On the Mechanical Behavior of Bovine Hoof Horn

The mechanical behavior of bovine hoof horn was evaluated using a newly developed process that utilizes micro-tensile specimens. The purpose of the study was to quantify variations in the mechanical properties of hoof horn between specific regions of the sole and to validate new methods for studying the potential influence of environmental and physiological factors on mechanical properties of the bovine claw. Tensile specimens comprised of Zones 4 and 6 of the sole, as well and the wall and white line were excised from both the medial and lateral claws of the hooves from mature Holstein cows. After extraction the specimens were either fully dehydrated (0% moisture) or saturated (100% moisture) and then subjected to uniaxial tension to failure. It was found that both the elastic modulus and proportional limit strength of the hoof horn were unique within the individual regions evaluated. Preliminary findings indicate that the sole in Region 6 exhibits the lowest elastic modulus and strength. However, the influence of moisture on the mechanical properties was far greater than regional variations ...