Bovine Horn Research Articles

Patho-morphological and Immunohistochemical Studies on Bovine Horn Core Carcinoma

Background: An investigation was carried out on twelve clinical cases of neoplasm of horn in Durg, Dhamtari and Rajnandgaon districts of Chhattisgarh, suspected of bovine horn core carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma) revealed the cytology, pathomorphology and immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of Pan-cytokeratin (Pan- CK), p53 gene, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p16 gene in tumourous growth at horn in bovines. Methods: In this field-laboratory investigation conducted during January to June 2022, we explicate the cytological, pathological and immunohistochemical alterations in bovine horn core carcinoma from 12 tissue samples. Cytological studies includes special papaniculaou staining and immunohistochemistry was performed through Benchmark automated staining system. Result: Eight out of 12 cases (66.66%) were confirmed as SCC of horn on the basis of histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Papanicolaou staining revealed variation in shape and size of cells and altered nuclear details. Grossly unilateral large cauliflower like neoplastic growth at the base of the horn was observed. Differentiation of tumours were based on histopathology and Immunohistochemistry. Well differentiated SCCs (n=4; 50%) were characterized by severe keratinization of horn epithelium with concentric arrangement forming keratin pearls also called as “cell nests”. Moderately differentiated SCCs (n=2; 25%) characterized by small keratin pearl formations and mitotic figures. Poorly differentiated SCCs of horn (n=2; 25%) revealed absence of distinctive keratin pearls although deep invasion from primary site was observed. Tissue samples revealed strong immunohistochemical staining of Pan-CK, p53 and EGFR and negative to p16. Highest immunohistochemical expression was observed in Pan-CK which confirmed the tumours were of epithelial origin and EGFR immunoexpression was confirmatory for malignancy and degree of metastasis.

A pioneering method to identify bovine horn trophy: A combined morphometric and DNA-based approach in wildlife forensics

We describe a protocol for identifying wild versus domestic bovid horns using multidisciplinary approaches for implementing applicable wildlife laws. We used DNA and morphometry methods to identify four wild and two domestic bovid species from horn trophies. It helped in testing a horn trophy suspected from a wild buffalo that was seized by authorities and sent to us for species identification. Two measurements, circumference at the base (CAB) and length on the front curve (LOFC), were measured for the seized and different bovids horns. The three-dimensional (3-D) scatter plot, generated by the values of CAB, LOFC and CAB/LOFC, differentiated the different bovid species into distinct clusters and placed the seized horn in the proximity of domestic water buffalos. The Bayesian evolutionary analysis of the partial D-loop gene (521 bp) placed the seized horn in a clade with swamp buffalos, which are considered domestic. Hence, the morphometric and the DNA analyses showed consensus in concluding that the seized horn originated from a domestic buffalo. The current protocol may differentiate between wild water buffalo, wild yak, guar, takin and domestic water buffalos (river and swamp). It may also help address the illegal wildlife trade of different bovid species at national and international levels.

Innovative application of magnetically modified bovine horn as a natural keratin resource in the role of value-added organocatalyst.

This study presents the conversion of bovine horn powder (BHP) as an available and low-cost waste material to a value-added highly recyclable catalyst. This green catalyst was prepared through the immobilization of BHP, as a natural keratin resource, on the magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The successful preparation of the catalyst was fully investigated using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopies as well as field emission scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and thermogravimetry. The catalytic efficiency of the prepared magnetic organocatalyst was evaluated in the synthesis of a large series of amide derivatives through the solvent-free transamidation reaction of different amides and amines with yields of 75–96%.

