Everything about Hoof totally explained
hoof (or /hʊf/, plural hooves /huːvz/, or hoofs /hʊfs/) is the tip of a
toe of an
ungulate mammal, strengthened by a thick horny (
keratin) covering. The hoof consists of a hard or rubbery sole, and a hard wall formed by a thick
nail rolled around the tip of the toe. The weight of the animal is normally borne by both the sole and the edge of the hoof wall. Hooves grow continuously, and are constantly worn down by use.
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. Most cloven-hoofed animals also have two smaller hoofs called
dew-claws a little further up the leg – these are not normally used for walking, but in some species with larger dew-claws (such as deer or pigs) they may touch the ground when running or jumping, or if the ground is soft. Other cloven-hoofed animals (such as
giraffes and
pronghorns) have no dew claws. In some so-called "cloven-hoofed" animals such as
camels, there are no hooves proper – the toe is softer, and the hoof itself is reduced to little more than a nail.
Some
odd-toed ungulates (horses) have one hoof on each foot; others (including
rhinoceroses,
tapirs and many
extinct species) have three hoofed or heavily nailed toes. The tapir is a special case, with three toes on each hind foot and four toes on each front foot.
The number of toes is considered in determining the
kosher status of the animal's flesh.
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