What are animals hooves made from?

Hooves are made from a tough, fibrous material called keratin. This is the same protein that makes up our hair, nails, and skin.

Here's a breakdown of how hooves are structured:

* Outer layer: The outer layer of the hoof is called the wall. It's made of hard, compacted keratin, similar to fingernails. This layer protects the sensitive structures underneath.

* Middle layer: Underneath the wall is the sole, a soft, spongy layer of keratin that cushions the foot.

* Inner layer: The deepest layer is called the frog, a triangular-shaped structure that helps with traction and blood circulation.

Hooves are constantly growing, just like our nails. The hard outer layer wears down, and the softer inner layers provide new material to replace it. This process is called hoof growth.

It's important to note that the structure and composition of hooves vary between different animal species. For example, horses have a single hoof on each leg, while cows have cloven hooves (two hooves on each leg).