ABSTRACT
Fiddler crab males present a hypertrophied claw, which is used for sexual and aggressive displays, fights with competitors, and has been proposed as an important thermoregulatory organ for heat control. Two claw morphologies can be observed within fiddler crab populations: brachychelous claws (unregenerated) and leptochelous claws (regenerated). The leptochelous morphotype presents less muscle mass and longer fingers, resulting in a less advantageous weapon in fights. Considering their slender shape, we hypothesized that the leptochelous morphotype would present lower thermal inertia and be more efficient at body heat dissipation. We evaluated the role of the fiddler crabs' claw shape as a heat sink and how this influences their distribution between unshaded and shaded microhabitats. We tested in the field whether the proportion of adult male Leptuca uruguayensis with leptochelous claws was higher in unshaded microhabitats than shaded ones. In the laboratory, we tested if heat transfer between the body and claw is higher in leptochelous males than in brachychelous males. Spontaneous waving behaviour and active time above the surface were compared between both morphotypes in the field during the hottest period of the day. Leptuca uruguayensis with regenerated claws comprised more than 60% of the sampled male population of unshaded microhabitats compared to 18% in shaded microhabitats. Leptochelous males showed a mean heat transfer between body to claw 35% higher than that observed for brachychelous males. During the hottest period of the day, brachychelous males waved approximately 28% more than leptochelous males. Moreover, brachychelous males spent less time under the sediment surface since the surface temperature increased, while activity of leptochelous males was not associated with a temperature increase. Therefore, regenerated claws may be advantageous for the establishment of L. uruguayensis males in warmer and unshaded microhabitats because they are more efficient for heat loss and allow crabs to cool down, spending less time waving. Our study shows the relevant context of winners and losers in the face of climate change and highlights the importance of morphological variations in thermoregulatory structures for the occupation of thermal niches.
Subject(s)
Anomura/physiology , Body Temperature Regulation , Hoof and Claw/physiology , Regeneration , Wetlands , Animals , Brazil , MaleABSTRACT
O presente artigo realizou a avaliação biométrica e termoqráfica dos cascos de equinos de tração urbana de Maceió/AL, atendidos pelo Projeto de Extensão Pró-Carroceiros da UFAL, buscando identificar possíveis desequilíbrios podais em 30 equinos hígidos do município. Desses, 12 eram fêmeas e 18 machos, sendo mensuradas o comprimento da parede lateral do casco, comprimento dorsal da pinça, ângulo da pinça, largura e comprimento de ranilha, largura e comprimento do casco nos quatro membros. A incidência de desequilíbrio do casco nos equinos de tração de Maceió/AL foi alta, sendo relevante a baixa angulação da pinça tanto em membros torácicos quanto pélvicos, além da contração de ranilha. Provavelmente, as técnicas inadequadas de casqueamento e falta de ferrageamento sejam os principais fatores etiológicos dos desequilíbrios nessa população. Em relação à termografia, nota-se valores médios próximos aos encontrados na literatura. Essa pesquisa traz dados inéditos sobre biometria e termografia podal em equinos de tração urbana na realidade da região Nordeste do Brasil, porém são necessários mais estudos, visando a avaliar o efeito da distribuição desigual do peso nos cascos em relação às principais enfermidades do aparelho locomotor, além do estudo termográfico de animais com afecções do casco.(AU)
The present paper carried out the biometric and thermographic evaluation of the horses of urban traction horses of Maceió/AL, attended by the Pro-Carroceiros Extension Project of Federal University of Alagoas, seeking to identify possible foot imbalances in 30 healthy horses of the municipality. Of these, 12 were females and 18 males, the length of the lateral wall of the hull, the dorsal length of the forceps, the angle of the forceps, the width and length of the hull, width and length of the hull in the four limbs were measured. The incidence of hull imbalance in the Maceió/AL traction horses was high, being relevant the low angulation of the tweezers in both thoracic and pelvic limbs, in addition to the contraction of the ranch. Inadequate techniques of casqueamento and lack of feathering are probably the main etiological factors of imbalances in this population. In relation to thermography, we can see average values close to those found in the literature. This research brings unpublished data on biometrics and pedal thermography in urban traction horses in the Northeastern region of Brazil, but further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of unequal weight distribution on hoofs in relation to the main diseases of the locomotor system, besides the thermographic study of animals with hull affections.(AU)
