Uneven feet in a foal may develop as a consequence of lateral grazing behaviour induced by conformational traits.
BACKGROUND
Conformational traits are important in breeding, since they may be indicative for performance ability and susceptibility to injuries.


OBJECTIVE
To study whether certain desired conformational traits of foals are related to lateralised behaviour while foraging and to the development of uneven feet.


METHODS
Twenty-four Warmblood foals, born and raised at the same location, were studied for a year. Foraging behaviour was observed by means of weekly 10 min scan-sampling for 8 h. A preference test (PT) was developed to serve as a standardised tool to determine laterality. The foals were evaluated at age 3, 15, 27 and 55 weeks. The PT and distal limb conformation were used to study the relation between overall body conformation, laterality and the development of uneven feet. Pressure measurements were used to determine the loading patterns under the feet.


RESULTS
About 50% of the foals developed a significant preference to protract the same limb systematically while grazing, which resulted in uneven feet and subsequently uneven loading patterns. Foals with relatively long limbs and small heads were predisposed to develop laterality and, consequently unevenness.


CONCLUSIONS
Conformational traits may stimulate the development of laterality and therefore indirectly cause uneven feet.
van Heel
M C V
MC
Derona Equine Performance Laboratory, Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Kroekenstoel
A M
AM
van Dierendonck
M C
MC
van Weeren
P R
PR
Back
W
W
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005552:Forelimb / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006736:Horses / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male