Characterization of growth in French Saddle horses using non-linear models in the Colombian high tropics

Abstract

This research was conducted with the aim of characterizing the average growth curve of French saddle horses in the geographical conditions of Eastern Antioquia (Colombia), using non-linear models. To achieve this objective, weight and height measurements were taken monthly, resulting in 1305 measurements from 49 females and 1379 measurements from 53 males of the French Saddle breed raised at the San Isidro farm located in La Ceja, Antioquia. When comparing different models, it was found that the Brody model best fit the weight growth data (AIC=26279.44, BIC=26303.02) and height growth data (AIC=15346.65, BIC=15370.22) of horses. Modelling growth curves for males and females revealed a negative correlation between adult weight and growth rate, and it was also observed that animals stabilized their weight growth at around 36 months, while maximum height growth was reached at 24 months. The main conclusion of this study is that the Brody model best characterizes the growth curve in French Saddle horses raised in the conditions of the Colombian high tropics. In this sense, it is important to understand the growth dynamics in horses raised under Colombian high tropic conditions in order to make informed decisions regarding the initiation of training for these populations of show jumping horses.