Padrão biométrico dos equídeos de tração no município de Rio Largo, Alagoas

Abstract

The car traction activity is still quite carried out all over the world. In Brazil, the use of horses in this function is verified, especially in the urban zone of medium and large cities, being important studies that typify these animals. The objective of this study was to compare the corporal score and the zoometric measurements of horses, mules and donkeys used in cart pulling work in the city of Rio Largo - AL. By means of a hypometer and a measuring tape, body measurements were taken of 75 cart horses, 48 horses, 17 mules and 10 donkeys, as follows: thoracic perimeter (PT), body length (CC), withers height (AC), breast width (LP), rump height (AG), rump width at ilium (LG) and shin circumference (PC). From these measurements, the following indices were calculated: Estimated weight (PE), proportionality index (IP), maximum traction load index (ICMT), body index (IC), compactness index (IComp), Conformation index (IConf ), dactyl-thoracic index (DTI), load indices (ICG1 and ICG2). By means of palpation and observation of specific areas of the animals' bodies, the body condition score (ECC) was also obtained, varying on a scale of 1 to 9, the calculated age was made through the dentition examination. Data were left to an analysis of variance and means test (Tukey at 5% probability). The classification by sex between species of the total number of animals evaluated, 40 were females and 35 were males. It was found that there is a preference for horses (64%), followed by mules (22.66%) and donkeys (13.33%). For horses, mules and donkeys, respectively, the AC is 136.10; 132.52 and 107.5 cm, with this height, horses and mules were classified as small animals. It is concluded that, the traction horses used by carters in the municipality of Rio Largo-AL, according to the biometric standard, the animals are not suitable for traction, being short and small animals. Despite this, it is an activity that plays a fundamental socioeconomic role in the lives of families that depend on this activity.