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Journal of equine science2020; 31(2); 17-22; doi: 10.1294/jes.31.17

Morphometric measurements of the feet of working donkeys Equus asinus in Egypt.

Abstract: Working equids rely on sound, balanced hooves, but data describing the typical morphology of the legs and feet of working donkeys are currently lacking. To address this gap in knowledge, the front and hind feet of twenty healthy working donkeys were measured and compared. Hoof width, weight-bearing lengths, heel width, dorsal hoof wall length and lateral and medial heel length of the hoof wall were determined, as well as toe angle, heel angle, hoof pastern axis, coronary band angle and a measure of 'ground surface size'. Viewed from the ground surface of the foot, front feet were more rounded and significantly larger than hind feet. Measures of medial-lateral balance and toe-heel angle ratio were within the recommended healthy guidelines for horses. Hoof pastern axis was broken forward for the studied animals, which supports previous research suggesting that a broken forward hoof pastern axis is normal for donkeys, although further study would be required to confirm whether this conformation is natural. Significant correlations were found between estimated body mass and hoof width in both the front and hind feet. These measurements provide valuable insight into the relationship between hoof and body characteristics, which may aid the development of guidelines for the trimming and management of working donkey hooves. Further study is, however, advised to confirm natural hoof conformation.
©2020 The Japanese Society of Equine Science.
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Publication Date: 2020-06-24 PubMed ID: 32617071PubMed Central: PMC7316701DOI: 10.1294/jes.31.17Google 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 study focuses on understanding the characteristics of the feet of working donkeys in Egypt. The researchers recorded several measurements from twenty healthy donkeys and found notable correlations between body mass and foot width. This study aims to serve as a basis for developing guidelines for better working donkey hoof care and management.

Objective of the Study

  • The study aims to fill the gap in knowledge about the typical morphology of the legs and feet of working donkeys, which are indispensable for their health and capacity to work.

Methodology

  • The feet, both front and hind, of twenty healthy donkeys were thoroughly assessed.
  • Different measurements like hoof width, weight-bearing lengths, dorsal hoof wall length, and heel width among others were recorded.
  • The comparative analysis was conducted between the front and hind feet characteristics.

Findings

  • The front feet were more rounded and significantly larger than the hind feet when viewed from the ground surface.
  • The measurements related to medial-lateral balance and toe-heel angle ratio were found to be within the standard healthy guidelines for horses.
  • It was observed that the hoof pastern axis was broken forward for the studied animals. This finding reinforces previous research suggesting that a broken forward hoof pastern axis may be normal for donkeys.
  • There was a significant correlation found between estimated body mass and the width of the hoof in both the front and hind feet, suggesting a relationship between body weight and foot size in these animals.

Implications

  • This research provides valuable insights into the morphology of donkey hooves that can aid in developing guidelines for hoof care and management in working donkeys.
  • These results could support improved hoof health, which is crucial for the wellbeing and productivity of working donkeys.
  • While the study provides preliminary data, further investigations are recommended to confirm the natural hoof conformation in donkeys and more accurately define what constitutes a healthy, natural donkey hoof.

Cite This Article

APA
Mostafa MB, Abdelgalil AI, Farhat SF, Raw Z, Kubasiewicz LM. (2020). Morphometric measurements of the feet of working donkeys Equus asinus in Egypt. J Equine Sci, 31(2), 17-22. https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.31.17

Publication

Journal of equine science
ISSN: 1340-3516
NlmUniqueID: 9503751
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 31
Issue: 2
Pages: 17-22

Researcher Affiliations

Mostafa, Mohamed B
  • Department of Veterinary Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, P.O. Box 12211, Cairo, Giza, Egypt.
Abdelgalil, Ahmed I
  • Department of Veterinary Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, P.O. Box 12211, Cairo, Giza, Egypt.
Farhat, Shaaban F
  • Egyptian Society for the Protection and Welfare of Working Animals (ESPWWA), P. O. Box 12111, Cairo, Egypt.
Raw, Zoe
  • The Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, EX10 0NU, U.K.
Kubasiewicz, Laura M
  • The Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, EX10 0NU, U.K.

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Citations

This article has been cited 6 times.
  1. Zhu Q, Khan MZ, Peng Y, Wang C. A Comparative Review of Donkey Genetic Resources, Production Traits, and Industrial Utilization: Perspectives from China and Globally. Animals (Basel) 2025 Nov 21;15(23).
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  2. Schaus K, Wacker J, Jandowsky A, Büttner K, Röcken M, Bartmann CP. Radiographic Morphometric Measurements of the Donkey's Distal Hind Limb. Animals (Basel) 2024 Dec 25;15(1).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15010022pubmed: 39794965google scholar: lookup
  3. Wacker J, Schaus K, Jandowsky A, Büttner K, Röcken M, Bartmann CP. Radiographic measurements of the hoof in generally sound donkeys with emphasis on the front limbs. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1505253.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1505253pubmed: 39723185google scholar: lookup
  4. Phannithi T, Laikul A, Pathomsakulwong W, Rungsri P, Apichaimongkonkun T, Watchrarat K, Cherdchutham W. External Hoof Measurements of Untrimmed and Unshod Mules in Northern Thailand. Animals (Basel) 2024 Apr 16;14(8).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14081197pubmed: 38672345google scholar: lookup
  5. Seck M, Jobling R, Brown AF. Trialling Locally Made, Low-Cost Bits to Improve Bit-Related Welfare Problems in Cart Horses: Findings from a Study in Senegal. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 20;13(1).
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  6. Bukhari SSUH, McElligott AG, Parkes RSV. Quantifying the Impact of Mounted Load Carrying on Equids: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 7;11(5).
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