Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (<i>Equus caballus</i>)
Measuring limb joint angles is crucial for understanding horse conformation, performance, injury diagnosis, and prevention. While Thoroughbred horses have been extensively studied, local Pakistani breeds (e.g., Morna racehorse) have not received scientific attention. This study aimed to quantify nor...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| author | Israr Ahmad Sahar Ijaz Mirza M. Usman Ayesha Safdar Imdad U. Khan Muhammad Zeeshan Syed S. U. H. Bukhari |
| author_facet | Israr Ahmad Sahar Ijaz Mirza M. Usman Ayesha Safdar Imdad U. Khan Muhammad Zeeshan Syed S. U. H. Bukhari |
| author_sort | Israr Ahmad |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Measuring limb joint angles is crucial for understanding horse conformation, performance, injury diagnosis, and prevention. While Thoroughbred horses have been extensively studied, local Pakistani breeds (e.g., Morna racehorse) have not received scientific attention. This study aimed to quantify normal angles of limb joints in the Morna breed. Limb joint angles of standing horses (n = 50) were quantified using a measuring tape, height stick, protractor scale, and goniometer. The mean and standard deviation (Mean ± SD) values for the forelimb joint angles were 123.02 ± 3.46° for elbow, 171.52 ± 2.39° for knee, and 147.68 ± 5.11° for fetlock. The mean ± SD values for the hindlimb joint angles were 128.62 ± 4.08° for stifle, 160.40 ± 3.89° for hock, and 155.48 ± 2.68° for fetlock. There was a non-significant (<i>p</i> > 0.05) correlation between horse joint angles and, age, body weight, and body condition score (BCS). The elbow and stifle joint angles of Morna align well with characteristics associated with optimal racing performance. However, the hock and fetlock angles differ from jumping Thoroughbred and French trotters. We recommend further research to examine the conformation of the Morna breed, particularly by measuring the lengths of limb segments and correlating it with joint angles. This may provide valuable insights into individual variations within the breed. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2306-7381 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Veterinary Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-ca1b5a62f0f04cf98f37f5e2fd0e67842025-01-24T13:52:00ZengMDPI AGVeterinary Sciences2306-73812025-01-011212010.3390/vetsci12010020Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (<i>Equus caballus</i>)Israr Ahmad0Sahar Ijaz1Mirza M. Usman2Ayesha Safdar3Imdad U. Khan4Muhammad Zeeshan5Syed S. U. H. Bukhari6Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29220, PakistanDepartment of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, PakistanDepartment of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, PakistanDepartment of Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, PakistanDepartment of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29220, PakistanJockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 523808, ChinaJockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 523808, ChinaMeasuring limb joint angles is crucial for understanding horse conformation, performance, injury diagnosis, and prevention. While Thoroughbred horses have been extensively studied, local Pakistani breeds (e.g., Morna racehorse) have not received scientific attention. This study aimed to quantify normal angles of limb joints in the Morna breed. Limb joint angles of standing horses (n = 50) were quantified using a measuring tape, height stick, protractor scale, and goniometer. The mean and standard deviation (Mean ± SD) values for the forelimb joint angles were 123.02 ± 3.46° for elbow, 171.52 ± 2.39° for knee, and 147.68 ± 5.11° for fetlock. The mean ± SD values for the hindlimb joint angles were 128.62 ± 4.08° for stifle, 160.40 ± 3.89° for hock, and 155.48 ± 2.68° for fetlock. There was a non-significant (<i>p</i> > 0.05) correlation between horse joint angles and, age, body weight, and body condition score (BCS). The elbow and stifle joint angles of Morna align well with characteristics associated with optimal racing performance. However, the hock and fetlock angles differ from jumping Thoroughbred and French trotters. We recommend further research to examine the conformation of the Morna breed, particularly by measuring the lengths of limb segments and correlating it with joint angles. This may provide valuable insights into individual variations within the breed.https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/1/20body condition scoreequine biomechanicsgoniometerhorse: joint anatomyjoint conformationlimb joint angles |
| spellingShingle | Israr Ahmad Sahar Ijaz Mirza M. Usman Ayesha Safdar Imdad U. Khan Muhammad Zeeshan Syed S. U. H. Bukhari Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (<i>Equus caballus</i>) Veterinary Sciences body condition score equine biomechanics goniometer horse: joint anatomy joint conformation limb joint angles |
| title | Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (<i>Equus caballus</i>) |
| title_full | Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (<i>Equus caballus</i>) |
| title_fullStr | Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (<i>Equus caballus</i>) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (<i>Equus caballus</i>) |
| title_short | Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (<i>Equus caballus</i>) |
| title_sort | evaluating forelimb and hindlimb joint conformation of morna racehorses i equus caballus i |
| topic | body condition score equine biomechanics goniometer horse: joint anatomy joint conformation limb joint angles |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/1/20 |
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