Abstract

In the present study, the morphometric aspects of the hoof of Indian hog deer (Hyelaphus porcinus), a small sized ungulate was investigated. Toe length, toe height, toe angle, sole length, sole width, heelbulb height and heel bulb width were the morphometric parameters observed in the study. Above parameters of lateral and medial claws of both forelimbs and hindlimbs were recorded separately. There is a statistically significant correlation between the body weight of hog deer and the different morphometric measurements of hooves. The average toe length of forelimb was 3.09±0.23 cm and hindlimb was 2.815±0.127 cm. The average toe height of forelimbs and hind limbs were 1.84±0.14 cm and 1.747±0.15 cm respectively. Toe angle was maximum in right lateral claw of hindlimb (40.8±2.48°) and minimum in right medial claw of forelimb (37.5±1.76°). Maximum sole length was recorded in the left lateral claw of forelimb (3.48±0.09 cm) and minimum in the right medial claw of hindlimb (3.18±0.17 cm).Maximum sole width was recorded in left lateral claw of forelimb (1.53±0.16 cm) and minimum in the left medial claw of hindlimb (1.4±0.20 cm). Toe length, toe height, heelbulb length, sole length, sole width of forelimb measured higher values than that of hind limb. Toe angle, heel bulb height and heel bulb width of hind limb exhibited higher values than forelimb.

Keywords : Morphometry, hoof, Indian hog deer