El presente artículo llevó a cabo la evaluación biométrica y termográfica de los caballos de tracción urbana de Maceió/AL, a la que asistió el Proyecto de Extensión Pro-Carroceiros de la UFAL, que busca identificar posibles desequilibrios del pie en 30 caballos sanos del municipio. De estos, 12 eran hembras y 18 machos, se midieron la longitud de la pared lateral del casco, la longitud dorsal de las pinzas, el ángulo de las pinzas, la anchura y la longitud del casco, la anchura y la longitud del casco en las cuatro extremidades. La incidencia de desequilibrio en el casco en los caballos de tracción Maceió/AL fue alta, siendo relevante la baja angulación de las pinzas en las extremidades torácicas y pélvicas, además de la contracción del rancho. Las técnicas inadecuadas de casqueamento y la falta de plumaje son probablemente los principales factores etiológicos de los desequilibrios en esta población. En relación a la termografía, podemos ver valores promediocercanos a los encontrados en la literatura. Esta investigación aporta datos no publicados sobre biometría y termografía de pedal en caballos de tracción urbana en la región noreste de Brasil, pero se necesitan más estudios para evaluar el efecto de la distribución desigual del peso en los cascos en relación con las principales enfermedades del sistema locomotor. Además del estudio termográfico de animales con afecciones del casco.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Horses/physiology , Hoof and Claw/physiology , Thermography/veterinary , Biometry/methodsABSTRACT
O presente artigo realizou a avaliação biométrica e termoqráfica dos cascos de equinos de tração urbana de Maceió/AL, atendidos pelo Projeto de Extensão Pró-Carroceiros da UFAL, buscando identificar possíveis desequilíbrios podais em 30 equinos hígidos do município. Desses, 12 eram fêmeas e 18 machos, sendo mensuradas o comprimento da parede lateral do casco, comprimento dorsal da pinça, ângulo da pinça, largura e comprimento de ranilha, largura e comprimento do casco nos quatro membros. A incidência de desequilíbrio do casco nos equinos de tração de Maceió/AL foi alta, sendo relevante a baixa angulação da pinça tanto em membros torácicos quanto pélvicos, além da contração de ranilha. Provavelmente, as técnicas inadequadas de casqueamento e falta de ferrageamento sejam os principais fatores etiológicos dos desequilíbrios nessa população. Em relação à termografia, nota-se valores médios próximos aos encontrados na literatura. Essa pesquisa traz dados inéditos sobre biometria e termografia podal em equinos de tração urbana na realidade da região Nordeste do Brasil, porém são necessários mais estudos, visando a avaliar o efeito da distribuição desigual do peso nos cascos em relação às principais enfermidades do aparelho locomotor, além do estudo termográfico de animais com afecções do casco.
The present paper carried out the biometric and thermographic evaluation of the horses of urban traction horses of Maceió/AL, attended by the Pro-Carroceiros Extension Project of Federal University of Alagoas, seeking to identify possible foot imbalances in 30 healthy horses of the municipality. Of these, 12 were females and 18 males, the length of the lateral wall of the hull, the dorsal length of the forceps, the angle of the forceps, the width and length of the hull, width and length of the hull in the four limbs were measured. The incidence of hull imbalance in the Maceió/AL traction horses was high, being relevant the low angulation of the tweezers in both thoracic and pelvic limbs, in addition to the contraction of the ranch. Inadequate techniques of casqueamento and lack of feathering are probably the main etiological factors of imbalances in this population. In relation to thermography, we can see average values close to those found in the literature. This research brings unpublished data on biometrics and pedal thermography in urban traction horses in the Northeastern region of Brazil, but further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of unequal weight distribution on hoofs in relation to the main diseases of the locomotor system, besides the thermographic study of animals with hull affections.
El presente artículo llevó a cabo la evaluación biométrica y termográfica de los caballos de tracción urbana de Maceió/AL, a la que asistió el Proyecto de Extensión Pro-Carroceiros de la UFAL, que busca identificar posibles desequilibrios del pie en 30 caballos sanos del municipio. De estos, 12 eran hembras y 18 machos, se midieron la longitud de la pared lateral del casco, la longitud dorsal de las pinzas, el ángulo de las pinzas, la anchura y la longitud del casco, la anchura y la longitud del casco en las cuatro extremidades. La incidencia de desequilibrio en el casco en los caballos de tracción Maceió/AL fue alta, siendo relevante la baja angulación de las pinzas en las extremidades torácicas y pélvicas, además de la contracción del rancho. Las técnicas inadecuadas de casqueamento y la falta de plumaje son probablemente los principales factores etiológicos de los desequilibrios en esta población. En relación a la termografía, podemos ver valores promediocercanos a los encontrados en la literatura. Esta investigación aporta datos no publicados sobre biometría y termografía de pedal en caballos de tracción urbana en la región noreste de Brasil, pero se necesitan más estudios para evaluar el efecto de la distribución desigual del peso en los cascos en relación con las principales enfermedades del sistema locomotor. Además del estudio termográfico de animales con afecciones del casco.
