Orthopedic Diseases in the Pura Raza Española Horse: The Prevalence and Genetic Parameters of Angular Hoof Deviations.
Authors: Ripollés-Lobo María, Perdomo-González Davinia Isabel, Azor Pedro Javier, Valera Mercedes
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
Angular hoof deviations—splay-footed and pigeon-toed conformations—represent a significant welfare and performance concern in the Pura Raza Española breed, yet their heritability and underlying mechanisms remain poorly characterised. Researchers evaluated 51,134 horses using standardised assessment scales, finding that 84.25% of the population exhibited at least one angular defect, with splay-footed hindlimbs most prevalent (79.53%) and pigeon-toed hindlimbs least common (3.86%). Heritability estimates varied considerably by defect and limb, ranging from 0.11 for splay-footed hindlimbs to 0.31 for pigeon-toed hindlimbs, indicating a moderate genetic component amenable to selective breeding pressure. Critically, superficial digital flexor tendon diameter showed strong genetic correlation with inward toe deviations, whilst proportionality index correlated with outward toe defects—findings that suggest these conformation variables share common developmental pathways and may serve as early indicators during young stock assessment. For practitioners, these results underscore the importance of evaluating angular hoof deviations within the broader context of limb conformation and soft tissue development, whilst breeders should recognise the heritable nature of these defects when making selection decisions to improve longevity and reduce lameness in performance horses.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Angular hoof deviations are highly prevalent in PRE horses and heritable; selective breeding strategies should consider these traits to reduce prevalence in future generations
- •Farriers and veterinarians should monitor superficial digital flexor tendon development in foals predisposed to pigeon-toed conditions, as these traits are genetically linked
- •The strong genetic correlations between body proportionality, tendon development, and hoof angles suggest these conformational traits should be evaluated together during breeding soundness and performance assessments
Key Findings
- •84.25% of PRE horses had at least one angular hoof defect, with splay-footed rear limb being most prevalent at 79.53%
- •Heritability estimates ranged from 0.11 (SFR) to 0.31 (PTR), indicating moderate genetic influence on angular hoof deviations
- •Superficial digital flexor tendon diameter is strongly genetically correlated with inward toe conditions (PTF, PTR; P≥0.95)
- •Proportionality index is strongly genetically correlated with outward toe defects (SFF, SFR; P≥0.95)