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Home / Equine Research Bank / Front Vet Sci / Preliminary Study on the Connection Between the Mineral Prof...
Frontiers in veterinary science2022; 8; 763935; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.763935

Preliminary Study on the Connection Between the Mineral Profile of Horse Hooves and Tensile Strength Based on Body Weight, Sex, Age, Sampling Location, and Riding Disciplines.

Abstract: Hoof mineral profile is important as it could affect locomotion. Factors such as body weight, sex, age, and riding disciplines affect hoof mineral profile. In Mexico and globally, studies are needed on the characterization of mineral profile of hooves and tensile strength, as this could help to prevent overgrowth or microfractures. Therefore, in the present survey, 165 samples of equine hoof cuttings from different sex, ages, breeds, and riding disciplines from different regions of Mexico were analyzed for their mineral composition, and a universal testing machine was used to measure tensile strength. More than half of the samples were from males (63%) and aged 3 to 5 years (52%). Most samples were obtained from horses used for reproduction (36%) and working (29%) purposes. The most preponderant minerals were K (3,416 μg/g), Na (2,242 μg/g), and Ca (631 μg/g). Tensile strength ranged from 1.2 to 45 N. Females had higher (P < 0.05) amounts of Zn than males. Animals younger than 3 years old have lower (P < 0.05) levels of Na than those between 3 and 5 years old. Horses used for reproduction had lower (P < 0.05) Mg concentrations than animals used for running and working. Tensile strength was similar between demographic characteristics. Horses from Santa Gertrudis military ranch had higher (P < 0.05) levels of Ca, Se, and Na compared with horses from other sampling location. Copper was higher (P < 0.05) in horses from racecourse. Potassium was higher (P < 0.05) in horses from the Presidential General Staff. Overall, there was no evident connection between sex, ages, breeds, and riding disciplines from different regions of Mexico and the mineral composition of the hoof or its tensile strength. Further research should focus on the relation on specific feeding regimes, horse individual characteristic, hoof mineral contents, and tensile strength.
Copyright © 2022 Rueda-Carrillo, Rosiles-Martínez, Hernández-García, Vargas-Bello-Pérez and Trigo-Tavera.
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Publication Date: 2022-03-07 PubMed ID: 35320952PubMed Central: PMC8936798DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.763935Google 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 study investigates the relationship between the mineral profile in horse hooves, their tensile strength, and a range of factors like age, sex, body weight, riding disciplines, and sampling location, by analyzing 165 samples from different horse demographics in Mexico. The results indicate that these factors do not significantly influence a hoof’s mineral composition or tensile strength.

Methodology of the Study

  • Analyzed 165 samples of horse hoof cuttings sourced from horses of various breeds, sexes, ages, and riding disciplines from “different regions of Mexico”.
  • The mineral composition of the hoof samples was thoroughly evaluated.
  • The tensile strength of the samples was measured using a universal testing machine.

Demographic Characteristics of Sampled Horses

  • 63% of the samples were from male horses while the remaining were from females.
  • 52% of the samples were obtained from horses aged between 3 to 5 years.
  • The majority of the horses were used for reproductive (36%) and working (29%) purposes.

Results of the Study

  • The most abundant minerals present in the hooves included K (Potassium), Na (Sodium), and Ca (Calcium).
  • The tensile strength of the samples varied between 1.2 to 45 N (Newtons).
  • Females had higher amounts of Zn (Zinc) than males.
  • Horses younger than 3 years had lower levels of Sodium compared to those aged 3-5 years.
  • Horses meant for reproduction had lower Magnesium concentrations than those used for running and work.
  • No significant variations were found in the tensile strength across different demographic characteristics.
  • Horses from Santa Gertrudis military ranch exhibited higher levels of Calcium, Selenium, and Sodium than horses from other locations.
  • Horses from racecourses had a higher concentration of Copper.
  • Potassium levels were higher in horses from the Presidential General Staff.

Key Takeaways from the Study

  • While the analysis observed some variations in mineral compositions based on sex, age, and purpose of use (reproduction, racing, work, etc.), these variables did not significantly influence the overall mineral composition or tensile strength of the hooves.
  • The study recommends further research to investigate the influence of specific factors like feeding regimes and individual horse characteristics on hoof mineral content and tensile strength as it could not assert a clear connection in this study.

Cite This Article

APA
Rueda-Carrillo G, Rosiles-Martínez R, Hernández-García AI, Vargas-Bello-Pérez E, Trigo-Tavera FJ. (2022). Preliminary Study on the Connection Between the Mineral Profile of Horse Hooves and Tensile Strength Based on Body Weight, Sex, Age, Sampling Location, and Riding Disciplines. Front Vet Sci, 8, 763935. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.763935

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 8
Pages: 763935

Researcher Affiliations

Rueda-Carrillo, Gabriel
  • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Departamento de Nutrición Animal y Bioquímica, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico.
Rosiles-Martínez, René
  • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Departamento de Nutrición Animal y Bioquímica, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico.
Hernández-García, Anaid Ireri
  • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Departamento de Nutrición Animal y Bioquímica, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico.
Vargas-Bello-Pérez, Einar
  • Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Trigo-Tavera, Francisco J
  • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Departamento de Nutrición Animal y Bioquímica, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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