Studies on prevalence, predisposing factors and microscopic evaluation of bovine horn cancer

Studies on prevalence, predisposing factors and microscopic evaluation of bovine horn cancer

Molecular portrait of squamous cell carcinoma of the bovine horn evaluated by high-throughput targeted exome sequencing: a preliminary report

BackgroundSquamous Cell Carcinoma of horn, also known as horn cancer, is a prevailing type of cancer in cattles especially Bos indicus. It is one of the most prevalent disease in Indian bullocks often resulting in death and huge economic losses to farmers. Here, we have reported the use of targeted exome sequencing to identify variants present in horn cancer affected horn mucosa tissue and blood of the same animal to identify some of the prevalent markers of horn cancer.ResultsWe have observed higher number of variants present in tissue as compared to blood as well as among cancer samples compared to samples from normal animals. Eighty six and 1437 cancer-specific variants were identified among the predicted variants in blood and tissue samples, respectively. Total 25 missense variants were observed distributed over 18 genes. KRT8 gene coding for Keratin8, one of the key constituents of horn, displayed 5 missense variants. Additionally, three other genes involved in apoptosis pathway and two genes involved in antigen presentation and processing also contained variants.ConclusionsSeveral genes involved in various apoptotic pathways were found to contain non-synonymous mutations. Keratin8 coding for Keratin, a chief constituent of horn was observed to have the highest number of mutations. In all, we present a preliminary report of mutations observed in horn cancer.

Soft palatal wound associated with dental avulsion: an exceptional consequence of a bovine horn blow in children

Introduction: Palatal wounds in children as a result of a bovine horn blow have rarely been observed in adults and almost never in children. They are serious and can lead to fatal complications. Dental injuries by bovine horn are also rare. Observation: This study presents the unpublished case of an 11-year-old child who developed a soft palate penetrating wound associated with traumatic loss of the lower incisors as a result of a bovine horn blow. The surgical outcomes were positive. Comment: This type of childly bovine trauma is common in rural African agricultural areas. Dental trauma probably served as a mitigator to the soft palate trauma thus avoiding an associated injury of the hard palate and a contusion of the internal carotid artery. Although, there is a consensus among practitioners on leaving palate wounds to heal spontaneously, we chose a debridement and a suture because of the severity of the wound and the potential risk of turning into an oral-nasal fistula. Conclusion: The potential severity of palate and dental damage from bovine horns should lead to dehorning of cattle for better protection of children in rural agriculture.

Transcriptomic comparison of primary bovine horn core carcinoma culture and parental tissue at early stage

Aim:Squamous cell carcinoma or SCC of horn in bovines (bovine horn core carcinoma) frequently observed in Bos indicus affecting almost 1% of cattle population. Freshly isolated primary epithelial cells may be closely related to the malignant epithelial cells of the tumor. Comparison of gene expression in between horn’s SCC tissue and its early passage primary culture using next generation sequencing was the aim of this study.Materials and Methods:Whole transcriptome sequencing of horn’s SCC tissue and its early passage cells using Ion Torrent PGM were done. Comparative expression and analysis of different genes and pathways related to cancer and biological processes associated with malignancy, proliferating capacity, differentiation, apoptosis, senescence, adhesion, cohesion, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and metabolic pathways were identified.Results:Up-regulated genes in SCC of horn’s early passage cells were involved in transporter activity, catalytic activity, nucleic acid binding transcription factor activity, biogenesis, cellular processes, biological regulation and localization and the down-regulated genes mainly were involved in focal adhesion, extracellular matrix receptor interaction and spliceosome activity.Conclusion:The experiment revealed similar transcriptomic nature of horn’s SCC tissue and its early passage cells.

Anisotropic nanomechanical properties of bovine horn using modulus mapping.

Bovine horns are durable that they can withstand an extreme loading force which with special structures and mechanical properties. In this study, the authors apply quasi-static nanoindentation and modulus mapping techniques to research the nanomechanical properties of bovine horn in the transverse direction (TD) and longitudinal direction (LD). In quasi-static nanoindentation, the horn's modulus and hardness in the inner layer and the outer layer demonstrated a gradual increase in both TD and LD. Laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed microstructure in the horn with wavy morphology in the TD cross-section and laminate in the LD cross-section. When using tensile tests or quasi-static nanoindentation tests alone, the anisotropy of the mechanical properties of bovine horn were not obvious. However, when using modulus mapping, storage modulus (E'), loss modulus (E″) and loss ratio (tan δ) are clearly different depending on the position in the TD and LD. Modulus mapping is proposed as accurately describing the internal structures of bovine horn and helpful in understanding the horn's energy-absorption, stiffness and strength that resists forces during fighting.

