Relation between hoof area and body mass in ungulates reared under semi-extensive conditions in the spanish Pyrenees.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare hoof area and its relation to body mass in some domestic ungulates. Data from 58 horses, 9 cows and 14 goats demonstrated significant differences in hoof area. The ratio of body mass per limb to hoof area was significantly lower in goats than in horses and in cows. There was a high correlation between hoof pressure and body mass in all species, whereas the correlation between hoof area and body mass was high in goats but low in horses and cows.