La deformación del borde dorsal del cuello y la influencia del ambiente

Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of selected environmental factors on the deformation of the dorsal border of the neck in horses in Andalucía and Extremadura. 186 farms located in Andalucía and Extremadura were selected. The degree of deformation of the neck, neck diameter, neck length, horse weight, athletic activity, place, feeding, handling and facilities were characterized. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed and the correlation coefficient between the degree of deformity and the environmental factors was estimated. A total of 4651 horses were studied. The deformation of the dorsal border of the neck was observed in 409 horses (8,79%). A greater number of horses with dorsal cervical deformity was observed in Andalucia (73%), than in Extremadura (27%). 54% of the horses were stabulated in a traditional system, while 46% were managed by a technified system. The alimentation protocol based exclusively on concentrated feed was observed in 19% of the farms, based on forage only 42%, and the combined concentrated feed and forage was found in 39% of the farms. The degree of deformity in relation to the exclusive feeding with feed showed a correlation level of 0,058. These results indicate that feed based on feed, feeders with an alturae of 100-160 cm, and the low activity may not have an association with the development of the deformation of the dorsal border of the neck. In conclusion the results show that the environment can directly influence the deformation of the dorsal border of the neck.