Contents and Composition of Ceramides in the Bovine Hoof Horn from Normal Cows and Cows with Subclinical Laminitis

Hoof disease is one of the most serious problems in the dairy industry. It leads to reductions in milk yield and fertility and to shortening of productive life. Hoof disease can be caused by various factors, including housing, behavior, genetics, infective agents and nutrition. A strong and intact horn shoe (stratum corneum) is required for the protection of the claw's soft tissues and for maintenance of the biomechanical function of the claw. Lipids are a component of cell membranes and are present in the intracellular space of the claw epidermis in cattle. It is known that these lipids are important for both water retention and barrier function in the stratum corneum of human skin. Water content of the claw horn was found to be closely related to the horn hardness. Hardness is ...