Research Article
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Conformational characteristics in Arabian and Thoroughbred horses

Year 2023, Volume: 12 Issue: 2, 27 - 35, 26.12.2023
https://doi.org/10.53913/aduveterinary.1330533

Abstract

Horses are expected to maintain their racing lives with healthy and high performances. The body structure of an ideal race horse should have ideal athletic characteristics. By selecting horses with good body structure, it is possible to increase both race achievements and breeding values. Studies are ongoing to evaluate the ideal body structure of horses in an objective and measurable way. This helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of horses.
The study was aimed at determining the overall body conformations of Arabian and Thoroughbred racing horses by morphometric measurements. Photographs of Arabian and Thoroughbred horses in standard positions were scaled on a computer to measure angle and length values. Using the data obtained, body structures were tried to be revealed for both races. In addition, structural differences that increased the risk of disability in both races were assessed. There were significant differences between the head, leg, and body structures of Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. Lover length measurements were found for Arabians than for Thoroughbreds. It was noted that differences between the two breed were significant, especially in distal extremity measures. It was found that in Thoroughbreds, the rump is generally higher than the withers, and this may result in a greater loading on the forelegs.
In addition to identifying the body structures and differences of both breed, the results of the study are thought to be useful for selection practises and to contribute to the understanding of the aetiology of disabilities.

