Dataset Information

Physics of animal health: on the mechano-biology of hoof growth and form.

ABSTRACT: Global inequalities in economic access and agriculture productivity imply that a large number of developing countries rely on working equids for transport/agriculture/mining. Therefore, the understanding of hoof conditions/shape variations affecting equids' ability to work is still a persistent concern. To bridge this gap, using a multi-scale interdisciplinary approach, we provide a bio-physical model predicting the shape of equids' hooves as a function of physical and biological parameters. In particular, we show (i) where the hoof growth stress originates from, (ii) why the hoof growth rate is one order of magnitude higher than the proliferation rate of epithelial cells and (iii) how the soft-to-hard transformation of the epithelium is possible allowing the hoof to fulfil its function as a weight-bearing element. Finally (iv), we demonstrate that the reason for hoof misshaping is linked to the asymmetrical design of equids' feet (shorter quarters/long toe) together with the inability of the biological growth stress to compensate for such an asymmetry. Consequently, the hoof can adopt a dorsal curvature and become 'dished' overtime, which is a function of the animal's mass and the hoof growth rate. This approach allows us to discuss the potential occurrence of this multifaceted pathology in equids.

SUBMITTER: Al-Agele R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6597769 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Physics of animal health: on the mechano-biology of hoof growth and form.

Al-Agele Ramzi R Paul Emily E Taylor Sophie S Watson Charlotte C Sturrock Craig C Drakopoulos Michael M Atwood Robert C RC Rutland Catrin S CS Menzies-Gow Nicola N Knowles Edd E Elliott Jonathan J Harris Patricia P Rauch Cyril C

Journal of the Royal Society, Interface 20190626 155

Global inequalities in economic access and agriculture productivity imply that a large number of developing countries rely on working equids for transport/agriculture/mining. Therefore, the understanding of hoof conditions/shape variations affecting equids' ability to work is still a persistent concern. To bridge this gap, using a multi-scale interdisciplinary approach, we provide a bio-physical model predicting the shape of equids' hooves as a function of physical and biological parameters. In ...[more]

PMID: 31238833

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Dataset Information

Physics of animal health: on the mechano-biology of hoof growth and form.

Publications

Physics of animal health: on the mechano-biology of hoof growth and form.

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