Histomorphological evaluation of the digital coronary region at different fetal development stages of Holstein cattle

Abstract

The scientific literature lacks detailed morphological descriptions of the histological development and cell differentiation of fetal bovine hoof. In this study, 40 extremity members of Holstein bovine fetuses were collected and divided into four groups (G1 to G4) based on the estimated age. Fragments were removed from wall and sole, processed and stained with hematoxylin -eosin (HE) for light microscopy observation. In G1, it was found that the epidermis was very thin, including keratinocyte layers and clusters of mesenchymal cells. In group G2 it was observed that the thickness of the epidermis covering the limbs remained variable and laminar corium developed in the germinal layer. In group G3 it was noted that in the germinal epithelium there were papillae in little advanced development and cells of the stratum corneum in the initial process of keratinization. In G4, the epidermis was well developed with layers distributed homogeneously, containing symmetrical and long papillae and intense production of keratin. In this work, the most important cellular events for the formation of the fetal hoof in Holstein cattle were first described in different stages of their formation.Keywords: bovine hoof, podiatry, fetal development RESUMO A literatura científica carece de descrições morfológicas detalhadas sobre o desenvolvimento histológico e diferenciação celular do casco fetal bovino. Neste estudo, 40 extremidades de membros de fetos bovinos da raça Holandesa foram coletados e divididos em quatro grupos (G1 a G4) com base na estimativa da idade. Desses membros, foram retirados fragmentos da parede e sola, processados e corados por hematoxilina-eosina (HE

Microstructure of Holstein and Gir breed adult bovine hooves: histomorphometry, three-dimensional microtomography and microhardness test evaluation

“…Many studies have elucidated numerous concerns about the classification of the diseases that affect the hoof wall, etiopathogenesis, epidemiological aspects, treatment, and preventive and biosafety measures (Nicoletti, 2005;Greenough, 2007;Belge et al, 2012). However, basic studies focusing primarily on morphofunctional and development aspects of the hoof in the adult animal are still scarce and controversial, although those aspects have been recently studied in Holstein breed bovine fetus hooves (Rabelo et al, 2015). Therefore, the understanding of micro-structural, biochemical and mechanical resistance or microhardness aspects of the hoof wall are required in the search for tools that could bring improvements to the control and prevention of diseases affecting the cattle hooves.…”