What anatomical feature causes a hog to appear "buck-kneed"?

A hog appears "buck-kneed" primarily due to a shoulder that is positioned too far forward. This anatomical feature changes the angle of the front leg, resulting in a knee that looks excessively straight or protruding. When the shoulder is too far forward, it creates an unnatural alignment in the leg structure, causing the joints to appear more prominent and leading to the characteristic "buck-kneed" look.

This condition can affect the animal's mobility and overall structure, influencing both performance and evaluation in a breeding program. A proper shoulder placement is essential for balanced conformation, health, and functionality in hogs.

The other options may relate to conditions affecting a hog's health or appearance, such as imbalanced hooves, which can lead to other joint problems, excess fat that could hinder movement, or overgrown nails that may affect walking, but they do not specifically create the buck-kneed appearance. The shoulder placement is the direct cause of the buck-kneed look.