Equine Hoof Wall Deformation: Novel Aspects Revealed

The equine hoof wall has a unique hierarchical structure that allows it to survive high-impact scenarios. Previous authors have explored the compressive, viscoelastic, and fracture control properties of suggested this complex plays vital role in hoof's behavior. However, link between behavior been made primarily with use post-fracture analysis. Here, periodic microcomputed tomography scans are used observe temporal meso microstructures during compression, fracture, relaxation. These results shed light on structural anisotropy how its hollow tubules behave when compressed different directions, at hydration levels, various locations within wall. tubule bridges compression is also reported for first time. This study elucidates several phenomena, including way cracks deflected interfaces bridging, arresting, fiber bridging. Finally, relaxation tests show cavities can regain their shape after compression.