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PloS one2019; 14(7); e0219900; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219900

Growth patterns, metabolic indicators and osteoarticular status in the Lusitano horse: A longitudinal study.

Abstract: Development of a healthy musculoskeletal system is of high concern for horse breeders and users. A longitudinal field study was performed in order to: (i) evaluate growth patterns and long-term changes on bone quality, bone metabolism, growth factors and metabolic variables in the Lusitano horse; and (ii) retrospectively assess whether these changes were related with radiographic findings regarding osteochondrosis-like lesions (OC) at the onset of training. Thirty-four Lusitano foals born and raised at four stud-farms, were periodically weighed (BW), and measured (withers height-WH) from birth to 36 months of age. On the same days, blood samples were collected for determination of osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), leptin, insulin, glucose, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium plasma concentrations, and quantitative ultrasound measurements were performed on the right third metacarpal bone (McIII). At the end of the study horses underwent radiographic examination of the four fetlocks, hocks and stifles. According to their radiographic status (OC negative vs. OC positive), Richards growth function was adjusted to BW and WH data. Instantaneous BW and WH growth rates (BW IADG and WH IADG) were calculated for each foal, from the resolution of the first derivative of growth models for seven age-classes. The presence of radiographic findings compatible with OC at the onset of training was associated with changes in BW and WH growth rates. Positive horses presented higher BW IADG from six to 18 months of age and lower WH IADG before 45 days of age (P<0.001). Speed of sound measurements (SOS), bone markers, growth factors and other metabolic variables change markedly with age (P<0.01). OC positive horses tended to have lower SOS values at the lateral region of McIII, lower IGF-I, and higher insulin and PTH concentrations (P<0.1). This study provides indirect evidence that monitoring foals' growth during the first year of life may be of assistance in managing the occurrence of OC. Further studies with a higher number of animals and a controlled feed intake should be pursued.
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Publication Date: 2019-07-17 PubMed ID: 31314780PubMed Central: PMC6636759DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219900Google 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.

The research article aims to study the growth patterns, metabolism, and bone health in Lusitano horses and to investigate if these elements are related to the occurrence of bone lesions at the start of their training.

Study Design and Procedure

  • The study was longitudinal, that is, it observed and ideated on a group of 34 Lusitano foals for a period of 36 months (3 years).
  • The foals were weighed and measured regularly, and blood samples were taken at every stage to study various bone metabolism and growth factors such as osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), leptin, insulin, glucose, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium plasma concentrations.
  • Also, the researchers carried out an ultrasound of each foal’s right third metacarpal bone (McIII) and finally conducted a radiographic examination of their four fetlocks, hocks and stifles at the conclusion of the study.

Findings and Implications

  • The results showed that changes in the weight and height growth rates of the foals were linked to the presence of the bone lesions (osteochondrosis-like lesions or OC).
  • Horses with these lesions showed higher weight growth rates between the ages of six and 18 months, and lower height growth rates before 45 days of age.
  • Additionally, these OC-positive horses showed a potential trend of having lower ultrasound speed-of-sound values at the lateral region of their third metacarpal bone, lower insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) levels, and higher insulin and parathyroid hormone concentrations.
  • The study implies that regular monitoring of growth during the first year of a Lusitano foal’s life could help in managing the occurrence of osteochondrosis, a condition that can cause pain and joint issues.
  • However, to confirm and understand these findings in greater depth, further studies with a larger group of horses and regulated feeding intake should be carried out by the researchers.

Cite This Article

APA
Fradinho MJ, Mateus L, Bernardes N, Bessa RJB, Caldeira RM, Ferreira-Dias G. (2019). Growth patterns, metabolic indicators and osteoarticular status in the Lusitano horse: A longitudinal study. PLoS One, 14(7), e0219900. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0219900

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 7
Pages: e0219900

Researcher Affiliations

Fradinho, Maria J
  • Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal.
Mateus, Luísa
  • Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal.
Bernardes, Nuno
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal.
Bessa, Rui J B
  • Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal.
Caldeira, Rui M
  • Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal.
Ferreira-Dias, Graça
  • Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Body Weights and Measures
  • Bone Development / genetics
  • Cartilage, Articular / growth & development
  • Cartilage, Articular / metabolism
  • Female
  • Horses
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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