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.
Publication Date: 2019-06-26 PubMed ID: 31238833PubMed Central: PMC6597769DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0214Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research study offers an interdisciplinary, multi-scale model to predict and understand the shape variations of hoof growth in equids (horses, donkeys, and related animals). Factors examined include the source of hoof growth stress, the rapid growth rate compared to epithelial cell proliferation, the transformation of soft tissues to a hard hoof capable of bearing weight, and the irregular shape of the hoof due to biological growth patterns.
Multi-Scale Interdisciplinary Approach
- This study uses a comprehensive approach to understand the changes in equid hooves, combining different disciplines like biology and physics, and observing the changes at multiple scales – from individual cell growth to whole hoof formation.
Understanding Hoof Growth Stress
- The researchers identify the origin of the stress that drives hoof growth in equids. The physical and biological parameters involved are taken into account to understand how the exterior shape of the hoof is determined.
Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Hoof Growth
- The study addresses why the growth rate of hoof is significantly faster than the proliferation rate of epithelial cells. This insight concerns how the cells contribute in maintaining the hoof’s structure despite the demanding physical conditions.
Soft to Hard Transformation
- The transformation of soft epithelial tissue to a hard, weight-bearing hoof surface is a critical aspect of hoof biology. The researchers explore how this process is possible, considering the ability of the hoof to fulfill its weight-bearing function.
Asymmetrical Design and Misshaping
- The study demonstrates that the hoof’s asymmetrical design, coupled with the inability of the biological growth stress to compensate this unevenness, contribute to the misshaping of hooves. This diminishes their efficiency as weight-bearing structures and can lead to diseases in working equids.
- Both the animal’s mass and hoof growth rate impact the rate at which the hoof adopts a dorsal curvature and becomes ‘dished out.’ Animals carrying larger mass are likely more prone to these issues.
Implications of the Study
- The findings help in understanding the variability in hoof conditions and form, which has significant implications in the regions where equids are extensively used for transportation, agriculture, and mining.
- Understanding the progression and causes of hoof malformation could help in prevention, early detection, and treatment, thereby improving the working capacity and overall health of the equids.
Cite This Article
APA
Al-Agele R, Paul E, Taylor S, Watson C, Sturrock C, Drakopoulos M, Atwood RC, Rutland CS, Menzies-Gow N, Knowles E, Elliott J, Harris P, Rauch C.
(2019).
Physics of animal health: on the mechano-biology of hoof growth and form.
J R Soc Interface, 16(155), 20190214.
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2019.0214 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- 1 School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , College Road, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD , UK.
- 6 Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Diyala , Baqubah , Iraq.
- 1 School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , College Road, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD , UK.
- 1 School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , College Road, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD , UK.
- 1 School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , College Road, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD , UK.
- 2 CIPB, Hounsfield Building, University of Nottingham , College Road, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD , UK.
- 3 BL12, Diamond Light Source Ltd, Diamond House , Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE , UK.
- 3 BL12, Diamond Light Source Ltd, Diamond House , Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE , UK.
- 1 School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , College Road, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD , UK.
- 4 The Royal Veterinary College , Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL97TA , UK.
- 4 The Royal Veterinary College , Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL97TA , UK.
- 4 The Royal Veterinary College , Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL97TA , UK.
- 5 Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition , Melton Mowbray, Leicester LE14 4RT , UK.
- 1 School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , College Road, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD , UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Hoof and Claw / anatomy & histology
- Hoof and Claw / physiology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Horses / growth & development
- Models, Biological
- Weight-Bearing
Conflict of Interest Statement
We declare we have no competing interests.
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Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Hobbs SJ, Curtis S, Martin J, Sinclair J, Clayton HM. Hoof Matters: Developing an Athletic Thoroughbred Hoof.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 11;12(22).
- Dong Z, Liu M, Zou X, Sun W, Liu X, Zeng J, Yang Z. Integrating Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking to Analyse the Potential Mechanism of action of Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. in the Treatment of Bovine Hoof Disease.. Vet Sci 2021 Dec 30;9(1).
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