Preparation and characterization of keratin-based biosheet from bovine horn waste as wound dressing material

The preparation of a skin substitute with improved mechanical property and biocompatibility is needed for the advancement of tissue engineering. This is a first time report on the extraction of keratin (HK) from bovine horn and its use in the preparation of a composite biosheet by blending with chitosan (CH). The prepared biosheet exhibited better thermal and mechanical properties. Surface morphology revealed that the biosheet supported fibroblast cell attachment, and this result was corroborated with the MTT assay. Sustained release of the mupirocin (MP) from biosheet was observed during in vitro drug release studies. The enhancement of cell adhesion and proliferation of NIH 3T3 fibroblast has shown better biocompatibility with the HK-based biosheet. Thus HK-based biosheet have good potentials and could be used as wound dressing material.

A Model of Sheath of Bovine Horn Coupled Nano-Mechanical Properties and Microstructures

With the long-term evolution, the bovine horn as the primary protective and offensive weapon has superior mechanical properties. The bovine horn consists of two parts, the keratinous horn sheath and the bony core. The keratinous is natural composite material with a highly toughness and can bear impact and repeated loads during fighting. It has a complex hierarchical microarchitecture. To establish the qualitative model for finding the possible relationship between structure and mechanical properties of bovine horn, in this paper, the model was established that based on the parameters provided by microstructure imaging and nanoindentation testing from transverse and longitudinal directions. Which would provide information useful for the developing bionic composite materials for micro-aircraft, bionic tribology, bionic medical apparatus and bionic organs (tissue engineering).

Novel Insights into the Bovine Polled Phenotype and Horn Ontogenesis in Bovidae

Despite massive research efforts, the molecular etiology of bovine polledness and the developmental pathways involved in horn ontogenesis are still poorly understood. In a recent article, we provided evidence for the existence of at least two different alleles at the Polled locus and identified candidate mutations for each of them. None of these mutations was located in known coding or regulatory regions, thus adding to the complexity of understanding the molecular basis of polledness. We confirm previous results here and exhaustively identify the causative mutation for the Celtic allele (PC) and four candidate mutations for the Friesian allele (PF). We describe a previously unreported eyelash-and-eyelid phenotype associated with regular polledness, and present unique histological and gene expression data on bovine horn bud differentiation in fetuses affected by three different horn defect syndromes, as well as in wild-type controls. We propose the ectopic expression of a lincRNA in PC/p horn buds as a probable cause of horn bud agenesis. In addition, we provide evidence for an involvement of OLIG2, FOXL2 and RXFP2 in horn bud differentiation, and draw a first link between bovine, ovine and caprine Polled loci. Our results represent a first and important step in understanding the genetic pathways and key process involved in horn bud differentiation in Bovidae.

Data regarding the experimental manufacture of Roman objects made of domestic herbivores horns

Processing hard animal materials in Roman times was an important occupation. In any Roman settlements there were certainly workshops where objects were being made out of the bones and horns of domestic animals. One such workshop was found on Insula 3 of the ancient Roman town named Colonia Dacica Augusta Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, and a similar case was registered in Histria. The workshop provided residual bone ends, cut segments, finished items, in the process of being made or discarded. Upon closer analysis, I found that the horny part of the cattle, sheep and goat horns are lost in time as they are 100% organic nature, this being the reason why in the Roman sites there are no artefacts made out of these horn parts. Experimental archaeology has helped to restore some parts of the bovine and goat horns, to see differences or similarities with antlers, in terms of processing. Thus, I made a comb, different chips for games, a hair pin, a pendant and a dagger button of bovine horn, as well as a dice and a needle of goat horn. After processing the horns of domestic animals, I could see that they can be altered by heat (so they can be shaped), that they are as suitable for making items as the horns of wild animals, that they have a pleasant translucent appearance and that they were certainly used by the Romans in making different types of objects.

