2018-03-272018-03-272015RABELO, R. E.; VULCANI, V. A. S.; SANT'ANA, F. J. F.; SILVA, L. A. F.; ASSIS, B. M.; ARAÚJO, G. H. M. Microstructure of Holstein and Gir breed adult bovine hooves: histomorphometry, three-dimensional microtomography and microhardness test evaluation. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Belo Horizonte, v. 67, n. 6, p. 1492-1500, 2015.e- 1678-4162http://repositorio.bc.ufg.br/handle/ri/14171This study aimed to characterize and compare the aspects involved in the microstructural formation of the Holstein and Gir breed hoof wall by histomorphometry, three-dimensional microtomography and microhardness test techniques. Seventy-two (18H/18G thoracic and 18H/18G pelvic) Holstein (H) and Gir (G) breed hooves were collected in slaughterhouses. The hooves were divided into six groups according to breed and age group: 24 to 36 months (C1H/C1G), 36 to 60 months (C2H/C2G) and over 60 months (C3H/C3G). The normality and homogeneity analysis of morphometric variables by the Kolmogrov-Sminov and Bartlett tests was conducted as a statistical model. Once the assumptions were met, the Sigmastat 3.5 software was used and the means were compared by T test. The 5% probability level is considered. When the assumptions were not met, the means were compared by the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test, considering the 5% probability level. When comparing the Holstein and Gir breeds, no differences were noticed between them as to the length of the dermal papillae; young animals showed thicker papillae than adult animals; the Holstein breed hooves showed higher amount of 7pores on the wall and on the sole compared to the Gir breed; Holstein cattle hooves showed greater microhardness than Gir cattle; there was no microhardness difference between pigmented and non-pigmented hooves of Holstein and Gir cattle.engAcesso AbertoDiseases of cattleDigitsThree-dimensional microtomographyDermal papillaePodiatrydoenças de bovinosDígitosMicrotomografia tridimensionalPapilas dérmicasPodologiaArtigo10.1590/1678-4162-8282