Effects of body indices and shoeing on hoof morphometry among sudanese country-bred polo horses in Nigeria

Abstract

Several factors influence hoof size which largely determine the normal function of the equine limbs. The effects of shoeing and body indices on hoof morphometry among Sudanese country-bred polo horses in Nigeria were evaluated in the present study. Apparently healthy, shod/barefooted Sudanese country-bred mares without hoof abnormalities were randomly selected and included in the present study. As body indices, we measured the height at withers, heart-girth, body length, and body weight; as hoof parameters, we measured the toe length, solar length, hoof width, and dorsal and ventral hoof wall width on all limbs. Pearson correlation analysis and the independent sample T test were applied for data analysis. The mean height, body weight, heart girth and body length of the Sudanese country-bred horses were 1589.5 ± 56.0 mm, 430.8 ± 42.9 kg, 1758.8±65.31mm and 1649.4±50.03mm respectively which were not significantly different between the shod and barefooted. The dorsal hoof wall width and the hoof solar length and width between the shod and barefooted groups differed statistically significantly (p<0.05). In Sudanese country-bred mares, there was a strong positive correlation that was different significantly between the heart-girth, body length, and body weight. Hoof morphometry and body indices showed a strong positive correlation. The most important ratios relating to hoof size differences between horses with shoes and those without were the hoof index, length, and width to body measurement ratios. According to this study, Sudanese Country-bred horses' hoof morphometry is significantly impacted by shoeing and body indices.