External Hoof Measurements of Untrimmed and Unshod Mules in Northern Thailand
by
, , , , , and
Thawijit Phannithi
1
,
Aree Laikul
2,
Watcharapol Pathomsakulwong
3,
Porrakote Rungsri
4,
Tawanhathai Apichaimongkonkun
3,
Krisana Watchrarat
5 and
Worakij Cherdchutham
2,* 1
Veterinary Clinical Studies Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand
2
Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand
3
Equine Clinic, Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Sean, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
4
Equine Clinic, Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
5
Veterinarian of Royal Stable Unit, The Royal Thai Army, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Animals 2024, 14(8), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14081197
Submission received: 4 March 2024
/
Revised: 14 April 2024
/
Accepted: 15 April 2024
/
Published: 16 April 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Donkeys and Mules)
Simple Summary
The mule has been the partner of humans for millennia, with extensive use in pack saddle and military work. Mule hoof conformation plays a crucial role in the animal’s health, performance, and welfare. Despite the long working history of mules, there has been limited published scientific research on the untrimmed and unshod mule hoof, especially considering its normal shape and sound condition. This study is the first to report on the external hoof conformation of the forelimbs of mules in northern Thailand, accompanied by an assessment of body condition scores. The mules presented homogenous hoof sizes and a high level of symmetry, with small and oval-shaped hooves featuring an upright dorsal wall angle that protrudes more palmar, influenced by the base of the frog. The body condition scores were associated with some external hoof conformation parameters. The study identified and highlighted essential parameters and features of the forelimb hooves in the mule, contributing to a better understanding of this essential aspect of the mule’s external characteristics, which should be useful in hoof management and welfare.
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. A multivariate analysis was used to explore the influence of sex, age, and body condition scores (BCS) on angular, linear, and area parameters. Additionally, one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test was used to compare these parameters across different BCS groups. 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: Left 0.11 ± 0.66 cm; Right −0.12 ± 0.43 cm); sole length and sole width (SLS–SW: Left 1.65 ± 0.76 cm; Right 1.46 ± 0.89 cm); dorsal hoof wall length and heel length (DHWL–HL: Left 4.00 ± 0.80 cm; Right 3.81 ± 0.72 cm); and frog length and frog width (FL–FW: Left 3.88 ± 1.13 cm; Right 3.82 ± 0.18 cm). 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, while sex and age had no significant differences across the study variables. 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.
