1. Morphological characteristics
Horseshoe is a special structure composed of keratin, which is round or nearly oval. It is divided into three parts: shell, bottom and spikes.
2. Function
The main function of horseshoe is to bear load, cushion impact and provide traction. It provides stable support for the horse's limbs and enables the horse to walk, run and jump on various terrains.
3. Structural analysis
The shell of horseshoe is composed of hard cutin, which is wrapped on the hoof bone to protect the hoof bone from external damage. The front end of the shell is called hoof nose and the back end is called hoof heel. The bottom is composed of softer cutin, which is in contact with the ground and provides friction and elasticity. There is a concave part in the center of the sole called the center of the hoof, and the central ridge of the sole is around the center of the hoof. These structures help to increase traction and reduce slippage.
4. Nutritional blood supply
The growth and repair of horseshoe depends on the blood supply of foot. There is a rich vascular network in horseshoe, which provides oxygen and nutrition through the blood vessels around the hoof crown, heart and shell.
5. Horseshoe care
In order to keep horseshoes healthy, horse owners need proper care. This includes trimming and trimming horseshoes regularly to remove long hoof shells and trim uneven edges. Horseshoe also needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial infection and softening. In addition, proper horseshoe diet is also very important for the health of hooves.
6. Common hoof diseases
Horseshoe may have some common problems, such as split hoof, rotten hoof, concave hoof and so on. These problems may lead to horse pain and dyskinesia, which need to be dealt with and treated in time.
7. The evolution of horseshoe
Horses' hoof structure is formed in a long evolutionary process. The ancestors of horses gradually evolved from the initial multi-toed state to the single-toed structure of modern horses. The changes in the shape and function of horseshoes are related to the lifestyle and environment of equines.
Summary: Horseshoe is a special structure of horse foot, which has the functions of supporting, buffering and providing traction. It consists of a shell, a bottom and spikes, and it is nourished and repaired by blood supply. Proper care and maintenance are very important for the health of horseshoes, and common hoof problems also need to be dealt with in time. The morphological and functional changes of horseshoes are closely related to the evolution and environment of equines.