Micromorphological characteristics of the hoof of cattle and moose

The hoof capsule of ruminants is an anatomically and functionally complex formation that provides protection and support to the distal extremities. It includes zones with different structures and functions, each of which plays a role in load distribution, shock absorption, and stability during movement. The purpose of this study was a comparative morphological study of the hoof microstructure in cattle and moose. The study was based on light microscopy, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Van Gieson staining. The study focused on analyzing the microstructural features of the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, papillae, and leaflets in the anatomical zones of the border, corolla, wall, sole, and crumb. Special attention was given to the ratio of the horny and living layers, the degree of papillae expression, the density of the connective tissue, vascularization, and the degree of keratinization and structural organization. Both general morphofunctional patterns and pronounced species differences have been established. The moose has a thicker corneal layer and more developed papillae, reflecting its adaptation to the wild environment and increased mobility in challenging landscapes. Additionally, it has a loose, vascularized dermis in the crumb zone. In cattle, the structure of the horny substance is denser and more ordered, with a clearly defined boundary between the epidermis and the dermis, which corresponds to the conditions of domestication and the stable mechanical stress typical of agricultural environments. The differences are not only in the degree of keratinization, but also in the organization of the papillary and foliate elements, as well as the expression of collagen fibers in the dermis and their degree of order, which reflects the different biomechanical and environmental requirements for the hoof in these species.

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