The Effect of Moisture, Freezing and Sample Shape on the Punch Resistance and Elastic Modulus of the Bovine Sole Horn

The morphology and mechanical properties of the equine and bovine hoof horn such as hardness, elastic modulus, bending stiffness and fracture toughness were described in detail in several studies (Kasapi and Gosline, 1996; Kasapi and Gosline, 1997; Collins et al., 1998; Hinterhofer et al, 1998; Baillie et al.; 2000). Hoof keratin is modelled as a fibre reinforced composite material consisting of microfibrils embedded in an amorphous, nonfibrous matrix, formed by globular proteins. The keratinised cells are further organised into either tubular structures or intertubular material, forming a macro scale composite (Kasapi and Gosline, 1997). Most tests however were performed on morbid samples. The aim of the experiment was to set up a punch test to be used on hoof slivers collected from live dairy cows. Factors that could have an influence over the test results, such as moisture of the samples, sample dimensions and storing conditions were tested. The moisture content of the hoof horn has been found to influence the mechanical properties of the hoof horn (Collins et al., 1998; Hinterhofer et al, 1998; Baillie et al.; 2000) ...