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Logan AA, Snyder AJ, Nielsen BD. Circle Diameter Impacts Stride Frequency and Forelimb Stance Duration at Various Gaits in Horses. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23094232. [PMID: 37177435 PMCID: PMC10181099 DOI: 10.3390/s23094232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The effects of gait and diameter have been studied independently, but rarely together in equine circular exercise studies. This study aimed to determine the impact of diameter (10-m or 15-m) at various gaits (walk, trot, and canter) on stride frequency or forelimb stance duration. Nine mature horses were outfitted with Tekscan™ Hoof Sensors on their forelimbs during circular and straight-line exercise at various gaits on a clay and sand arena surface. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of exercise type, recording, leg, and breed (PROC GLIMMIX, p < 0.05 significance). At walk (p < 0.0001) and trot (p < 0.001), stride frequency was lower during circular exercise. Stride frequency was similar between forelimbs at all gaits. At walk (p < 0.001) and canter (p = 0.01), stance duration was greatest during 10-m circle exercise. At walk (p = 0.0007), trot (p < 0.001), and canter (p < 0.0001), the inside forelimb had longer stance duration than the outside forelimb. Differences between forelimb stance durations may support asymmetrical travel while horses exercise on a circle at the walk, trot, and canter. These results demonstrate diameter and gait are important factors when evaluating forelimb kinematics during circular exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A Logan
- School of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee State University, 314 W. Thompson Ln., Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA
| | - Alyson J Snyder
- School of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee State University, 314 W. Thompson Ln., Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA
| | - Brian D Nielsen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Bradtmueller A, Nejati A, Shepley E, Vasseur E. Applications of Technology to Record Locomotion Measurements in Dairy Cows: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061121. [PMID: 36978660 PMCID: PMC10044283 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lameness within the dairy industry is a concern because of its associated costs and welfare implications. Visual locomotion scoring has been commonly used for assessing cows' locomotion quality, but it can have low reliability and is relatively subjective compared to automated methods of assessing locomotion. Kinematic, kinetic, and accelerometric technologies can provide a greater number of more detailed outcome measurements than visual scoring. The objective of this systematic review was to determine outcome measurements, and the relationships between them, that have been recorded using kinematic, kinetic, and accelerometric technologies, as well as other approaches to evaluating cow locomotion. Following PRISMA guidelines, two databases were searched for studies published from January 2000 to June 2022. Thirty-seven articles were retained after undergoing a screening process involving a title and abstract evaluation, followed by a full-text assessment. Locomotion measurements recorded using these technologies often overlapped, but inconsistencies in the types of technology, the arrangement of equipment, the terminology, and the measurement-recording approaches made it difficult to compare locomotion measurements across studies. Additional research would contribute to a better understanding of how factors regarding the health, environment, and management of dairy cows affect aspects of locomotion, as recorded through the detailed, objective outcome measurements provided by these technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bradtmueller
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Amir Nejati
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Elise Shepley
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Elsa Vasseur
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
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3
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French JE, Matson RD, Thomason JJ, Wright TC, Osborne VR. Dairy cow hoof impact and slide measurements for common Ontario dairy farm floorings. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:3477-3492. [PMID: 36935242 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
In the context of understanding lameness and injury from slipping, our objective was to characterize hoof impact and slide of 5 cows walking on 6 flooring surfaces commonly used in Ontario dairy farms: diamond-grooved concrete (DC), sanded epoxy-covered concrete (EC), grooved rubber mat (GR), high-profile rubber mat (HR), low-profile rubber mat (LR), and turf grass (TG; Kentucky bluegrass/fescue mix). Surface hardness was measured on each surface using a Clegg Impact Soil Tester. Five trained lactating Holstein cows were each walked over all 6 surfaces sequentially in a randomized order. Walking speeds were determined from 60-fps videos. A 3-axis accelerometer attached to the lateral claw of each hindfoot captured continuous horizontal (aH), vertical (aV), lateral (aTLat), and medial (aTMed) accelerations at 2,500 Hz during each trial, from which peak values were identified. Data from 45°-rosette strain gauges glued to the dorsal surface of both medial and lateral hooves allowed for the calculation of principal strains (ε1 and ε2). From continuous data, several data points were extracted from 3 to 6 stances/trial: peak values of aH, aV, and aT for the impact phase of the stance; midstance values of ε1 and ε2 as proxies for force on the foot; magnitudes of normal (i.e., consistent and repeatable) sliding on the surface during the support phase; and 3 timing events to capture the cadence of the motion. All aH and aV signals were inspected onscreen to identify irregularities between the