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Equine veterinary journal2007; 38(7); 646-651; doi: 10.2746/042516406x159070

Uneven feet in a foal may develop as a consequence of lateral grazing behaviour induced by conformational traits.

Abstract: Conformational traits are important in breeding, since they may be indicative for performance ability and susceptibility to injuries. Objective: To study whether certain desired conformational traits of foals are related to lateralised behaviour while foraging and to the development of uneven feet. Methods: Twenty-four Warmblood foals, born and raised at the same location, were studied for a year. Foraging behaviour was observed by means of weekly 10 min scan-sampling for 8 h. A preference test (PT) was developed to serve as a standardised tool to determine laterality. The foals were evaluated at age 3, 15, 27 and 55 weeks. The PT and distal limb conformation were used to study the relation between overall body conformation, laterality and the development of uneven feet. Pressure measurements were used to determine the loading patterns under the feet. Results: About 50% of the foals developed a significant preference to protract the same limb systematically while grazing, which resulted in uneven feet and subsequently uneven loading patterns. Foals with relatively long limbs and small heads were predisposed to develop laterality and, consequently unevenness. Conclusions: Conformational traits may stimulate the development of laterality and therefore indirectly cause uneven feet.
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Publication Date: 2007-01-19 PubMed ID: 17228580DOI: 10.2746/042516406x159070Google 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 paper investigates the correlation between the physical features of foals (young horses), their foraging behavior, and the development of unbalanced hooves. The study suggests that horses with particular body traits, such as longer limbs and small heads, are more likely to develop a preference for protracting one leg while eating, which might lead to the development of uneven hooves.

Study Purpose and Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine whether certain conformational traits (physical characteristics) in foals can give an indication of their laterality (tendency to use one side of the body more than the other) during foraging. The idea was to see if these traits could induce lateral grazing behavior leading to the development of uneven hooves.

Methods Used in the Study

  • A total of 24 Warmblood foals, all born and raised in the same location, were observed over a period of one year.
  • The foraging behavior of these foals was monitored using weekly ten minute scan-sampling that totaled to 8 hours.
  • A preference test (PT) tool was created to efficiently determine each foal’s laterality.
  • Observations and tests on the foals were carried out when they were at the ages of 3, 15, 27, and 55 weeks.
  • Pressure measurements underneath the foals’ feet were done to identify the load-bearing patterns.

Results of about Study

  • About half of the foals observed developed a significant preference to protract the same limb while grazing. This preference led to the development of uneven hooves and resulted in uneven load-bearing patterns.
  • Foals that had relatively longer limbs and smaller heads were more likely to develop a preference for one side, leading to unevenness in their hooves.

Conclusions of the Study

The study concludes that physical traits in foals can stimulate the development of laterality, which consequently may lead to the formation of uneven hooves. It emphasizes the significance of hoof balance and regular monitoring of the foal’s limb use behavior and conformational changes, in order to prevent or properly manage the development of uneven hooves.

Cite This Article

APA
van Heel MC, Kroekenstoel AM, van Dierendonck MC, van Weeren PR, Back W. (2007). Uneven feet in a foal may develop as a consequence of lateral grazing behaviour induced by conformational traits. Equine Vet J, 38(7), 646-651. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516406x159070

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 38
Issue: 7
Pages: 646-651

Researcher Affiliations

van Heel, M C V
  • Derona Equine Performance Laboratory, Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Kroekenstoel, A M
    van Dierendonck, M C
      van Weeren, P R
        Back, W

          MeSH Terms

          • Aging / physiology
          • Animals
          • Animals, Newborn / anatomy & histology
          • Animals, Newborn / growth & development
          • Animals, Newborn / physiology
          • Feeding Behavior / physiology
          • Female
          • Forelimb / anatomy & histology
          • Forelimb / physiology
          • Horses / anatomy & histology
          • Horses / growth & development
          • Horses / physiology
          • Male

          Citations

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