Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Quantitative Hardness Measurement by Instrumented AFM-indentation
Published on: November 22, 2016
The hardness of horn in different segments of the bovine claw
Christine Hinterhofer1, Martin Zöscher, Cornelia Gabler
1Klinik für Orthopädie bei Huf- und Klauentieren, Dept.V der Veterinärmedizinischen Universität Wien, Austria. christine.hinterhofer@vet-hiho.at
Abstract:
Hardness of bovine hoof horn was tested as ball indentation hardness and as shore D hardness post mortem in different segments of the hoof wall, in the sole and the hard bulb of sound claws of 10 Austrian Holstein Friesian cows. Both methods of hardness determination showed corresponding results, with shore D hardness between 52.2 and 63.9 hardness units (hu) and ball indentation hardness between 11.2 N/mm2 and 24.3 N/mm2. Bovine hoof horn becomes significantly softer from the coronary band towards the weight bearing border (vertical decrease) and from the dorsal wall towards the heel (horizontal decrease). Decreasing hardness was associated with decreasing dry matter content. Measurements of the claw capsule showed thickness of the hoof wall increasing from the coronary border towards the sole. In dorsopalmar/-plantar direction, bovine hoof wall at the weight bearing border decreases towards the heel.
Related Concept Videos
The Bone Matrix
Compact Bone
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
The Hyoid Bone
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Toughness and Hardness of Aggregate