end of impact and beginning of breakover that indicated hoof slipping, which was observed on all surfaces. The effects on all measured variables of surface, cow, speed, and hoof (and all significant higher-order factors) were assessed by ANOVA in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.), after verifying data normality. Values of aHmax, indicating grip on the surface from highest to lowest, ranked the surfaces in this order: LR, DC, HR, GR, EC, and TG. Ranking on aVmax, indicating most to least cushioning of the hoof on impact, ranked the surfaces in this order: DC, HR, GR, EC, LR, and TG. Differences in ranking among these and other significant impact variables indicate that future studies of lameness on different surfaces need to include all significant variables identified here. We detected no surface and strain interactions in either the ε1 or ε2 strain, indicating that the surfaces do not affect the overall loads on the foot at midstance. Additionally, lateral and medial hooves may have different roles in a stance. The results highlight the capacity to evaluate flooring types with this technology, and the study provides a tool for future work to examine the role of flooring types in the causation of lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E French
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Guelph, ON, N1G 4Y2, Canada
| | - R D Matson
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J J Thomason
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T C Wright
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Guelph, ON, N1G 4Y2, Canada
| | - V R Osborne
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Nejati A, Bradtmueller A, Shepley E, Vasseur E. Technology applications in bovine gait analysis: A scoping review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0266287. [PMID: 36696371 PMCID: PMC9876379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative bovine gait analysis using technology has evolved significantly over the last two decades. However, subjective methods of gait assessment using visual locomotion scoring remain the primary on-farm and experimental approach. The objective of this review is to map research trends in quantitative bovine gait analysis and to explore the technologies that have been utilized to measure biomechanical parameters of gait. A scoping literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A search algorithm based on PICO framework generated three components-bovine, gait, and technology-to address our objectives. Three online databases were searched for original work published from January 2000 to June 2020. A two-step screening process was then conducted, starting with the review of article titles and abstracts based on inclusion criteria. A remaining 125 articles then underwent a full-text assessment, resulting in 82 final articles. Thematic analysis of research aims resulted in four major themes among the studies: gait/claw biomechanics, lameness detection, intervention/comparison, and system development. Of the 4 themes, lameness detection (55% of studies) was the most common reason for technology use. Within the literature identified three main technologies were used: force and pressure platforms (FPP), vision-based systems (VB), and accelerometers. FPP were the first and most popular technologies to evaluate bovine gait and were used in 58.5% of studies. They include force platforms, pressure mapping systems, and weight distribution platforms. The second most applied technology was VB (34.1% of studies), which predominately consists of video analysis and image processing systems. Accelerometers, another technological method to measure gait characteristics, were used in 14.6% of studies. In sum, the strong demand for automatic lameness detection influenced the path of development for quantitative gait analysis technologies. Among emergent technologies, deep learning and wearable sensors (e.g., accelerometers) appear to be the most promising options. However, although progress has been made, more research is needed to develop more accurate, practical, and user-friendly technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Nejati
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anna Bradtmueller
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elise Shepley
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Elsa Vasseur
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Tian W, Zhang J, Zhou K, Wang Z, Dang R, Jiang L, Wang J, Cong Q. The Limb Kinetics of Goat Walking on the Slope with Different Angles. Biomimetics (Basel) 2022; 7:biomimetics7040220. [PMID: 36546920 PMCID: PMC9776361 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics7040220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the gait adjustment techniques of limbs on different slopes and investigate the relationship between forelimb and hindlimb kinetics and the center of mass (COM) during the uphill movement of a specific Boer goat using a pressure-sensitive walkway (PSW). During the uphill and downhill movements at a comfortable walking speed, we measured the ground reaction force (GRF) of the forelimbs and hindlimbs on the slope, the change in the included angle of the propulsive force direction of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, and the impulse relationship between GRF and propulsive force. According to the study, since the forelimbs of the goat were nearer the COM, they were primarily adjusted during the movement on the slope. By lowering the initial included angle of the propulsive force and the angle variation range, the forelimbs and hindlimbs could walk steadily. The forelimbs and hindlimbs exhibited completely different adjustment strategies during uphill and downhill movements. In particular, the forelimbs performed braking and the hindlimbs performed driving. In addition, we discovered that the goat altered its adjustment strategy when climbing the steep slope. All findings of this study indicate the need to understand the gait adjustment mode of the Boer goat during movement on the slope to thoroughly comprehend the driving strategy of quadrupeds with the ability to walk on specialized terrains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Tian
