Phannithi, T.; Laikul, A.; Pathomsakulwong, W.; Rungsri, P.; Apichaimongkonkun, T.; Watchrarat, K.; Cherdchutham, W. External Hoof Measurements of Untrimmed and Unshod Mules in Northern Thailand. Animals2024, 14, 1197.
Phannithi, T.; Laikul, A.; Pathomsakulwong, W.; Rungsri, P.; Apichaimongkonkun, T.; Watchrarat, K.; Cherdchutham, W. External Hoof Measurements of Untrimmed and Unshod Mules in Northern Thailand. Animals 2024, 14, 1197.
Phannithi, T.; Laikul, A.; Pathomsakulwong, W.; Rungsri, P.; Apichaimongkonkun, T.; Watchrarat, K.; Cherdchutham, W. External Hoof Measurements of Untrimmed and Unshod Mules in Northern Thailand. Animals2024, 14, 1197.
Phannithi, T.; Laikul, A.; Pathomsakulwong, W.; Rungsri, P.; Apichaimongkonkun, T.; Watchrarat, K.; Cherdchutham, W. External Hoof Measurements of Untrimmed and Unshod Mules in Northern Thailand. Animals 2024, 14, 1197.
Abstract
External hoof characteristics, balance, and conformation have been extensively studied in horses; however, mules remain understudied in these aspects. This study evaluated the size, shape, and symmetry of untrimmed and unshod forelimb hooves, compared the symmetry between forelimb hooves and stratified external forelimb hoof measurements based on the body condition score of mules raised in the foothill plains of northern Thailand. The forelimb hooves of 38 mules were photographed and 33 parameters, including angular and linear measurements, were analyzed. Despite the absence of shoeing and trimming, these mules exhibited optimal left-right forelimb hoof symmetry, with no significant (p < 0.05) differences in: outer wall length and inner wall length (OWL - IWL); sole length and sole width (SLS - SW); dorsal hoof wall length and heel length (DHWL - HL); and frog length and frog width (FL - FW). However, significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed within each body condition score group for forelimb hoof measurements for DHWL, IWL, heel separation (HS), heel bulb distance (HBD), SW, FW, and FL. These findings provide valuable insights into mule welfare and management, contributing to understanding of the interplay between overall health and hoof conformation in the study area.
Biology and Life Sciences, Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology
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