Hoof

[3] Although hooves are limb structures primarily found in placental mammals, hadrosaurs such as Edmontosaurus possessed hoofed forelimbs.

Hooves perform many functions, including supporting the weight of the animal, dissipating the energy impact as the hooves strike the ground or surface, protecting the tissues and bone within the hoof capsule, and providing traction for the animal.

[7] Most even-toed ungulates (such as sheep, goats, deer, cattle, bison and pigs) have two main hooves on each foot, together called a cloven hoof.

In the mountain goat, the dewclaw serves to provide extra traction when descending rocky slopes as well as additional drag on loose or slippery surfaces made of ice, dirt, or snow.

However, too much wear can result in damage of the hooves, and for this reason, horseshoes and oxshoes are used by animals that routinely walk on hard surfaces and carry heavy weight.

[9] Within the equine world, the expression, "no foot, no horse" emphasizes the importance of hoof health.

[12] Lameness in dairy cows can reduce milk production and fertility, and cause reproductive problems and suffering.

For dairy farm profitability, lameness, behind only infertility and mastitis, is the third most important cow health issue.

A freshly trimmed hoof may be treated with copper sulfate pentahydrate to prevent foot rot.