Subject(s)
Animals , Biometry/methods , Hoof and Claw/physiology , Horses/physiology , Thermography/veterinaryABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to describe the microstructure of hoof capsules of the buffalo. In addition, the study emphasized the morphometric aspects of the horn tubules, the Vickers nanohardness of the dorsal and abaxial walls and sole of the digits of the thoracic and pelvic limbs of the buffalo. The abaxial wall in the thoracic and pelvic digits showed larger diameter of the horn tubules when compared to all dorsal wall and sole. In addition, the abaxial wall of the thoracic digits showed larger diameter of the horn tubules when compared with the pelvic digits. According to the three-dimensional microtomography, the dorsal wall was higher in density compared with the abaxial wall. The latter exhibited an intermediate density, while the sole showed the lowest density. The Vickers nanohardness test showed that there was no difference in hardness and resistance between the experienced regions. However, the elastic modulus was greater on the transversal section of the hoof capsule. In conclusion, the results of the current study show that modern technologies such as microtomography and subsequent imaging can be used to investigate details of the basic morphology in different regions of the buffalo's hoof.
Subject(s)
Buffaloes/anatomy & histology , Hoof and Claw/ultrastructure , Animals , Dimethylamines , Elastic Modulus , Electron Microscope Tomography/veterinary , Female , Forelimb , Hardness , Hindlimb , Hoof and Claw/physiology , Imaging, Three-Dimensional/veterinary , Polymers , Styrene , Tissue Embedding/veterinaryABSTRACT
Differences in hoof balance between horses, mules and donkeys were identified in order to form more specific considerations for proper management of the animals. Measurements of the natural dimensions of hooves in sixty animals were used: 20 horses from the Crioulo breed, 20 mules and 20 donkeys from the Pêga breed. Liveweight was estimated using the correlation equations in each species by heart girth. Using a caliper rule, tape measure and hoof gauge, measurements of the length and width of the frog, hoof height, angle of heel, medial and lateral dorsal length, angle of the toe and crown circumference of the hooves of forelimbs and hindlimb were taken. Within each group the hooves of the hindlimbs exhibited narrower measurements than the hooves of the forelimbs and no difference was observed between the hoof angle of both members of groups. The conformation of the hooves of donkeys is shown to be substantially different from that observed in horses, the mules being in an intermediate condition, being smaller, angled and robust frog and proportionally more developed. Similarly, the hooves of donkeys provide greater support area compared to mules and horses, in descending order, even being dimensionally smaller. We conclude that the hooves of horses, mules and donkeys, have specific patterns of geometric balance that must be taken into consideration at the time of trimming and imbalance inferences.(AU)
O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o equilíbrio dos cascos de equídeos. Foram utilizados 60 animais, sendo estes: 20 equinos da raça Crioula, 20 muares e 20 asininos da raça Pêga. O peso vivo foi estimado por meio de equações de correlação com o perímetro torácico específico a cada espécie. Utilizando-se paquímetro, fita métrica e podogoniômetro, foram mensurados comprimento e largura da ranilha e do casco, altura e ângulo dos talões medial e lateral, comprimento dorsal e ângulo da pinça e perímetro da banda coronária dos cascos dos membros torácicos e pélvicos. Dentro de cada grupo, observou-se que os cascos dos membros pélvicos exibem-se mais estreitos que os cascos dos membros torácicos, e não houve diferença entre o ângulo das pinças de ambos os grupos de membros. A conformação dos cascos dos asininos mostra-se substancialmente divergente do observado nos equinos, estando os muares numa condição intermediária, sendo aqueles menores, mais angulados e com ranilha robusta e proporcionalmente mais desenvolvida. Da mesma forma, os cascos dos asininos proporcionam maior área de apoio em relação aos muares e equinos, em ordem decrescente, mesmo sendo dimensionalmente menores. Conclui-se que os cascos de equinos, muares e asininos apresentam padrões de equilíbrio geométrico específicos, que devem ser levados em consideração no momento do casqueamento e na inferência de desequilíbrios.