Etude morphométrique du cheval de course race arabe en relation avec la performa ma nce

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure the conformation of horses from Arabian origin involved in 90 km or more endurance races in order to determine correlations between these body measurements and performance. As part of the GenEndurance project, 367 horses were evaluated for the following body measurements: withers height (WH), chest girth (CG), length of the body (BL), thickness of the skin fold (SF), body condition score (BCS) and weight. Skeletal conformation measurements were also made by photographic analysis using the Equimétrix® software. The “performance index” was used to determine correlations between measurements and performance. It is composed of a speed index, a distance index and a rank index. This study allowed to develop a database on the morphology of high level endurance horses and to establish a specific weight equation based on several body measurements. The statistical analysis by linear regression showed that the horses having the highest distance index have a higher BL, a thinner SF and a smaller stifle angle. Horses having the highest speed index have a more horizontal femur. This study is a first step in determination of performance associated criteria in endurance horses. Other studies must be performed in young animals, using gait analysis and genetic assay