Supporting Institution

Aydın Adnan Menderes University Research Foundation

Project Number

VTF-06014

References

  • Anderson, T.M., & McIlwraith, C.W. (2004). Longitudinal development of equine conformation from weanling to age 3 years in the Thoroughbred. Equine Veterinary Journal, 36(7), 563–570. https:// doi.org/10.2746/0425164044864507
  • Bakhtiari, J., & Heshmat, G. (2009). Estimation of genetic parameters of conformation traits in Iranian Thoroughbred horses. Livestock Science, 123 (2-3), 116-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. livsci.2008.10.014
  • Belloy, E., & Bathe, A.P. (1996). The importance of standardising the evaluation of conformation in the horse. Equine Veterinary Journal, 28(6), 429–430. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996. tb01613.x
  • Cervantes, I., Baumung, R., Molina, A., Drum, I.T., Gutierrez, J.P., Solkner, J., & Valera, M. (2009). Size and shape analysis of morphofunctional traits in the Spanish Arab horse. Livestock Science, 125(1), 43-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2009.03.006
  • Cogger, N., Evans, D.L., Hodgson, D.R., Reid, S.W., & Perkins, N. (2008). Incidence rate of musculoskeletal injuries and determinants of time to recovery in young Australian Thoroughbred racehorses. Australian Veterinary Journal, 86(12), 473–480. https://doi. org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2008.00359.x
  • Delahunty, D.A., Webb, S.P., Kelly, E.P., & Smith, F. (1991). Intermandibular width and cannon bone length in “winners” versus “others”. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 11, 258-259.
  • Dolvik, N.I., & Klemetsdal, G. (1999). Conformational Traits of Norwegian Cold-blooded Trotters: Heritability and the Relationship with Performance. Acta Agriculture Scandinavica Section A-Animal Science, 49, 156-162. https://doi.org/10.1080/090647099424060
  • Ely, E.R., Verheyen, K.L., & Wood, J.L. (2004). Fractures and tendon injuries in National Hunt horses in training in the UK: a pilot study. Equine Veterinary Journal, 36(4), 365–367. https://doi. org/10.2746/0425164044890607
  • Fedorski, J., & Pikula, R. (1988). Heritability of some body conformation traits in the Thoroughbred horse. Animal Science Papers and Reports, 3, 53–57.
  • Galisteo, A.M., Cano, M.R., Morales, J.L., Vivo, J., & Miró, F. (1998). The influence of speed and height at the withers on the kinematics of sound horses at the hand-led trot. Veterinary Research Communications, 22(6), 415–423. https://doi. org/10.1023/a:1006105614177
  • Gharahveysi, S., Kashan, N.E.J., Gerami, A., & Torshizi, R.V. (2008). Estimation of genetic parameters of Iranian Arab Horses population. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 11 (2), 280–284. https://doi. org/10.3923/pjbs.2008.280.284
  • Green, B.K. (1975). Horse Conformation as to Soundness and Performance. Northland Press.
  • Harris, S.E. (1993). Horse Gaits, Balance, and Movement. Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. 19-74.
  • Jakubec, V., Vostry, L., Schlote, W., Majzlik, I., & Mach. K. (2009). Selection in the genetic resource: genetic variation of the linear described type traits in the Old Kladrub horse. Archiv Tierzucht 52(4), 343-355. https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-52-343-2009
  • Jorgensen, J., Genovese, R., Ross, M., & Dyson, S. (2003). Superficial digital flexor tendonitis. In M.W. Ross & S.J. Dyson (Eds.), Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse, 628-643. https://doi. org/10.1016/B978-0-7216-8342-3.50077-2
  • Kasashima, Y., Takahashi, T., Smith, R.K., Goodship, A.E., Kuwano, A., Ueno, T., & Hirano, S. (2004). Prevalence of superficial digital flexor tendonitis and suspensory desmitis in Japanese Thoroughbred flat racehorses in 1999. Equine Veterinary Journal, 36(4), 346–350. https://doi.org/10.2746/0425164044890580
  • Kavazis, A.N., & Ott, E.A. (2003). Growth rates in thoroughbred horses raised in Florida. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 23(8), 353– 357. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0737-0806(03)01024-4
  • Magnusson, L.E., & Thafvelin B.C. (1990). Studies on the Conformation and related traits of Standardbred Trotters in Sweden, Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 107(1-6), 135-148. https://doi. org/10.1111/j.1439-0388.1990.tb00019.xMawdsley, A., Kelly, E.P., Smith, F.H., & Brophy, P.O. (1996). Linear assessment of the Thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation. Equine Veterinary Journal, 28(6), 461- 467.
  • Molina, A., Valera, M., Santos, D.R., & Rodero, A. (1999). Genetic parameters of morphofunctional traits in Andalusian horse. Livestock Production Science, 60(2-3), 295–303. https://doi. org/10.1016/S0301-6226(99)00101-3
  • Moore, J. (2010). General Biomechanics: The horse as a biological machine. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 30(7), 379-383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2010.06.002.
  • Mostafa, M.B., & Elemmawy, Y.M. (2020). Relationships between morphometric measurements and musculoskeletal disorders in jumping Thoroughbred horses. Journal Of Equine Science, 31(2), 23–27. https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.31.23
  • Munahi, AK. (2016). Anatomical parameters of head and neck with referring to their conformation of Local Arabian Horses, Al- Qadisiyah Journal of Veterinary Medicine Sciences 15(1), 58-69.
  • Perkins, N.R., Reid, S.W., & Morris, R.S. (2005). Risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries of the lower limbs in Thoroughbred racehorses in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 53(3), 171–183. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2005.36502
  • Ross, M.W., and Dyson, S.J. (2011). Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse, 2nd ed. (eds.), Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis. pp. 16–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2009-0-50774-X
  • Saastamoinen, M.T., Suontama., M., & Ojala, M. (1998). Heritability of conformation traits and their relationships to racing performance in the Finnhorse Trotter. Proceedings of the 6th World Congress on Genetic Applied to Livestock Production, Armidale, Australia.
  • Sadek, M.H., Al-Aboud, A.Z., & Ashmawy, A.A. (2006). Factor analysis of body measurements in Arabian horses. Journal Of Animal Breeding and Genetics = Zeitschrift Fur Tierzuchtung Und Zuchtungsbiologie, 123(6), 369–377. https://doi.org/10.1111/ j.1439-0388.2006.00618.x
  • Sanchez, M.J., Gomez, M.D., Pena, F., Monterde, J.G., Morales, M.A., & Valera, M. (2013). Relationship between conformation traits and gait characteristics in Pura Raza Espanol horses, Archiv Tierzucht, 56(13), 137-148. https://doi.org/10.7482/0003-9438-56-013
  • Steel, C.M., Hopper, B.J., Richardson, J.L., Alexander, G.R., & Robertson, I.D. (2006). Clinical findings, diagnosis, prevalence and predisposing factors for lameness localised to the middle carpal joint in young Standardbred racehorses. Equine Veterinary Journal, 38(2), 152– 157. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516406776563332
  • Stover, S.M. (2003). The epidemiology of Thoroughbred racehorse injures. Clinical Techniques In Equine Practice. 2(4), 312–322. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ctep.2004.04.003.
  • Thomas, H.S. (2005). The Horse Conformation Handbook. Versa Pres, United States; 105-190
  • Thorpe, C.T., Clegg, P.D., & Birch, H.L. (2010). A review of tendon injury: why is the equine superficial digital flexor tendon most at risk? Equine Veterinary Journal, 42(2), 174–180. https://doi. org/10.2746/042516409X480395
  • Türkiye Jokey Kulübü (2022). Arabian and Thorughbred Horse Population in Turkey. https://www.tjk.org/TR/YarisSever/Static/ Page/AyrintiliIstatistikler (accessed 6 June 2023).
  • Weller, R., Pfau, T., Verheyen, K., May, S.A., & Wilson, A.M. (2006). The effect of conformation on orthopaedic health and performance in a cohort of National Hunt racehorses: preliminary results. Equine Veterinary Journal, 38(7), 622–627. https://doi. org/10.2746/042516406x159034
  • Williams, R.B., Harkins, L.S., Hammond, C.J., & Wood, J.L. (2001). Racehorse injuries, clinical problems and fatalities recorded on British racecourses from flat racing and National Hunt racing during 1996, 1997 and 1998. Equine Veterinary Journal, 33(5), 478–486. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516401776254808
Year 2023, Volume: 12 Issue: 2, 27 - 35, 26.12.2023
https://doi.org/10.53913/aduveterinary.1330533

