Morphometric parameters, metabolic profile and musculoskeletal alterations in Criollo horses competing in the morphology trial

Background

Obesity is common in some horse breeds, raising concerns about health and performance. Criollo horses in morphological events often undergo intensive management promoting early adiposity.

Aims/objectives

This study aimed (1) to assess morphometric traits, metabolic profile, hoof morphology, and tarsal joint alterations in Criollo horses participating in morphological trials; (2) to evaluate sex-related differences; and (3) the associations between morphometric measurements, hoof morphology, and tarsal osteoarthritis grades.

Methods

Fifty-five horses (30 mares, 25 stallions) were evaluated for body condition score (BCS), cresty neck score (CNS), morphometric measurements and metabolic parameters including cholesterol, lipoproteins, leptin, adiponectin and muscle enzymes. Forelimb hooves (n = 49) radiographs were analyzed for morphology and tarsal joints (n = 48) radiographs were analyzed for the presence of degenerative alterations.

Results

A high prevalence of overweight horses (BCS ≥7) was observed. Males had greater neck circumference (p < 0.05), females had higher body fat percentage (p < 0.05). Distal phalanx descent correlated positively with body fat (r = 0.31, P = 0.01) and tailhead fat (r = 0.31, P = 0.01). Distal lamellar zone distance positively correlated with body fat (r = 0.34; P = 0.009) and tailhead fat (r = 0.34; P = 0.009), and hoof angle correlated negatively with neck fat (r=-0.41; P = 0.02). Males showed longer P2 (p < 0.05). All horses had tarsal radiographic lesions; females exhibited higher lesion scores than males (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

These findings highlight the prevalence of overweight animals in Criollo breed morphological trials and the occurrence of tarsal joint degeneration in this population. The association between hoof measurements and adiposity variables emphasizes the potential impact of elevated body condition on musculoskeletal alterations and laminitis development.