Qualitative hoof characteristics in Anglo-arabian horses and Monterufoli Ponies reared in the same farm

Abstract

This work aims the hoof morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics in Anglo Arabian horses, and Monterufoli ponies reared in Tuscany. 28 nail samples from wall and sole of hoof were analysed. All feet were healthy and well conformed. The hoof of Monterufoli Pony was more cylindrical, and the Anglo Arabian hoof was harder (H 112.8±4.9, and H 119.4±2.7 in sole and in wall respectively). The percentage of dry matter (83.03±0.67) was greater in AA hoof, while the percentage in crude protein and in ashes in hoof was similar between breeds.  The minerals were in greatest concentration in the Anglo Arabian hoof wall. Monterufoli Pony hoof seemed to excrete the minerals through the probable osmoregulation activity of Na, which has shown negative correlation with many minerals, and through the nail consumption, that is softer than that of Anglo Arabian. In principal component analyses of test results for both breeds, 10 significant factors (ratio of    variance = 96.88) and 5 factors that explain 79.65% of cumulative variance were found. PCA analysis has shown a quite separation between breeds, confirming for the Anglo Arabian hoof the greater trend to accumulate minerals on nails, and for MP hoof the antagonist activity of Sodium (Na) against other minerals.