Characteristics Of Growth Of Morgan Horses
Lawrence, L. A., H .R. Hearne, S. P. Davis, J. D. Pagan, A. Fitzgerald and E. A. Green. 2003. Characteristics of growth of Morgan horses. In: Proc. 18th Equine Nutrition and Physiology Symposium. East Lansing, MI June 4-7. pp. 317 – 322.
Thirty-two years of accumulated growth data from Morgan horses were analyzed in this study. Weights and wither heights were measured on foals every 45 d from d 145 – 540. Weight and wither height data for males and females were pooled. The relationships among weight, height and day ofage were determined. Prediction equations were developed for weight, height and age. The horses in this study grew slower than NRC (1989) recommendations (50% until d 462. From d 462 – 540 the horses had average daily gains (ADG) ranging from twice to three times the rates recommended by the NRC. Height at 18 mo seemed to be unaffected by the ADG that diverged from the NRC from weaning until 18 mo of age.