Which digits are the weight-bearing digits in the bovine claw, forming the medial and lateral claws?

• A. Third and Fourth digits (medial and lateral claws)
• B. First and Second digits
• C. Second and Third digits
• D. Fourth and Fifth digits

Answer: (A)

In cattle, most of the body weight is transmitted through the two central digits, the third and fourth. These two digits form the medial and lateral claws, which are the weight-bearing claws of the bovine hoof. The other digits (the second and fifth) exist as dewclaws and do not bear significant weight, which is why the weight-bearing pair is specifically the third and fourth digits.