Morphometric characterization of horses (Equus caballus) in different age groups

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate morphometric variation of horse in different age groups. Body measurements and weight were taken on 30 horses (geldings). The horses were divided into two age groups namely, Group-I (7.53 ± 0.36 years) and Group-II (13.06 ± 0.55 years) respectively. The mean values of Group-I and Group-II horses were found as 18.93 ± 0.17 and 18.94 ± 0.21 cm for left metacarpus circumference, 20.63 ± 0.19 and 20.73 ± 0.23 cm for left metatarsal circumference, 162.01 ± 0.99 and 169.53 ± 1.23 cm for girth circumference, 150.33 ± 0.77 and 149.46 ± 1.19 cm for withers height, 152.1 ± 1.00 and 150.23 ± 1.29 cm for body length, respectively. In this research, there was no statistical significant difference in any of the parameters except girth circumference in between the age groups. It can be concluded that horses reach to adult growth body size after 4 years of age. Within the parameters considered, the homogeneity of investigated material was found, which could indicate stable growth of morphometric traits. However, the tendency of morphometric traits for homogenous but unstable growth was also observed.