Evaluation of hoof horn quality by tensile test and hardness test using acoustic emission

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.