The original casting material known as plaster of paris is made of a calcium sulphate encrusted loose weave bandage. Upon addition of water, the calcium sulphate turns into a thick semi-solid mouldable mass which rapidly hardens into a solid mass under emission of heat.

(Plaster) casting is used as a treatment of various disorders of the hoof that require thorough immobilisation.

These days, modern materials such as scotchcast® bandages are rapidly replacing the plaster casts.