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Gestation Length is Associated With Early-Life Limb Deformities in Thoroughbred Foals
Rebecca Mouncey1, Juan Carlos Arango-Sabogal2, Amanda M de Mestre3
1Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK.
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science
|August 4, 2023
Summary
Flexural and angular limb deformities (LD) in foals are common. Longer gestation periods in mares appear to reduce the risk of these early-life limb deformities in Thoroughbred foals.
Area of Science:
- Equine veterinary science
- Reproductive biology
- Congenital defect research
Background:
- Flexural and angular limb deformities (LD) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in young Thoroughbred horses.
- The exact causes of these congenital conditions remain largely unknown.
- Maternal and pregnancy factors influencing in-utero development are hypothesized to play a role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal and pregnancy factors and the occurrence of early-life limb deformities in Thoroughbred foals.
- To identify potential risk factors for limb deformities in neonatal horses.
Main Methods:
- A prospective birth cohort study was conducted across seven UK and Irish farms.
- Data on mare signalment, breeding history, and pregnancy details were collected retrospectively.
- Veterinary interventions for limb deformities in foals within the first six months were prospectively recorded.
- Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between mare/pregnancy factors and offspring LD.
Main Results:
- Records for 275 pregnancies over two breeding seasons were analyzed.
- 21% of live foals (57/272) required veterinary intervention for LD within six months of birth.
- A 4% decrease in the odds of LD was observed for each additional day of gestation between 314 and 381 days (OR 0.96, P = .01).
Conclusions:
- Longer gestation length, even within the normal range, is associated with reduced odds of early-life limb deformities in Thoroughbred foals.
- Gestation length is a significant factor influencing the development of limb deformities.
- Further research is needed to understand the underlying biological mechanisms connecting gestation length and limb development.
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