The hoof of a cow is the hoof of a cow, which is a hard substance made up of cuticle and subcutaneous tissue, similar to a human fingernail. In a cow's hoof, the cuticle is the equivalent of the nail plate, while the subcutaneous tissue is the equivalent of the nail bed and the skin tissue surrounding the nail.

Cattle hooves also serve to protect the hoof area, reducing the risk of external damage and infection.