DOD incidence in thoroughbred foals between 23 and 45 weeks of age - growth, nutrition and genetic factors

The aim of this work was to understand the extent of developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD) multifactorial aetiology factors. Growth pattern, nutritional and genetic factors were studied on a population of 89 thoroughbred foals aged between 23 and 45 weeks: growth curve characterisation, feeding plan analysis and genetic study approach to stallion progeny were accomplished in order to evaluate their influence on DOD frequency. A statistically significant difference was found between DOD positive and DOD negative foals' weight; fillies were found to be the sub-population responsible for this difference. A shortage of energy and protein was found during the period considered and there was an excess in calcium and phosphorus by the end of the period. Genetic factor analysis indicated an intensive utilisation of stallions with the higher results of DOD positive foals although the breeding system's objectives regarding this aspect remained unclear.