Body and testicular biometry of Crioulo stallions

Fernanda Carlini Cunha Dos Santos,Bruna Da Rosa Curcio,Carlos Eduardo Wayne Nogueira

doi:10.1590/0103-8478cr20210156

Fernanda Carlini Cunha Dos Santos, Bruna Da Rosa Curcio + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20210156

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Abstract

ABSTRACT: Brazilian Association of Crioulo Horse Breeders (ABCCC) establishes minimal and maximal body biometrics evaluation; although, nothing is mentioned about testicular measurements. Body and testicular growth are associated and related to age. We described data regarding body and testicular biometry of Crioulo stallions, with a comparative study between young and adult categories. Evaluation was performed in 56 stallions, Crioulo breed, split in: youngsters (3 and 4 years-old, n=16) and adults (above 5 years-old, n=40). Body biometry included weight, height, cannon bone and chest circumference, body score condition and neck fat accumulation. Testicular biometry included height, length, width, volume, combined volume and daily sperm output (DSO). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistic, Pearson correlation, comparison between means by Kruskal Wallis, being P < 0.05 considered significant. There was no significant difference between the parameters of body and testicular biometrics between categories young and adult. In relation to height, the average was very close to the lower limit established, while chest and cannon bone circumference were above the minimum recommended by ABCCC. Cannon bone circumference presented a positive correlation with height. Most of stallions presented excessive body fat, with a body score condition above 8 (scale 1-9). Neck fat accumulation presented a positive correlation with body score condition. Testicular height, length, width and volume presented a positive correlation between the ipsi and contralateral testicle, total testicular volume and DSO. In conclusion, no difference in the body and testicular biometric evaluation was observed between young and adult Crioulo stallions. Testicular and body growth are associated and also related to age, so our finding suggested that after 3-4 years-old most of Crioulo stallions have already reached maximum growth.

Highlights

The Crioulo horse of southern Latin America is a direct descendant of the horses brought to the New World by the Spanish and Portuguese conquers, during the sixteenth century (RODERO et al, 1992)
Brazilian Association of Crioulo Horse Breeders (ABCCC) establishes minimal and maximal body biometrics evaluation; nothing is mentioned about testicular measurements
All stallions had the Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Cavalos Crioulos (ABCCC) mark on the right hind limb. This mark means that the stallion is within the reference body measures and morphological features adopted by ABCCC; able to be used as breeders

Summary

Introduction

The Crioulo horse of southern Latin America is a direct descendant of the horses brought to the New World by the Spanish and Portuguese conquers, during the sixteenth century (RODERO et al, 1992). This breed is a descendant of native horse from those territories, being originated from Equus caballus asiaticus, which originated Arabian breed, and Equus caballus africanus. V.52, n.3, Editors: Rudi Weiblen Bruno Menarim many of these animals escaped or were abandoned, reproducing freely in herds, returning to a wild state and being submitted to natural selection. The selection methods currently used in reproduction farms are subjective, based on the owners’ experience and personal preferences. Mares and stallions, which won competitions, are elected to become breeders

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