Growth rates in Thoroughbred foals

Abstract

Data of 798 Thoroughbred horses foaled in 1988 to 1992 in Co. Kidare, lreland were exam ned in a study to provide detailed information on a range of parameters on normal groMh and development from birth to 20 months of age (onset of train ng). Based on average body weight gain, the pattern of groMh in Thoroughbred horses destined for flat racing could be divided into four phases; each was characterized by marked y different growth rate. However, this pattern was not observed for withers height where the rate gradually decllned following an initial rapid growth n the first 6 months of age. Differences of body weight and height at the withers between normal and DOD affected horses were not significant (P>0.05). These invesUgat ons appear to ndicate thai the body weight and withers height and their rates of growth were not critical in causing developmental skeletal problems. This is contrary to most other stldies which suggested that the rate of growth is re lated to many developmenta skeletal abnormalities in young Thoroughbred horses.