title: Is moisture really the most important influencing factor on the mechanical properties of claw horn? Modulus of elasticity and dry-matter content in flat and contracted claws.
abstract: The modulus of elasticity (E) and dry matter content (DMC) of horn samples from two types of claw deformity (contracted and flat claws) were determined according to EN-ISO 527 and ASTM D 638-03. The overall E values for all segments combined were 168 +/- 154 MPa (mean +/- SD, n = 79) and 248 +/- 196 (n = 90) for contracted and flat claws, respectively. These values were approximately 60% and 40% less than the E value of sound claw material. The high correlation between E and DMC, as previously found for sound claw horn material was not present in horn obtained from these types of pathologically altered claws.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Orthopaedics in Ungulates, Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria. veronika.apprich@vu-wien.ac.at
authors.forename: Veronika
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Apprich
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hinterhofer
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Polsterer
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ferguson
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stanek
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical