Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(N.Z. prison) a homosexual.

1944		in glossary Simes DAUS 157/1: poofter, a A homosexual. A contemptuous term implying a passive participant. Euphemisms are numerous ie oofterpa, clovern hoofter, horses hoof, cows hoof, etc.
1965		Kings Cross Whisper (Sydney) i 1: ‘They’re a nice old bunch of cows hoofs down there.’.
1984		J. Meredith Learn to Speak Old Jack Lang 22: cow’s hoof: a poof, poofter, male homosexual [Simes:DLSS].
2001		D. Looser Boobslang [U. Canterbury D.Phil. thesis] 47/1: cow’s hoof n. a homosexual.