Gait analysis in clinically healthy sheep from three different age groups using a pressure-sensitive walkway

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Biomechanics
• Locomotion Analysis

Background:

• Understanding normal gait necessitates accounting for variations across age, sex, and species.
• Clinically healthy Santa Ines sheep were assessed to establish baseline gait parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate kinetic and temporospatial gait parameters in clinically healthy sheep across three distinct age groups.
• To identify age-related differences in ovine gait using a pressure-sensing walkway.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one healthy female Santa Ines sheep were categorized into three age groups (8-12 months, 2-4 years, >5 years).
• Gait analysis was performed using a pressure-sensing walkway, collecting data on peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse (VI), and temporospatial variables.
• Trials were validated based on specific velocity (1.1-1.3 m/s) and acceleration (-0.15 to 0.15 m/s2) ranges.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in temporospatial parameters were found among the age groups.
• Significant differences in peak vertical force (%BW) were observed between young (G1) and older (G3) sheep in both forelimbs and hind limbs.
• Significant differences in vertical impulse were noted in the forelimbs of young versus older sheep (G1>G3).

Conclusions:

• Young healthy sheep generate greater vertical forces during walking compared to older sheep at similar velocities.
• Age influences gait kinetics, specifically peak vertical force and vertical impulse, in healthy ovine populations.
• These findings contribute to a better understanding of normal gait variations in sheep based on age.