Características morfométricas da raça Mangalarga baseada em índices

Abstract

The close relationship between morphometry and functionality in equines is important in predicting performance and selection for the various modalities, which equines are used. The objective of this study was to characterize morphometrically Mangalarga stallions, females and castrated males using the Dactyl-thoracic Index (DTI), Form Index (FI), Estimated Weight (EW), Load Index 1 (LI1) and Load Index 2 (LI2), as well as for linear measurements: Withers Height (WH), Thorax Girth (TG) and Cinnamon Girth (CG). A total of 20,473 equines were used, of which 9092 stallions, 2054 castrated males and 9327 females, registered between the period from 1988 to 2018. Three linear measures (WH, TG, CG) were used to elaborate morphometric indices: DTI, FI, EW, LI1 and LI2. To compare the sexes, a completely randomized experimental design was used, consisting of three treatments: stallions, females and castrated males. The morphometric results were submitted to analysis of variance and the averages were compared using the 5% tukey test (P <0.05) using the SISVAR statistical software (version 5.6). The animals were considered medium or eumetric by WH and EW. The DTI classified the females in hipometric and, stallions and castrated males in hypermetric. For FI, the females tended to saddle animals and, the stallions and castrated males tended to race animals. The females showed a greater capacity to support weight on the back working at a trot, gallop and step, as well as being heavier, deeper and closer to the ground. The stallions and castrated males have been shown to be farther from the ground and a better support condition in relation to the support base.