摘要In this study Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was adopted to evaluate the mechanical properties of bovine hoof horn. Using specific process, tensile specimens comprised of Zones 4 and 5 of the sole were excised from the claws of the front and rear hooves of a mature Black Angus cow. After extraction the specimens were conditioned to obtain horn with relative moisture content of either 0 % (dry)or 100% (wet) and then subjected to uniaxial tension to failure. The average elastic modulus (E) of all "dry" and "wet" hoof horn was 2870 ± 460 MPa and 102 ± 34 MPa respectively. Similarly, the average proportional limit stress (σ) was 29.0 ± 4.8 MPa and 1.4 ± 0.3 MPa respectively. Although the mechanical properties were dependent on distance from the dermal -epidermal junction, the influence of moisture on mechanical behavior was far greater.