The subsided region of Maranhão is characterized by its peculiar ecosystem, flooded fields in rainy seasons and an arid environment in the dry season. In this region, there is a remarkable record of the presence of a genetic group called by the local population, of horse "baixadeiro". The study aimed to determine, through radiographic evaluation, the age of closure of the radio growth plate of these animals, correlating radiographic findings with gender and serum dosages of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. In the study, 60 horses were used, with ages ranging from 18 to 30 months, divided into two equal groups according to gender. A portable X-ray device was used to obtain the images. The radiographic technique used was 53 kVp and 5 mAs, with a film focus distance of 70 cm in craniocaudal projection. Blood samples were performed by puncture of the external jugular vein and stored in Ependorff tubes, frozen until processing. Biochemical analyses were performed using specific kits to measure calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase. According to the results obtained, the average age of closure of the growth plate was 26.7 months for the male and 24.5 in females. As for serum dosages, we observed that the average values found in calcium were higher in males, while the average values found for both phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were higher in females.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.