An Accurate Image Analysis Method for Estimating Body Measurements in Horses.
Abstract: This study proposes a standardized image analysis method for assessing horse conformation. A total of 34 adult American Quarter Horses (mean age = 6.7 ± 2.9 years, body weight = 489 ± 44 kg) were used. Reference angular measurements were performed using a digital goniometer, and reference linear measurements were determined using a standard measuring tape. For image analysis, photographs from the animal's left profile were taken at a distance of 3 m using eight markers to facilitate visualization. Images were processed using ImageJ software. Reference and estimated values showed great accuracy, with v 0.999 (P < .001), and coefficient of variation .05) for most variables. The highest coefficient of variation (3.05%) was observed for coxae-femur angle, where the software obtained an underestimation of 2.8° compared with the reference method. Body length resulted in an overestimation of 3.4 cm in relation to reference values, but coefficient of variation was low (1.54%). Discrepancies between estimated and reference results can be attributed to possible errors when collecting biometric data using portable measuring tools, angles and long measurements being more difficult to obtain. Software analysis of standardized horse photographs is an accurate and precise method for obtaining body measurements and is therefore recommended for future studies on horse conformation.
Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2021-02-19 PubMed ID: 33993939DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103418Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The study presents a reliable method for analyzing images to estimate a horse’s body measurements. The method uses standardized photographs and image processing software to obtain accurate measurements, reducing possible errors common with using handheld measuring tools.
Methodology
- The study’s sample comprised 34 adult American Quarter Horses, with average age and body weight recorded.
- Traditional measurement methods were also used for reference – angular measurements taken using a digital goniometer and linear measurements via standard measuring tape.
- To facilitate image analysis, photographs of the horse’s left profile were taken from a three-meter distance. Eight markers were used in the photo taking process to aid visualization.
- Images obtained were processed using ImageJ software.
Results
- The accuracy between the reference and estimated values was high with an error rate of less than 1% and Pearson’s correlation coefficient surpassing 0.999.
- The study found no significant difference between image analysis and reference results for most variables.
- The largest variation (3.05%) was noted for the coxae-femur angle measure, where the software slightly underestimated the angle by 2.8° compared to the reference method.
- The body length estimated by the software was slightly over the reference values with a discrepancy of 3.4 cm. But considering the low coefficient of variation (1.54%), this discrepancy was not significant.
- Any observed disparities between the estimated and reference results were attributed to likely errors when gathering biometric data using handheld measuring tools, with angles and large measurements particularly tricky to obtain accurately.
Conclusion
- The use of software analysis for standardized horse photographs is a precise and accurate method for acquiring body measurements in horses.
- Given its high accuracy and precision, the method is recommended for future studies on horse conformation.
Cite This Article
APA
Freitag GP, de Lima LGF, Jacomini JA, Kozicki LE, Ribeiro LB.
(2021).
An Accurate Image Analysis Method for Estimating Body Measurements in Horses.
J Equine Vet Sci, 101, 103418.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103418 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil; Department of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Electronic address: giovanna_w7@hotmail.com.
- Veterinary physician, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Body Weight
- Horses
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
- Software
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Gherissi DE, Lamraoui R, Chacha F, Gaouar SBS. Accuracy of image analysis for linear zoometric measurements in dromedary camels. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022 Jul 20;54(4):232.
- Giontella A, Silvestrelli M, Cocciolone A, Pieramati C, Sarti FM. Breeding Value Estimation Based on Morphological Evaluation of the Maremmano Horse Population through Factor Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jul 31;14(15).
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