Abstract

Project Number

VTF-06014

References

  • Anderson, T.M., & McIlwraith, C.W. (2004). Longitudinal development of equine conformation from weanling to age 3 years in the Thoroughbred. Equine Veterinary Journal, 36(7), 563–570. https:// doi.org/10.2746/0425164044864507
  • Bakhtiari, J., & Heshmat, G. (2009). Estimation of genetic parameters of conformation traits in Iranian Thoroughbred horses. Livestock Science, 123 (2-3), 116-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. livsci.2008.10.014
  • Belloy, E., & Bathe, A.P. (1996). The importance of standardising the evaluation of conformation in the horse. Equine Veterinary Journal, 28(6), 429–430. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996. tb01613.x
  • Cervantes, I., Baumung, R., Molina, A., Drum, I.T., Gutierrez, J.P., Solkner, J., & Valera, M. (2009). Size and shape analysis of morphofunctional traits in the Spanish Arab horse. Livestock Science, 125(1), 43-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2009.03.006
  • Cogger, N., Evans, D.L., Hodgson, D.R., Reid, S.W., & Perkins, N. (2008). Incidence rate of musculoskeletal injuries and determinants of time to recovery in young Australian Thoroughbred racehorses. Australian Veterinary Journal, 86(12), 473–480. https://doi. org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2008.00359.x
  • Delahunty, D.A., Webb, S.P., Kelly, E.P., & Smith, F. (1991). Intermandibular width and cannon bone length in “winners” versus “others”. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 11, 258-259.
  • Dolvik, N.I., & Klemetsdal, G. (1999). Conformational Traits of Norwegian Cold-blooded Trotters: Heritability and the Relationship with Performance. Acta Agriculture Scandinavica Section A-Animal Science, 49, 156-162. https://doi.org/10.1080/090647099424060
  • Ely, E.R., Verheyen, K.L., & Wood, J.L. (2004). Fractures and tendon injuries in National Hunt horses in training in the UK: a pilot study. Equine Veterinary Journal, 36(4), 365–367. https://doi. org/10.2746/0425164044890607
  • Fedorski, J., & Pikula, R. (1988). Heritability of some body conformation traits in the Thoroughbred horse. Animal Science Papers and Reports, 3, 53–57.
  • Galisteo, A.M., Cano, M.R., Morales, J.L., Vivo, J., & Miró, F. (1998). The influence of speed and height at the withers on the kinematics of sound horses at the hand-led trot. Veterinary Research Communications, 22(6), 415–423. https://doi. org/10.1023/a:1006105614177
  • Gharahveysi, S., Kashan, N.E.J., Gerami, A., & Torshizi, R.V. (2008). Estimation of genetic parameters of Iranian Arab Horses population. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 11 (2), 280–284. https://doi. org/10.3923/pjbs.2008.280.284
  • Green, B.K. (1975). Horse Conformation as to Soundness and Performance. Northland Press.
  • Harris, S.E. (1993). Horse Gaits, Balance, and Movement. Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. 19-74.
  • Jakubec, V., Vostry, L., Schlote, W., Majzlik, I., & Mach. K. (2009). Selection in the genetic resource: genetic variation of the linear described type traits in the Old Kladrub horse. Archiv Tierzucht 52(4), 343-355. https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-52-343-2009
  • Jorgensen, J., Genovese, R., Ross, M., & Dyson, S. (2003). Superficial digital flexor tendonitis. In M.W. Ross & S.J. Dyson (Eds.), Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse, 628-643. https://doi. org/10.1016/B978-0-7216-8342-3.50077-2
  • Kasashima, Y., Takahashi, T., Smith, R.K., Goodship, A.E., Kuwano, A., Ueno, T., & Hirano, S. (2004). Prevalence of superficial digital flexor tendonitis and suspensory desmitis in Japanese Thoroughbred flat racehorses in 1999. Equine Veterinary Journal, 36(4), 346–350. https://doi.org/10.2746/0425164044890580
  • Kavazis, A.N., & Ott, E.A. (2003). Growth rates in thoroughbred horses raised in Florida. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 23(8), 353– 357. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0737-0806(03)01024-4
  • Magnusson, L.E., & Thafvelin B.C. (1990). Studies on the Conformation and related traits of Standardbred Trotters in Sweden, Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 107(1-6), 135-148. https://doi. org/10.1111/j.1439-0388.1990.tb00019.xMawdsley, A., Kelly, E.P., Smith, F.H., & Brophy, P.O. (1996). Linear assessment of the Thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation. Equine Veterinary Journal, 28(6), 461- 467.
