Assessing the impact of long-term captivity on Saiga Antelope calcaneus mechanical characteristics by three-dimensional finite element simulation

IF 1.8 3区农林科学 Q1 VETERINARY SCIENCES

Research in veterinary science Pub Date : 2025-08-18 DOI:10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105858

Zixian Liu , Xing Gao , Fengqi Wan , Xinping Ma , Mingcong Ding , Libaihe Jing

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

This study investigates the mechanical properties of the calcaneus bone in saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) compared to sheep (Ovis aries) to assess the impact of long-term captivity on bone characteristics. Mechanical testing was conducted to determine the compressive elastic modulus (E) and ultimate stress (σ_max) of cancellous and cortical bone. Additionally, finite element analysis (FEA) based on 3D models from Micro-CT scans was used to simulate stress distribution during running at full speed in saiga antelope.

Results

The mechanical testing results revealed that the cortical bone of the saiga antelope calcaneus had a significantly higher elastic modulus (E) than that of sheep (P < 0.05), indicating increased stiffness. However, no significant differences were observed in the cancellous bone properties. FEA showed high stress concentrations in the midshaft region of the saiga antelope calcaneus during running simulations, where the stress exceeded the calcaneal ultimate stress (σ_max), suggesting a heightened risk of fracture.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that long-term captivity may reduce the robustness of the saiga antelope calcaneus, particularly in dynamic situations like running. This highlights the need for better management strategies, such as dietary adjustments and increased physical activity, to enhance the bone health and fitness of saiga antelope for potential reintroduction into the wild.

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利用三维有限元模拟评估长期圈养对赛加羚羊跟骨力学特性的影响

本研究研究了赛加羚羊（saiga tatarica）和绵羊（Ovis aries）的跟骨力学特性，以评估长期圈养对其骨骼特性的影响。通过力学试验确定了松质骨和皮质骨的压缩弹性模量E和极限应力σmax。此外，采用基于Micro-CT扫描三维模型的有限元分析（FEA）方法模拟了赛加羚羊全速奔跑时的应力分布。结果力学测试结果显示，赛加羚羊跟骨皮质骨的弹性模量(E)明显高于绵羊（P < 0.05），表明其刚度增加。然而，在松质骨特性方面没有观察到显著差异。模拟结果表明，赛加羚羊跟骨中轴区域应力集中，应力超过跟骨极限应力（σmax），骨折风险较高。结论长期圈养可能会降低赛加羚羊跟骨的健壮性，尤其是在奔跑等动态环境下。这突出表明需要更好的管理策略，例如调整饮食和增加体育活动，以增强赛加羚羊的骨骼健康和适应性，以便有可能重新引入野外。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Research in veterinary science 农林科学-兽医学

CiteScore

4.40

自引率

4.20%

发文量

312

审稿时长

75 days

期刊介绍： Research in Veterinary Science is an International multi-disciplinary journal publishing original articles, reviews and short communications of a high scientific and ethical standard in all aspects of veterinary and biomedical research. The primary aim of the journal is to inform veterinary and biomedical scientists of significant advances in veterinary and related research through prompt publication and dissemination. Secondly, the journal aims to provide a general multi-disciplinary forum for discussion and debate of news and issues concerning veterinary science. Thirdly, to promote the dissemination of knowledge to a broader range of professions, globally. High quality papers on all species of animals are considered, particularly those considered to be of high scientific importance and originality, and with interdisciplinary interest. The journal encourages papers providing results that have clear implications for understanding disease pathogenesis and for the development of control measures or treatments, as well as those dealing with a comparative biomedical approach, which represents a substantial improvement to animal and human health. Studies without a robust scientific hypothesis or that are preliminary, or of weak originality, as well as negative results, are not appropriate for the journal. Furthermore, observational approaches, case studies or field reports lacking an advancement in general knowledge do not fall within the scope of the journal.