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Keratex
Hoof Hardener is a gentle acting chemical formulation which
forms additional intermolecular bonds between molecules of
keratin through the process of cross-linking. Keratin is the
main protein constituent of horn and is best described as
the building block of the horn structure.
The cross-linking process
results in additional atoms being distributed between the
keratin molecules to produce a tougher and stronger
horn structure.
Many other products claim to
strengthen the hoof, but usually this entails a superficial
layer of resin or varnish. Keratex Hoof Hardener works by
actually improving the structure of the horn itself.
Since Hoof Hardener is
neither a varnish or resin layer, it leaves no visible
coating. Therefore the treated hoof is able to breathe and
function naturally.
Water and ammonia damage the
structure of the keratin molecule and how they interact with
each other. This is, and always will be, a major problem for
horse owners. The scientists at Keratex spent many years
researching ways to rebuild the damaged molecular structure
of hoof horn.
The result of this research
was Keratex Hoof Hardener. Because of it's unique nature,
Keratex was granted a Patent. Keratex Hoof Hardener is the
only truly effective hoof hardener. No other manufacturers
are allowed to use the technology developed by Keratex.
The horn which forms the
visible part of the hoof capsule is dead. It has no blood
supply and therefore cannot be regenerated or improved by
feed supplements or ordinary inactive conditioners. Feed
supplements such as Keratex Feed Supplement for Hooves will
improve the quality of new horn being produced at the
coronary band and will improve the rate of growth.
Unfortunately, no supplement will influence the quality of
existing horn. If it is cracked, it must grow out. It cannot
mend itself.
However, with the active
formulation of Keratex Hoof Hardener, the quality of
existing horn can be improved chemically within just a few
days. Obviously, cracks will not disappear, but the horn
around them will be strengthened to resist further movement
so they can grow out. Once treated, the horn will also be
better able to support nails so shoes stay on better.
Because of the hardening and
strengthening effect of Keratex Hoof Hardener, it is superb
for use on shod and unshod horses.
A
little more on the technical side.
Although the unique formula
for Keratex Hoof Hardener is protected under patent
laws, the following information is provided to
help explain why Keratex Hoof Hardener is
materially different from all other products and why it has
earned unparalleled worldwide success with
farriers, veterinarians and horse enthusiasts for more
than a decade.
Farriers have used formalin
for many years to harden horses' hooves. The action of
formaldehyde on keratin is well known to be a simple
cross-linking action. Methylene or bis-thioether groups
are added by condensation reactions with reactive amino,
sulphydryl or other groups on the keratin helix to form
additional linkages to reinforce the rather labile
disulphide links which occur naturally. It is quite
incorrect to say that formalin hardens horn by removing
water. Rather, it strengthens it by introducing these
extra inter and intra-molecular links.
However, formaldehyde in its
simple aldehyde state reacts too quickly. It case-hardens
the hoof, thus preventing the entry of formalin to deeper
layers, and also creating surface brittleness. Keratex
Hoof Hardener contains formalin. It also contains another
substance which effectively slows down the reactivity of
the -CHO group, thus giving time for the aldehyde to
penetrate the outer layers of horn. This is facilitated by
the presence of yet another compound in Keratex Hoof
Hardener which temporarily modifies the hydrogen
bonds which join the helix coils internally and
externally. Having done this, the compound then
evaporates, leaving the hydrogen bonds to re-make once the
aldehyde is in place.
Keratex Hoof Hardener also
contains an inorganic complexing agent. One end of the
molecule of this agent co-ordinates onto a nitrogen atom
in the keratin molecule. The other end modifies the
keratin helix, thus effectively adding an aggregate to
stiffen the horn. This process resembles the consolidating
effect of the melanin in hoof horn. The melanin also
acts as an aggregate and confers extra strength.
Finally, Keratex Hoof Hardener
contains a plasticiser to stop the horn from becoming
brittle, and it also contains a powerful disinfectant to
assist in maintaining general hoof health.
User
Notes - Sold in 250 ml plastic bottles. Includes
separate hoof brush for application.
Use once a day for the first
week. Once every other day for the second week. Then two to
three times a week or as needed.
If the hoof has been treated
with any oils or greases over the past three months,
degrease the hoof thoroughly with acetone before applying
Keratex Hoof Hardener. Do not use any oils or greases
while using Keratex Hoof Hardener
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