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Kuiyue Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Zhirui Wang
- North-Vehicle Research, Fengtai District, Beijing 100072, China
| | - Ruina Dang
- North-Vehicle Research, Fengtai District, Beijing 100072, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- North-Vehicle Research, Fengtai District, Beijing 100072, China
| | - Ju Wang
- Pujiang Agricultural and Rural Bureau, Chengdu 322200, China
| | - Qian Cong
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
- Correspondence:
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Gait Analysis in Walking and Trotting Dairy Cows on Different Flooring Types with Novel Mobile Pressure Sensors and Inertial Sensors. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182457. [PMID: 36139317 PMCID: PMC9495103 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical overburdening is a major risk factor that provokes non-infectious claw diseases. Moreover, lameness-causing lesions often remain undetected and untreated. Therefore, prevention of claw tissue overburdening is of interest, especially by analyzing harmful effects within dairy cows’ housing environment. However, objective “on-cow” methods for bovine gait analysis are underdeveloped. The purpose of the study was to apply an innovative mobile pressure sensor system attached at the claws to perform pedobarometric gait analysis. A further goal was the supplementation with accelerative data, generated simultaneously by use of two inertial measurement units (IMUs), attached at metatarsal level. IMU data were analyzed with an automatic step detection algorithm. Gait analysis was performed in ten dairy cows, walking and trotting on concrete flooring and rubber mats. In addition to the basic applicability of the sensor systems and with the aid of the automatic step detection algorithm for gait analysis in cows, we were able to determine the impact of the gait and flooring type on kinematic and kinetic parameters. For pressure sensor output, concrete was associated with significantly (p < 0.001) higher maximum and average pressure values and a significantly smaller contact area, compared to rubber mats. In contrast to walking, trotting led to a significantly higher force, especially under the medial claw. Further, IMU-derived parameters were significantly influenced by the gait. The described sensor systems are useful tools for detailed gait analysis in dairy cows. They allow the investigation of factors which may affect claw health negatively.
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Verdes S, Yáñez U, Trillo Y, Herradón PG, Peña AI, Becerra JJ, Quintela LA. Housing assessment in farms in the Northwest of Spain: main facility weaknesses and strengths. J DAIRY RES 2022; 89:1-4. [PMID: 35388777 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029922000309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this research communication was to examine and report the current situation of dairy farms in the province of Lugo (Galicia, Spain) regarding facility problems. We assessed the facilities of 168 free-stall dairy farms, housing in total 9228 Holstein cows in milk. Housing factors related to the resting area, circulation area, feeding area, ventilation area and milking area, as well as animal-handling features, were evaluated. Distance measurements were performed using a laser metre or a roll metric tape. A survey was conducted to gather information about cleaning and preventive protocols. Our results showed that most farms do not comply with the objective for cubicle measurements, width of the crossovers, type of flooring and presence of a quarantine pen, which may have a negative impact on the health and productivity of the animals. Therefore, to maximise the profits of the farm, the recommendations given in this study may be useful as a guide when building a new farm or remodelling the existing ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Verdes
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Dept. of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002Lugo, Spain
| | - Uxía Yáñez
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Dept. of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002Lugo, Spain
| | - Yolanda Trillo
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Dept. of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002Lugo, Spain
| | - Pedro G Herradón
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Dept. of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002Lugo, Spain
| | - Ana I Peña
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Dept. of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002Lugo, Spain
| | - Juan J Becerra
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Dept. of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002Lugo, Spain
| | - Luis A Quintela
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Dept. of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002Lugo, Spain
