Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanical indices of hoof horn and their association with length measurements and lesion score. The feet of 185 culled sows from three Greek farms (A: 57 sows; B: 64 sows; C: 64 sows) were used. A slice from the dorsal wall of each claw was used to assess by a three-point bending test the Young’s modulus, yield stress and aximum stress values. The available data from a companion study (part 1) on the length measurements and lesion scores of the claws were used to reveal possible relationships. The Young’s modulus values were significantly higher (p < 0.001 or p < 0.01 depending on location of claw) in the sows of farm C compared to those in sows of farms A and B and in sows of farm B compared to those in the sows of farm A. Yield and maximum stress values were significantly higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001 depending on the location of the claw) in the sows of farm C compared to those in the sows of farm A and in the sows of farm B compared to those in the sows of farm A. An increase in heel-sole length decreased all mechanical indices. Young’s modulus and yield stress were associated with wall lesion severity while maximum stress with wall and heel lesion severity. Overall, we conclude that mechanical efficiency deteriorates as length and lesion score increases.
Highlights
The hoof, a distinctive feature of ungulate mammals such as horses, cattle and pigs, is a horny capsule composed of keratin that encloses the distal end of the second phalanx, the distal phalanx, and the navicular bone [1]
The mean values (±standard deviation (SD)) of Young’s modulus, yield stress and maximum stress of medial and lateral claws of each foot of sows from the three farms are shown in Tables 1–3, respectively
Young’s modulus values were lower by on average 14.21 units (p = 0.005, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.20; 24.22) in hooves with a wall lesion score 2 compared to those with no lesions and lower by on average 11.05 units (p = 0.011, 95% CI: 2.52; 19.60) in hooves with wall lesion score 2 compared to those with wall lesion score 1
Summary
The hoof, a distinctive feature of ungulate mammals such as horses, cattle and pigs, is a horny capsule composed of keratin that encloses the distal end of the second phalanx, the distal phalanx, and the navicular bone [1]. The hoof has evolved to fulfil protective and mechanical functions [2]. Hoof quality is a complex and multidimensional concept that encompasses a diverse range of morphometric, macroscopic, histological and mechanical aspects [4]. A good quality hoof should combine the desirable characteristics of normal growth, sufficient strength and stiffness and adequate resistance to damage and lesions [5]. The shape and geometry of the hoof is closely related to its mechanical behavior [6] A good quality hoof should combine the desirable characteristics of normal growth, sufficient strength and stiffness and adequate resistance to damage and lesions [5]. 4.0/).
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