Footcare for Zoo Ungulates (Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program)
Zoo hoofstock species can benefit from routine hoof trims, as is a standard of care in domestic species like horses and cattle. While there are limited studies describing foot shape and foot health of free-ranging ungulates, differences in diet, exercise, substrate, and other factors may contribute to hoof overgrowth and associated lameness for zoo hoofstock species. To manage and appropriately trim hoof overgrowth requires an understanding of how the hoof wall, heel, and sole can grow and distort, and should