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Australian veterinary journal2010; 88(4); 124-131; doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2010.00554.x

Morphometry and abnormalities of the feet of Kaimanawa feral horses in New Zealand.

Abstract: The present study investigated the foot health of the Kaimanawa feral horse population and tested the hypotheses that horses would have a large range of foot morphology and that the incidence of foot abnormality would be significantly high. Methods: Abnormality was defined as a variation from what the two veterinarian assessors considered as optimal morphology and which was considered to impact negatively on the structure and/or function of the foot. Fifteen morphometric variables were measured on four calibrated photographic views of all four feet of 20 adult Kaimanawa feral horses. Four morphometric variables were measured from the lateromedial radiographs of the left forefoot of each horse. In addition, the study identified the incidence of gross abnormality observed on the photographs and radiographs of all 80 feet. Results: There was a large variation between horses in the morphometric dimensions, indicating an inconsistent foot type. Mean hoof variables were outside the normal range recommended by veterinarians and hoof care providers; 35% of all feet had a long toe conformation and 15% had a mediolateral imbalance. Abnormalities included lateral (85% of horses) and dorsal (90% of horses) wall flares, presence of laminar rings (80% of horses) and bull-nose tip of the distal phalanx (75% of horses). Both hypotheses were therefore accepted. Conclusions: The Kaimanawa feral horse population demonstrated a broad range of foot abnormalities and we propose that one reason for the questionable foot health and conformation is lack of abrasive wearing by the environment. In comparison with other feral horse populations in Australia and America there may be less pressure on the natural selection of the foot of the Kaimanawa horses by the forgiving environment of the Kaimanawa Ranges. Contrary to popular belief, the feral horse foot type should not be used as an ideal model for the domestic horse foot.
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Publication Date: 2010-04-21 PubMed ID: 20402699DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2010.00554.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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 paper explores the foot health of Kaimanawa feral horses in New Zealand, finding significant variations in foot morphology and a high incidence of foot abnormalities, likely due to the lack of abrasive wearing by the environment. The findings suggest domesticated horse foot care should not model after these feral horses.

Methodology

  • The research defined abnormality as a variation from the optimal morphology that veterinarians typically deem fit and which could negatively impact the structure or function of the foot.
  • The researchers measured 15 morphometric variables (attributes relating to form and structure) using calibrated photographs of all four feet of 20 adult Kaimanawa feral horses.
  • Also, four morphometric variables were measured from the lateral radiographs of the left forefoot of each horse.
  • The study also identified the incidence of gross abnormalities via the photographs and radiographs.

Findings

  • There was substantial variation in the morphometric dimensions among the horses, indicating inconsistency in foot type.
  • On average, the hoof variables fell outside the normal range suggested by veterinarians and hoof care providers.
  • 35% of all feet had a ‘long toe’ conformation, while 15% had a mediolateral imbalance.
  • Reported abnormalities included lateral (85% of horses) and dorsal (90% of horses) wall flares, presence of laminar rings (80% of horses), and a bull-nose tip of the distal phalanx (75% of horses).
  • The research suggests that the wide range of foot abnormalities may be attributed to the lack of abrasive wearing by the environment.
  • The study accepted both initial hypotheses, that horses would have a wide range of foot morphology and that the incidence of foot abnormality would be high.

Conclusion

  • The observation suggests that the foot health of the Kaimanawa feral horse population may suffer due to less pressure on natural selection, as compared to feral horse populations in Australia and America.
  • The study concludes that the feral horse foot type should not be used as an ideal model for the domestic horse foot, contrary to popular belief.

Cite This Article

APA
Hampson BA, Ramsey G, Macintosh AM, Mills PC, de Laat MA, Pollitt CC. (2010). Morphometry and abnormalities of the feet of Kaimanawa feral horses in New Zealand. Aust Vet J, 88(4), 124-131. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2010.00554.x

Publication

Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 88
Issue: 4
Pages: 124-131

Researcher Affiliations

Hampson, B A
  • Australian Brumby Research Unit, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. b.hampson1@uq.edu.au
Ramsey, G
    Macintosh, A M H
      Mills, P C
        de Laat, M A
          Pollitt, C C

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Animals, Wild
            • Female
            • Hoof and Claw / abnormalities
            • Hoof and Claw / anatomy & histology
            • Hoof and Claw / diagnostic imaging
            • Horses / abnormalities
            • Horses / anatomy & histology
            • Male
            • New Zealand
            • Radiography

            Citations

            This article has been cited 11 times.
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