Table 1 The description of the 17 analyzed traits of body conformation, feet and leg structure and overall leg action.

Body length

Distance from tail to scapulae viewed from side

0.26^a 0.29^d

4.79 (0.97)

Body depth

Distance from back to sternum viewed from side

0.34^d

4.12 (1.22)

Body width

Rump width (Butterfly shape) viewed from rear

0.69^a 0.25^d

5.38 (1.22)

Top Line

Arch straightness between shoulder and rump viewed from side

0.11–0.12^d

5.18 (0.80)

0.52 (0.63)^e

Hip structure

Hip line and tail setting viewed from side

0.18^d

4.30 (1.75)

Rib shape

Breast width view from the horizontal

0.26^d

4.33 (1.59)

Front turned in/out

Front hocks turned inward/outward from each other viewed from front

0.09^a 0.09–0.16^b 0.02–0.03^c 0.02–0.06^d

3.95 (0.71)

1.05 (0.70)^e

Front pastern posture

Angle of front foot viewed from side

0.38^a 0.26–0.35^b 0.28^d

4.51 (1.61)

Buck knee

Over at the knee of front legs viewed from side

0.36^a 0.28^b 0.14–0.19^c 0.13^d

4.65 (1.64)

Front foot size

Front foot size

0.16^d

5.28 (0.92)

Front uneven toes

Even and uniform shape of front hooves

0.01–0.13^b 0.00–0.05^c 0.09^d

2.20 (0.96)

Rear turned in/out

Rear hocks turned inward/outward from each other viewed from rear

0.16^a 0.15–0.22^b 0.14–0.17^d

4.02 (0.76)

1.01 (0.73)^e

Rear pastern posture

Angle of rear foot viewed from side

0.12^a 0.29–0.32^b 0.02–0.06^c 0.31^d

4.25 (1.33)

Weak rear legs

Angle of rear hocks viewed from side

0.10^a 0.02–0.10^b 0.14^d

4.25 (1.33)

0.94 (0.80)^e

Rear foot size

Rear foot size

0.23^a 0.13^d

5.17 (1.02)

Rear uneven toes

Even and uniform shape of rear hooves

0.48^a 0.13–0.19b 0.07–0.18^c 0.12^d

2.31 (1.05)

Overall leg action

Structural soundness and movement and freedom of other defects

0.06^c 0.12^d

4.59 (1.84)