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Veterinary sciences2025; 12(1); doi: 10.3390/vetsci12010020

Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (Equus caballus).

Abstract: Measuring limb joint angles is crucial for understanding horse conformation, performance, injury diagnosis, and prevention. While Thoroughbred horses have been extensively studied, local Pakistani breeds (e.g., Morna racehorse) have not received scientific attention. This study aimed to quantify normal angles of limb joints in the Morna breed. Limb joint angles of standing horses (n = 50) were quantified using a measuring tape, height stick, protractor scale, and goniometer. The mean and standard deviation (Mean ± SD) values for the forelimb joint angles were 123.02 ± 3.46° for elbow, 171.52 ± 2.39° for knee, and 147.68 ± 5.11° for fetlock. The mean ± SD values for the hindlimb joint angles were 128.62 ± 4.08° for stifle, 160.40 ± 3.89° for hock, and 155.48 ± 2.68° for fetlock. There was a non-significant (p > 0.05) correlation between horse joint angles and, age, body weight, and body condition score (BCS). The elbow and stifle joint angles of Morna align well with characteristics associated with optimal racing performance. However, the hock and fetlock angles differ from jumping Thoroughbred and French trotters. We recommend further research to examine the conformation of the Morna breed, particularly by measuring the lengths of limb segments and correlating it with joint angles. This may provide valuable insights into individual variations within the breed.
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Publication Date: 2025-01-05 PubMed ID: 39852895PubMed Central: PMC11768722DOI: 10.3390/vetsci12010020Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article explores the conformation of limb joints in Morna racehorses, a breed indigenous to Pakistan. The researchers quantified various angles of limb joints to help understand how local breeds compare to internationally studied horses, such as the Thoroughbred.

Study Objectives and Methodology

The article seeks to fill a gap in scientific research by quantifying the normal angles of limb joints in the Morna racehorse breed. This is done to understand the horse’s conformation, performance, and strategies for injury diagnosis and prevention better.

  • The researchers measured the limb joint angles of 50 Morna horses while they were standing. They used tools such as a measuring tape, height stick, protractor scale, and goniometer for the measurements.

Measurement Outcomes

The outcome of these measurements indicated:

  • The mean and standard deviation values for the forelimb joint angles were 123.02 ± 3.46° for the elbow, 171.52 ± 2.39° for the knee, and 147.68 ± 5.11° for the fetlock.
  • The mean and standard deviation values for the hindlimb joint angles were 128.62 ± 4.08° for the stifle, 160.40 ± 3.89° for the hock, and 155.48 ± 2.68° for the fetlock.

Correlation Analysis and Implications

The study also investigated any correlations between the horse’s joint angles and factors such as age, body weight, and a horse’s body condition score (BCS)—a numerical indicator of the horse’s physical state in relation to its muscle and fat. The researchers found no significant associations (>0.05) between these factors and the joint angles.

  • The angles of the elbow and stifle joints in Morna breed horses correspond well with optimal racing performance.
  • Conversely, the hock and fetlock angles differ from those observed in jumping Thoroughbreds and French trotters.

Recommendations for Future Research

Despite these insights, the researchers suggested that the confirmation of the Morna breed should be studied further. This could involve measuring the lengths of the horse’s limb segments and associating those with joint angles. Such research may yield valuable insights into variations within the Morna breed, enhancing understanding of their physical capabilities and potential.

Cite This Article

APA
Ahmad I, Ijaz S, Usman MM, Safdar A, Khan IU, Zeeshan M, Bukhari SSUH. (2025). Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (Equus caballus). Vet Sci, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12010020

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 1

Researcher Affiliations

Ahmad, Israr
  • Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29220, Pakistan.
Ijaz, Sahar
  • Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
Usman, Mirza M
  • Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
Safdar, Ayesha
  • Department of Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
Khan, Imdad U
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29220, Pakistan.
Zeeshan, Muhammad
  • Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 523808, China.
Bukhari, Syed S U H
  • Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 523808, China.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Bukhari SSUH, Urooj S. Retinol and cholecalciferol affect buserelin-induced estrous in anestrous mares. Trop Anim Health Prod 2025 Mar 17;57(3):124.
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