinisation cells.