Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/26.1.4389
Evaluation of hoof horn quality by tensile test and hardness test using acoustic emission
Zdeněk HAVLÍČEK
; Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Zemedelska 1, Brno, Czech Republic
*
Ivana NOVOTNÁ
; Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Zemedelska 1, Brno, Czech Republic
Lucie LANGOVÁ
; University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, Department of Animal Breeding, Animal Nutrition & Biochemistry, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
Petr DOSTÁL
; Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences, Department of Technology and Automobile Transport, Zemedelska 1, Brno, Czech Republic
Jiří VOTAVA
; Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences, Department of Technology and Automobile Transport, Zemedelska 1, Brno, Czech Republic
Petr DOLEŽAL
; Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of AgriSciences, Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Production, Zemedelska 1, Brno, Czech Republic
Luboš ZÁBRANSKÝ
; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Animal Husbandry Sciences, Studentská 1668, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The research aimed to explore the use of tensile tests and hardness tests in combination with acoustic emission to evaluate the physical properties of hoof horn quality in dairy cows. Lameness is a significant issue in dairy farms worldwide, with a prevalence ranging from 14-31%. Reducing its occurrence is essential to minimize economic losses in farms. Lameness can cause production, reproduction, and welfare problems, leading to high costs of hoof treatment, lower milk production, and premature culling of animals from breeding. Even small changes in breeding management, nutrition, or technology can disrupt the formation of keratin and lead to changes in the horn. Evaluating the mechanical properties of the horn could be one of the tools to control the quality of the horn and prevent animal lameness. The goal of the experiment was to record the acoustic emission when the material broke and investigate the differences in the physical properties of the biological material. Both tests found high variability in sample resistance and acoustic signals depending on the sampling location. Samples taken from the hoof wall showed greater hardness, while samples taken from the heel were more elastic. These parameters and possible differences could be used to evaluate horn quality, which plays a fundamental role in the development of hoof disease and lameness.
Keywords
dairy cow; hoof horn; acoustic emission; tensile test; hardness test
Hrčak ID:
329468
URI
Publication date:
28.3.2025.
Visits: 528 *