Influence of lactation on hoof horn growth in thoroughbred horses during the annual cycle

M. Komosa*, H. Fra̧ckowiak, H. Purzyc

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The study analyses of the hoof horn growth in thoroughbred mares within the annual cycle with special emphasis put on the period of lactation. The analysis included 23 mares, among which 16 were lactating after foaling and 7 formed the control group. Based on the principal component analysis and t test, it was concluded that lactation is an important factor which results in decreasing the hoof horn growth. The difference between the two groups of horses was lower at the initial stage of lactation and it gradually increased towards the end of the process. Aside lactation, annual seasonality also affects the growth dynamics of the hoof horn. The intensity of this process decreases between October and March and then it increases again.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)577-583
Number of pages7
JournalBiological Rhythm Research
Volume43
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Annual cycle
  • Hoof
  • Lactation
  • Thoroughbred horses

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Influence of lactation on hoof horn growth in thoroughbred horses during the annual cycle'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this