  • Molina, A., Valera, M., Santos, D.R., & Rodero, A. (1999). Genetic parameters of morphofunctional traits in Andalusian horse. Livestock Production Science, 60(2-3), 295–303. https://doi. org/10.1016/S0301-6226(99)00101-3
  • Moore, J. (2010). General Biomechanics: The horse as a biological machine. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 30(7), 379-383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2010.06.002.
  • Mostafa, M.B., & Elemmawy, Y.M. (2020). Relationships between morphometric measurements and musculoskeletal disorders in jumping Thoroughbred horses. Journal Of Equine Science, 31(2), 23–27. https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.31.23
  • Munahi, AK. (2016). Anatomical parameters of head and neck with referring to their conformation of Local Arabian Horses, Al- Qadisiyah Journal of Veterinary Medicine Sciences 15(1), 58-69.
  • Perkins, N.R., Reid, S.W., & Morris, R.S. (2005). Risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries of the lower limbs in Thoroughbred racehorses in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 53(3), 171–183. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2005.36502
  • Ross, M.W., and Dyson, S.J. (2011). Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse, 2nd ed. (eds.), Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis. pp. 16–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2009-0-50774-X
  • Saastamoinen, M.T., Suontama., M., & Ojala, M. (1998). Heritability of conformation traits and their relationships to racing performance in the Finnhorse Trotter. Proceedings of the 6th World Congress on Genetic Applied to Livestock Production, Armidale, Australia.
  • Sadek, M.H., Al-Aboud, A.Z., & Ashmawy, A.A. (2006). Factor analysis of body measurements in Arabian horses. Journal Of Animal Breeding and Genetics = Zeitschrift Fur Tierzuchtung Und Zuchtungsbiologie, 123(6), 369–377. https://doi.org/10.1111/ j.1439-0388.2006.00618.x
  • Sanchez, M.J., Gomez, M.D., Pena, F., Monterde, J.G., Morales, M.A., & Valera, M. (2013). Relationship between conformation traits and gait characteristics in Pura Raza Espanol horses, Archiv Tierzucht, 56(13), 137-148. https://doi.org/10.7482/0003-9438-56-013
  • Steel, C.M., Hopper, B.J., Richardson, J.L., Alexander, G.R., & Robertson, I.D. (2006). Clinical findings, diagnosis, prevalence and predisposing factors for lameness localised to the middle carpal joint in young Standardbred racehorses. Equine Veterinary Journal, 38(2), 152– 157. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516406776563332
  • Stover, S.M. (2003). The epidemiology of Thoroughbred racehorse injures. Clinical Techniques In Equine Practice. 2(4), 312–322. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ctep.2004.04.003.
  • Thomas, H.S. (2005). The Horse Conformation Handbook. Versa Pres, United States; 105-190
  • Thorpe, C.T., Clegg, P.D., & Birch, H.L. (2010). A review of tendon injury: why is the equine superficial digital flexor tendon most at risk? Equine Veterinary Journal, 42(2), 174–180. https://doi. org/10.2746/042516409X480395
  • Türkiye Jokey Kulübü (2022). Arabian and Thorughbred Horse Population in Turkey. https://www.tjk.org/TR/YarisSever/Static/ Page/AyrintiliIstatistikler (accessed 6 June 2023).
  • Weller, R., Pfau, T., Verheyen, K., May, S.A., & Wilson, A.M. (2006). The effect of conformation on orthopaedic health and performance in a cohort of National Hunt racehorses: preliminary results. Equine Veterinary Journal, 38(7), 622–627. https://doi. org/10.2746/042516406x159034
  • Williams, R.B., Harkins, L.S., Hammond, C.J., & Wood, J.L. (2001). Racehorse injuries, clinical problems and fatalities recorded on British racecourses from flat racing and National Hunt racing during 1996, 1997 and 1998. Equine Veterinary Journal, 33(5), 478–486. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516401776254808
There are 34 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Zootechny (Other)
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

İsmail Gökçe Yıldırım 0000-0003-3458-0827

Hasan Erden This is me 0000-0002-6470-0220

Project Number VTF-06014
Publication Date December 26, 2023
Submission Date July 23, 2023
Published in Issue Year 2023 Volume: 12 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Yıldırım, İ. G., & Erden, H. (2023). Conformational characteristics in Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. Animal Health Production and Hygiene, 12(2), 27-35. https://doi.org/10.53913/aduveterinary.1330533