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Oehm AW, Merle R, Tautenhahn A, Jensen KC, Mueller KE, Feist M, Zablotski Y. Identifying cow - level factors and farm characteristics associated with locomotion scores in dairy cows using cumulative link mixed models. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263294. [PMID: 35089972 PMCID: PMC8797239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lameness is a tremendous problem in intensively managed dairy herds all over the world. It has been associated with considerable adverse effects on animal welfare and economic viability. The majority of studies have evaluated factors associated with gait disturbance by categorising cows into lame and non-lame. This procedure yet entails a loss of information and precision. In the present study, we extend the binomial response to five categories acknowledging the ordered categorical nature of locomotion assessments, which conserves a higher level of information. A cumulative link mixed modelling approach was used to identify factors associated with increasing locomotion scores. The analysis revealed that a low body condition, elevated somatic cell count, more severe hock lesions, increasing parity, absence of pasture access, and poor udder cleanliness were relevant variables associated with higher locomotion scores. Furthermore, distinct differences in the locomotion scores assigned were identified in regard to breed, observer, and season. Using locomotion scores rather than a dichotomised response variable uncovers more refined relationships between gait disturbances and associated factors. This will help to understand the intricate nature of gait disturbances in dairy cows more deeply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W. Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annegret Tautenhahn
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - K. Charlotte Jensen
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin-Elisabeth Mueller
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie Feist
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Logan AA, Nielsen BD, Hallock DB, Robison CI, Popovich JM. Evaluation of within- and between- session 1 reliability of the TekscanTM Hoof System with a glue-on shoe. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 110:103862. [PMID: 34979263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A current trend in equine research is technology development to minimize the subjective nature of gait analysis. One such technology is the Tekscan Hoof System, which records force and area loaded by the hooves during motion. The objective of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the Tekscan Hoof System between two sessions, and the recordings within those sessions. Four mature Standardbred geldings wore Tekscan Hoof System sensors on both front hooves, secured by glue-on shoes (SoundHorse Technologies). Horses were exercised in AM and PM sessions. In each session, horses walked and trotted for 3 recordings of at least 10 steps. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of gait, horse, leg, and recording nested within session (significance at P ≤ 0.05). Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC; 3,k) and confidence intervals between AM and PM sessions and recordings were calculated with SPSS. Average force and area were higher in AM sessions than PM sessions (P < 0.0001). Between AM and PM sessions, ICC for the walk had good reliability (0.959, 95% CI = 0.797 - 0.992) and excellent reliability at the trot (0.982, 95% CI = 0.911-0.996). Within the AM and PM sessions, reliability was excellent at both the walk and trot (ICCs > 0.962). The Tekscan Hoof System has been found to have excellent reliability within sessions. Caution should be taken when comparing between sessions, as the system is found to have lower force and area output during later sessions due to potential sensor damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A Logan
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
| | - Brian D Nielsen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | | | - Cara I Robison
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - John M Popovich
- Department of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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Logan AA, Nielsen BD, Robison CI, Hallock DB, Manfredi JM, Hiney KM, Buskirk DD, Popovich JM. Impact of Gait and Diameter during Circular Exercise on Front Hoof Area, Vertical Force, and Pressure in Mature Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3581. [PMID: 34944357 PMCID: PMC8697886 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular exercise can be used at varying gaits and diameters to exercise horses, with repeated use anecdotally relating to increased lameness. This work sought to characterize mean area, mean vertical force, and mean pressure of the front hooves while exercising in a straight line at the walk and trot, and small (10-m diameter) and large circles (15-m diameter) at the walk, trot, and canter. Nine mature horses wore TekscanTM Hoof Sensors on their forelimbs adhered with a glue-on shoe. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of leg, gait, and exercise type (PROC GLIMMIX) and p < 0.05 as significant. For all exercise types, the walk had greater mean pressure than the trot (p < 0.01). At the walk, the straight line had greater mean area loaded than the large circle (p = 0.01), and both circle sizes had lower mean vertical force than the straight line (p = 0.003). During circular exercise at the canter, the outside front limb had greater mean area loaded than at the walk and trot (p = 0.001). This study found that gait is an important factor when evaluating circular exercise and should be considered when exercising horses to prevent injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A. Logan
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (B.D.N.); (C.I.R.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Brian D. Nielsen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (B.D.N.); (C.I.R.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Cara I. Robison
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (B.D.N.); (C.I.R.); (D.D.B.)
| | | | - Jane M. Manfredi
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, 784 Wilson, Rd., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Kristina M. Hiney
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 201J Animal Sciences, Stillwater, OK 74074, USA;
| | - Daniel D. Buskirk
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (B.D.N.); (C.I.R.); (D.D.B.)
| | - John M. Popovich
- Department of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties, Michigan State University, 909 Fee Rd., B405, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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