Understanding bovine digital dermatitis

David Logue assesses the significance of a paper summarised in this week's Veterinary Record describing an association between bovine digital dermatitis treponemes and three ‘non-healing’ bovine hoof horn lesions BOVINE digital dermatitis was first described in Italy by [Cheli and Mortellaro (

Experimental study on the mechanical properties of the horn sheaths from cattle

Bovine horn is composed of a sheath of keratin overlying a bony core. Previous studies of the bovine horn sheath have focused mainly on its morphology and compositions. In the present paper, we performed a series of uniaxial tension, three-point bending, and fracture tests to investigate the structural and mechanical properties of the horn sheaths from subadult cattle, Bos taurus. The effects of hydration on the mechanical properties were examined and their variations along the longitudinal direction of the horn sheath were addressed. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces showed that the horn sheath has a layered structure and, more interestingly, the laminae have a rippled appearance. The Young's modulus and tensile strength increase from 850 MPa and 40 MPa at 19% water content to 2.3 GPa and 154 MPa at 0% water content, respectively. The Poisson's ratio of the horn sheath was about 0.38. The critical stress intensity factor was about 4.76 MPa m1/2 at an intermediate hydration (8% water content), greater than that at 0% water content (3.86 MPa m1/2) and 19% water content (2.56 MPa m1/2). The bending properties of the samples varied along the length of the horn. The mean flexural moduli of the specimens in the distal, middle and proximal parts were about 6.26 GPa, 5.93 GPa and 4.98 GPa, respectively; whereas the mean yield strength in the distal segment was about 152.4 MPa, distinctly higher than that in the middle (135.7 MPa) and proximal parts (116.4 MPa). This study deepens our understanding of the relationships among optimal structure, property and function of cattle horn sheaths.

A finite element model of the bovine claw under static load for evaluation of different flooring conditions

AIM: To create a computer-based finite element (FE) model of the bovine claw and to use finite element analysis (FEA) to estimate stress and deformation of a physiologically-shaped model claw under static load, to visualise potential material weakness and to evaluate the effect of different flooring conditions. METHODS: Model geometry was derived using digitalised images from a recently trimmed, sound, hind claw from a 4-year-old Austrian Fleckvieh cow. Material properties of bovine claw horn were defined from preliminary investigations and recently established material data, using a modulus of elasticity from 200 to 600 N/mm2 . Meshing of the model was performed with 42,127 elements based on 116,141 nodes. Loading of the model was defined at 756 N per claw on a hard and soft surface. RESULTS: The FE model of the bovine claw under a load of 756 N showed only minimal deformation, most of which took place at the axial wall. Highest stresses were evident in the proximal axial wall, the outer edge of the weight-bearing surface and under the heels. The claw-floor contact image showed a pressure distribution resembling the distal rim of the claw wall. On the hard surface, the maximum stresses were three times higher than those on the soft surface. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FEA allowed visualisation of the effects that loading on different floor surfaces have on the biomechanics of the claw. Uneven preparation of the claw sole resulted in high stresses at and close to irregularities of the sole. Consequences were more severe on harder flooring. The model supports the hypothesis that mechanical factors play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of claw lesions.

Topical Delivery of Retinyl Ascorbate Co-Drug

Retinyl ascorbate (RA-AsA), an ester co-drug of vitamins A (RA) and C (AsA), is proposed as a topical antioxidant/cell division regulator for reducing UV-induced generation of free radicals and disrupted dermal cell growth. The efficacy of dermatological agents is influenced by their retention within the skin, which is increased by the interaction with skin components. Keratin is the major protein (∼95%) in the skin, and this paper reports the binding of RA-AsA, RA, AsA, retinol, ascorbic acid palmitate and retinol palmitate to three tissues – human callus, pig ear skin and bovine horn keratin. Tissue samples were incubated with solutions of compounds and the uptake measured as the ratio of bound/free compound at equilibrium. Binding to keratin was assessed using delipidised tissue, and was much higher for the polar compounds, suggesting dipolar/H-bonding interaction. Binding strength was ranked as human > porcine > bovine, but there was no distinction for highly lipophilic compounds. The binding characteristic of native tissues was complicated by lipid content of the tissues. There seemed to be a dual effect. The binding of very lipophilic materials increased with lipid content, implying that a substantial amount is dissolved in the lipid matrix. For highly polar AsA, lipid content decreased the binding, suggesting that the lipid reduced the strong polar interactions with skin protein/keratin.

