BRIEF COMMUNICATION: The prevalence of limb deformities in New Zealand Standardbred foals and their influence on racing success - A preliminary investigation

摘要

Within the New Zealand racing industry, breeders and purchasers of racehorses seek foals with good conformation as racing and breeding prospects. There is a perceived association between correct conformation and the duration and success of racing careers (Weller et al, 2006a). However, to date there has been limited data on the effect of limb deformities on any parameters of racing success (Morley & Townsend, 1997, Anderson et al, 2004).