Podometry and mineral content in hooves of Campeiro horses

Abstract

The Campeiro horses descend from animals brought into southern Brazil by Spaniards between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. They have shown adaptations to local climatic conditions, types of feeding, management, and selection models to which they have been exposed over the years. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of hooves of the Campeiro horse by means of morphometry and measurement of the contents of some minerals and propose an approach to assess the balance of the palmar/plantar region of the hooves. Hoof morphometry data from the fore and hind hooves of 50 horses were recorded. The mediolateral balance of hooves was assessed by the symmetry of heels, assessing their vertical, linear, and angular metrics. Contents of Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, and Zn were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while K and Na levels were measured by atomic emission in sole, wall and frog. Forelimbs showed longer and wider hooves and longer frog. Toe angle was higher in hindlimbs, while the ratio body mass/hoof-ground contact area was similar between the limbs. High frequency of frog contraction (40.4 %), angular imbalance of heels (differences greater than five degrees between lateral and medial heels) (30.3 %) and underrun heels (82.7 %) was observed. Regardless of pigmentation, hoof contents of Cu, Fe, and Zn were higher in the wall, while K, Ca, and Mg levels were greater in the frog. Pigmented hooves (dark) had higher levels of Fe in the wall and sole and higher levels of K in the sole and frog compared to the non-pigmented hooves (light). We can infer that indirect measures of hoof height and palmar/plantar region were adequate. Furthermore, differences in the content of some minerals between dark and light hooves did not reflect on differences in quality.

Preliminary Study on the Connection Between the Mineral Profile of Horse Hooves and Tensile Strength Based on Body Weight, Sex, Age, Sampling Location, and Riding Disciplines

“…With regard to Cu, an average of 1.80 ± 1.04 μg/g was obtained. This value was somewhat similar to that obtained by de Souza et al, 3.51 ± 1.6 ppm ( 30 ), but it was found below (4.3–4.53 ppm) that described by Faria et al ( 32 ). In another study, by de Souza et al, Cu values of 5.61 ± 1.38 ppm were recorded ( 11 ).…”

“…In the case of Fe, a value of 114 ± 145 μg/g was obtained, which is below the values (290.58 ± 256.26 ppm) reported by de Souza et al ( 30 ). With regard to Cu, an average of 1.80 ± 1.04 μg/g was obtained.…”

“…It is important to consider that when carrying out this type of studies, the specific hoof area for sampling can yield to differences in mineral levels. For example, Mg levels obtained in this study were 181 ± 98 µg/g, while de Souza et al (30) reported different Mg values from the wall (960 ± 631 ppm) and the frog (1,389 ± 768 ppm). Similarly, Tocci et al (21) reported Mg values for the hoof wall of 373 ± 33 ppm and 255 ± 38 ppm for the sole.…”

Clinical and ultrasonographic findings of the digital flexor tendons and ligaments of the metacarpal/metatarsal region in gaited horses

“…The breed has been used for farm work, pleasure riding and in various types of equestrian sports (Gonçalves et al 2012, Abrantes et al 2015. The Campeiro horse is a locally adapted breed that has developed through natural selection in the Serra Catarinense, region of southern Brazil, and has its own characteristics related to adaptation to the environment (Souza et al 2021, Souza et al 2019, Souza et al 2018, Souza et al 2016) (Figure 1B). Therefore, in addition to desirable characteristics for riding, such as the marcha gait, it constitutes an important genetic patrimony for animal breeding programs (McManus et al 2005).…”