Binding of primaquine to epidermal membranes and keratin

The localisation of primaquine was studied within epidermal membranes following the application of a topical dose. A depth profile was constructed by tape-stripping human epidermis following permeation of a 70 mg ml −1 solution of primaquine in Miglyol 840. Comparative binding studies of primaquine were carried out on isolated human stratum corneum and whole epidermis, using normal and delipidised tissue. An additional study was undertaken using bovine keratin powder as a model of human keratin. The depth profile showed that primaquine decreased with depth and decreasing keratin content, and the total primaquine recovered (15.5 mg cm −2) was 300× the amount of extractable lipid. Binding to delipidised skin was saturable, whereas binding to normal skin was unsaturable, reflecting the high miscibility of drug in the lipid domains as opposed to a finite, but large number of binding sites on the corneocytes. Binding was greater for stratum corneum than stratum corneum plus viable epidermis, probably due to greater accessibility of corneocytes keratin. Binding was dose dependent, although binding to delipidised skin was far greater than to normal skin, demonstrating that primaquine had an affinity for lipoidal regions and an even higher affinity for the proteinaceous domains of the stratum corneum. This was supported by high saturable levels of primaquine binding to bovine horn keratin. The results indicated extensive binding to corneocyte keratin has a significant effect on reservoir formation and the permeability of primaquine across human skin. It is speculated that the large amount of keratin presented at the skin surface may be an evolutionary protective process for the sequestration of ingressing molecules.

Binding of doxycycline to keratin, melanin and human epidermal tissue

Doxycycline is licensed for the prophylaxis of malaria and recent research has indicated the feasibility of delivering this drug across the skin. The binding of doxycycline to keratin could influence skin permeation rates and it has been suggested that the interaction of anti-malarials with melanin may contribute to side effects, such as retinal damage. Doxycycline HCl was incubated with keratin (bovine horn), melanin ( Sepia officinalis) and human epidermal samples (native and delipidised). Dose dependent binding of doxycycline to keratin and melanin was observed, and was of similar magnitude for each protein. However, the binding of doxycycline to melanin was lower by an order of magnitude relative to data previously reported for some other anti-malarials, and may indicate reduced side-effects. Doxycycline also demonstrated significantly greater affinity for native epidermal skin than for delipidised skin showing that doxycycline, a charged polar molecule, has affinity for the intercellular lipid matrix in addition to the proteinaceous domain. For native skin it was estimated that saturation would be reached at approximately 140 μg cm −2; for delipidised skin it was estimated to be 60 μg cm −2. Overall, the data suggested that the partition-diffusion steps that are involved in transcellular permeation are possible.

The Identification and Treatment of a Unique Cache of Organic Artefacts from Menorca's Bronze Age

A unique cache of organic artefacts was excavated in March 1995 from Cova d'es Carritx, Menorca, a sealed cave system that was used as a mortuary in the late second or early first millennia BC. This deposit included a set of unique conical tubes made of bovine horn sheath, stuffed with hair or other fibres, and capped with wooden disks. Other materials were found in association with the tubes, including a copper-tin alloy rod. The decision to display some of the tubes required a degree of consolidative strengthening which would conflict with conservation aims of preserving the artefacts essentially unchanged for future study. The two most complete artefacts were treated by localised consolidation (with Paraloid B-72), while the other two were left untreated. The two consolidated tubes were provided with display-ready mounts, while the others were packaged to minimise the effects of handling and long-term storage.

Thermostabilization of Naringinase FromPenicillium DecumbensBy Proteins in Solution and Immobilization on Insoluble Proteins

Thermostabilization of α-rhamnosidase in Penicillium decumbens naringinase at pH 3.5 was observed in the following cases: a) increasing the concentration of the enzyme solutions; b) adding a protein such as bovine serum albumin to the solution; c) cross-linking the protein in solution with glutaraldehyde; d) immobilizing the enzyme on protein rich supports with glutaraldehyde as a bifunctional reagent. Papain treated fibroin of Bombix mori silk was the support that gave greatest stabilization, followed by keratins from bovine horn and papain treated sheep wool, and collagen (Calf hide powder). Bovine horn and hide powder showed more substrate and product adsorption than the other supports. The performance of the silk and wool immobilized enzyme was tested by successive hydrolysis of naringin suspensions.