HIP AND REAR LEGS The hind leg and all its structural parts bear the weight of the rear portion of the sheep and are used to propel it forward when in motion. As such the weight is aligned evenly under and supporting the pelvis above. When joint angles are optimal, the joints receive minimal stress and function as designed. This allows the sheep to move freely. The images below show how the rear leg should be positioned under the pelvis. Deviations from ideal often result in shortened longevity, lameness and limited utility over the life span of the sheep.
COW HOCKED Hock joints set close behind affecting longevity and joint stress. The hocks should not rub or touch each other and should therefore be spaced adequately to allow for free unhindered movement.
SICKLE HOCKED
HIGH FLANK
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Extreme hock angle putting excessive strain on the hock joint and reducing longevity.
Associated with lack of body capacity needed for high production. hoof wear and longevity.
BOWED REAR LEGS Hocks deviate outward affecting longevity and hoof wear.
STRAIGHT HOCKED Or post
SHORT ROUND RUMP Small pelvis that may relate to lambing concerns.
legged, affects joint flexibility resulting in joint pain and reduced longevity.
VISUAL DESCRIPTIONS OF HIP AND REAR LEG STRUCTURAL ISSUES BY COMPARISON THESE ARE ADDITIONAL ALIGNMENT IMAGES OF THE REAR LEG AS VIEWED FROM VARIOUS ANGLES:
COMPARISON OF PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE REAR LEG (REAR VIEW) AND THE USUALLY SEEN DEVIATIONS THAT SHOULD BE SELECTED AGAINST:
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1. Wide, square, rear leg placement. A plumb line dropped from the pin bones to the hock intersects directly through the middle of the foot to evenly distribute weight.
2. Hocks turned inward, stance is narrow and feet turn outward, uneven weight distribution on the foot.
3. Narrow based, hocks
4. Bow legged, hocks turn outward, uneven weight distribution on the foot.
spaced too close together causing interference on the move.
COMPARISON OF PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE REAR LEG (SIDE VIEW) AND THE USUALLY SEEN DEVIATIONS THAT SHOULD BE SELECTED AGAINST:
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1. Rear leg profile correctly aligned. A plumb line dropped from the pin bone touches the front of the hock and intersects the foot in the middle. Joint angle allows for flexibility and even weight distribution.
2. Sickle hocked, weak rear leg rear leg often associated with a sloped rump and sore hocks as the leg is set under the body.
3. Post legged hock that is too straight and lacks flexibility. This puts great strain on the hock joint due to the jarring movement of the limb in motion.
4. A weak rear pastern, dew claw is dropped, heel is shallow and toes grow long and can be swollen and painful over time.
Weak Pasterns Causes joint pain, excessive heel wear and severely reduces longevity.
ANATOMY OF THE FOOT Note that for ease of viewing this foot has the toes separated. The ideal foot will have space between the bulbs of the heel and the toes will
ANATOMY OF THE HOOF A properly trimmed foot or one that wears naturally on a structurally correct sheep will look like this at the bottom of the foot. The heel is deep and the toes short. When trimming a foot it is the hoof wall that can grow out of shape and need reshaping.
meet at the front. Open toed sheep will tend to get foreign bodies lodged between the toes causing pain and lameness.
IDEAL MOVEMENT The limbs described allow for free, flexible, pain free movement that rewards with longevity and freedom from lameness. A free moving, long- strided sheep will reach forward with its front foot on the ground, as far forward as its nose on profile. It will meet the track of its front foot with its hind foot. Its top will remain level and spine will show flex and lack of stiffness. Weight will be distributed evenly on all four feet and the sheep will stand squarely on all four corners.
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