A Nonlinear Model for Estimating Hoof Surface Area in Unshod Meat-type Horses

The aim of this study was to develop a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive technique for estimating the hoof surface area (HSA) of unshod horses under field conditions. It was hypothesized that HSA in horses can be extrapolated from simple linear hoof measurements. Two linear measurements—lateromedial width and dorsoplantar width—were obtained from all four feet of 57 unshod meat-type horses. Different algorithms for determining HSA were developed. The most simple equation was HSA = (1.229 × LM)1.071 × (DP)0.772 (where LM = lateromedial width and DP = dorsoplantar width), representing a good nonlinear model with a standard deviation of error for the estimate of 5.150 and a coefficient of multiple determination of 0.9384. This formula may be helpful as a repeatable, nonintrusive, and easily performed in vivo estimation of the hoof surface of unshod horses, at least in the studied breed.