The significance of dermatoglyphic characteristics in the determination of equine phenotypic susceptibility to abnormal repetitive behaviour in the thoroughbred (Equus caballus)
Abstract
Background:
Relationships have been established between trichoglyphs (whorls) and temperament, laterality and the occurrence of abnormal behaviour in multiple species. Within the equine industry stereotypic behaviour is considered to impair performance and reduce value in affected individuals, potentially reducing career longevity and compromising welfare through preventing their expression when they occur.
Aim:
The study aimed to determine whether dermatoglyph profiles (whorl morphology, orientation, number and topography) could be used to predict susceptibility to perform abnormal repetitive behaviours (ARB) in thoroughbred racehorses.
Method:
Trainer interviews combined with experimenter direct observation were used to ascertain expression of ARBs. Whorls were digitally photographed and overall whorl profiles derived using remote computer analysis.
Results:
Non-parametric statistical analysis revealed significant relationships between aspects of whorl morphology and performance of ARBs (round epicentre: sum ARBs
Conclusion:
This study indicates that whorls may be viable physical indicators of predisposition to perform ARBs in the thoroughbred. Assessment of dermatoglyph profiles have potential to assist with the improvement of horse welfare via informed management practices if patterns exposed are transferable to other breeds and can reliably predict individuals with a propensity to develop ARBs.
Relationships have been established between dermatoglyph profiles and temperament (Grandin et al, 1996; Randle 1998; Nash, 2006; Gorecka et al, 2006; Olmos et al, 2008), laterality (Murphy and Arkins, 2008; Randle et al, 2010) and abnormal behaviour (Swinker et al, 1994; Luescher et al, 1991; van Oel et al, 2001; Gourion et al, 2004; Hale et al, 2005) in multiple species. Within the equine industry, the performance of stereotypic behaviours (SBs) is considered to impair performance and reduce value in affected individuals (Winskill et al, 1995; Mills et al, 2002), potentially reducing career longevity and compromising welfare through the deployment of strategies to prevent their expression when they are established (McGee, 2006).
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.