Overgrown hooves from muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) of Kangaarsuk (Kap Atholl) Northwest Greenland. Technical Report No. 41

In 1986, 7 muskoxen (5 females, 2 males) were introduced to Kangaarsuk/Kap Atholl
(76° 19’ N, 69° 22’ W), Qaanaaq municipality, Northwest Greenland. Hunting has never
been allowed. This 1998 study focused primarily on the overgrown hooves of muskoxen at Kap Atholl. Also noted or studied were fat reserves, horn growth, mandible
measurements and tooth wear.
14 Kap Atholl muskoxen were collected on 16 & 17 April 1998; 6 adults, 7 sub-adults
and 1 yearling. One female was 13 years old; being one of the original animals introduced to Kap Atholl. Hooves on all adults were severely overgrown, e.g., fore hooves
25 to 49 cm long. Hooves on sub-adults were longer than expected, e.g., fore hooves 15
to 27 cm long. Normal adult and sub-adult fore leg hoof length is 16.1 ± 2.0 cm (n = 32).
Severely overgrown hooves on the 4 adult bulls did not appear to impede locomotion
on the hard surfaced snow. Veterinary examination of animals did not reveal any pathogenic cause for the deformed hooves.
Kap Atholl muskoxen have large body size, excellent teeth and good body condition.
They also have dry flaky horns. What causes the deformed overgrown hooves has not
been shown, nor any reason for the dry flaky horns. The overgrown hooves and dry
flaky horns are likely the result of a common cause. The responsible factor(s) remains
to be identified, candidates include, 1) high concentrations of a nutrient in the vegetation, 2) lack of locomotion and abrasion, and 3) a possible genetic inbreeding defect.