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Equidae/physiology , Hoof and Claw/physiology , Horses/physiology , Kinesthesis , Postural BalanceABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate forelimb hoof wall strains and shape changes in unshod horses undergoing regular moderate exercise on a treadmill at selected speeds and gaits. ANIMALS: 6 horses of various body types. PROCEDURES: Each horse was exercised on a treadmill (walking, trotting, and cantering, with or without galloping at 12.5 m/s) 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks; duration of each exercise session ranged from 10 to 14 minutes. During the 4-week period, the proximal hoof circumference (PHC) and toe angle (TA) of each forelimb hoof were measured weekly with a flexible measuring tape and a hoof gauge, respectively. Forelimb hoof wall strains were measured bilaterally at the toe and each quarter (3 strain gauges) immediately before the first and after the last exercise session. RESULTS: Strain measurements revealed a consistent pattern of deformation of the hoof wall in both forelimbs at all gaits; strains increased during the stance phase of the stride. Strain values were dependent on site and gait. Compared with initial findings, mean TA increased significantly, whereas mean PHC did not, after the 4-week exercise period. A relationship between TA changes and hoof wall strains could not be established. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In unshod horses, forelimb hoof wall strains were affected by site and gait, but not by discrete changes in TA; PHC did not change in response to moderate regular exercise. The pattern of hoof loading was consistent despite significant changes in TA.
Subject(s)
Forelimb/physiology , Gait , Hoof and Claw/physiology , Horses/physiology , Physical Conditioning, Animal , Animals , Biomechanical Phenomena , Exercise Test/veterinary , Female , Locomotion/physiology , MaleABSTRACT
O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o ângulo dorsal da articulação metacarpofalangiana em animais utilizando ferraduras planas e com elevação em 6º do talão. Sete equinos saudáveis da raça Árabe foram submetidos à análise tridimensional do movimento ao passo em esteira rolante. Os dados foram gravados por três câmeras de vídeo digitais e três marcadores esféricos reflexivos posicionados na extremidade proximal do terceiro osso metacarpiano, articulação metacarpofalangiana e extremidade distal da primeira falange. Utilizando o programa Dvideo, o ângulo articular foi medido no instante em que o metacarpo apresentava 90° com solo durante a fase de apoio. As imagens foram sincronizadas e segmentadas, procedendo-se a reconstrução tridimensional com o algoritmo DLT. Os ângulos dorsais da articulação metacarpofalangiana não apresentaram diferença estatística (p<0,05) entre as condições de ferraduras planas e com elevação de talão. Sugere-se que as alterações angulares tenham sido absorvidas em sua maior parte pelas articulações interfalangianas distal e proximal.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the metacarpophalangeal joint dorsal angle and the effect of 6 degrees elevation of the heels on three dimensional kinematic analysis. The kinematic analysis was performed on a treadmill using seven sound Arabian horses. The calibration system and markers tridimensional coordinates were obtained by image processing using Dvideo software. The reflexive skin markers were placed on the third metacarpus, metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal phalanx of the left forelimb. DLT algorithm were used for three dimensional reconstruction. Use of heel wedges were not statistically different between conditions (p<0,05). Some authors suggested that the effect of the wedge is absorbed by the interphalangeal joints.
Subject(s)
Animals , Motion Capture/veterinary , Hoof and Claw/physiology , Horses , Metacarpophalangeal Joint/physiology , Biomechanical PhenomenaABSTRACT
This study describes a strong aponeurosis on the caudal surface of the antebrachium, between the Mm. Flexoris and the M. pronator quadratus. This aponeurosis has not been experimentally validated. By dissection and macroscopic examination of formaldehyde-prepared material, and experimental surgical transection of the structure in F. catus, the aponeurosis is described and its functional capacity is determined. The origin of the aponeurosis is the Facies caudalis, Margo medialis of the Radius and distal Ulna and inserts on the Crista transversa of the Radius and the Ligg. radiocarpeum palmare and ulno-carpeum palmare, and a strong Pars radialis. Its disposition is similar to that of the supernumerary M. anterior radialis brevis in humans. Surgical transection of the aponeurosis in F. catus resulted in hyperextension of the Manus and a decrease in the Carpus in its weight-bearing ability. These findings indicate the anatomico-functional importance of the aponeurosis in providing support to the claws.