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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI.
Publisher:
Molecular Diversity Preservation International,
Frequency: Quarterly
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Start Year:2010 -
ISSN:
2076-2615 (Electronic)
2076-2615 (Linking)
2076-2615 (Linking)
Impact Factor
4.2
2022
| NLM ID: | 101635614 |
| (OCoLC): | 667255765 |
| LCCN: | 2012254619 |
The Equine Reproductive Microbiota: Composition, Dynamics, Dysbiosis, and Implications for Fertility in Mares and Stallions. The equine reproductive microbiota has emerged as an important factor influencing reproductive health and fertility in both mares and stallions. Traditionally, the equine uterus was considered sterile, and microbial presence was interpreted primarily in the context of infection. However, sequencing-based studies have demonstrated that the reproductive tract, including the uterus and semen, contains detectable microbial communities or microbial DNA signatures, challenging this traditional paradigm. In mares, the vaginal microbiota is consistently dominated by , , , and , whereas the uterine env...
Clinical and Biochemical Effects of Intra-Articular Autologous Conditioned Serum and Triamcinolone in an Equine Model of Synovitis. Synovitis is a key contributor to the development of OA, and early modulation of the synovial environment may help limit downstream cartilage damage. This study compared the clinical and biochemical effects of intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and autologous conditioned serum (ACS) in an equine model of IL-1β-induced synovitis. Six healthy adult horses were used in a crossover design involving five groups: PBS (negative control), IL-1β (positive control), IL-1β + ACS, IL-1β + TA, and an exploratory ACS-alone group administered post hoc to isolate its effects without IL-1β inter...
Machine Learning-Based Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Genetic Loci Associated with Body Measurement Traits in Yili Horses. Body measurement traits are key indicators for evaluating growth performance, production potential, and breeding value in Yili horses. However, studies investigating the association between body measurement traits and mutation loci in Yili horses remain limited. In this study, 255 adult Yili mares were used as the study population, including 152 speed-type and 103 meat-type individuals. Whole-genome resequencing was performed, and four phenotypic traits and body weight were measured. A mixed linear model (MLM)-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using GEMMA (v 0.98.5), inc...
Measuring Chuckwagon Racehorse Movement Asymmetry Before and After Racing Using Wearable GNSS-IMUs: A Preliminary Study. In Chuckwagon racing, teams of four Thoroughbred horses pull wagons at high speeds. Movement symmetry is a key locomotion metric linked to force production, racing direction, and lameness. Racehorse symmetry in trot during on-track warmups and cooldowns was assessed. Over 10 days, 60 horses (average 8 per day) were fitted with Global Navigation Satellite Systems combined with Inertial Measurement Unit (GNSS-IMU) sensors. Weight-bearing asymmetry was quantified using the minimum difference (MnD) in vertical trunk displacement between diagonal limb pairs, and push-off asymmetry was quantified us...
Case Report: Physiological Stress Responses to Repeated, Standardized Short-Distance Transport in a Transport-Experienced Horse. Transport is a fundamental component of equestrian training and competition. However, even horses with extensive transport experience may exhibit physiological stress responses during routine travel. This case report describes physiological stress responses in a transport-experienced 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding subjected to repeated, standardized short-distance transport. The horse was transported on 17 occasions along a fixed route to a riding school for dressage training using the same vehicle, handler, and protocol to minimize environmental variability. Physiological stress marker...
Audio-Based Characterization of Gait Parameters in Mangalarga Marchador, Campolina, and Piquira Horses Using Deep Learning. The evaluation of biomechanical parameters in four-beat gaited horses remains limited by the subjectiveness and complexity of current standard methods. Through a deep learning approach, we aimed to infer dissociation % using only acoustic signals. A total of 268 audio samples were extracted from publicly available videos featuring three Brazilian horse breeds (Mangalarga Marchador, Campolina, and Piquira) performing marcha batida and marcha picada. Acoustic features, including root mean square energy (RMS), zero-crossing rate (ZCR), and 13 Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs), were extr...
Efficacy of an Oral Chondroprotective Joint Supplement on Stride Length and Gait Symmetry in Aged Geldings with Chronic Lameness. Oral joint supplements (OJSs), specifically those containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, are some of the most popular feed additives fed by horse owners. However, evidence of the efficacy of these nutraceuticals in vivo is lacking. To investigate the impacts of an OJS on equine lameness, 40 geldings (18 ± 7 yr) with chronic lameness and AAEP lameness grades between 2 and 4 (as scored by a veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist) were enrolled in the study. Horses were stratified by lameness grade, BCS, and weight, and then randomly assigned to receive a placebo powde...
Transcriptome Sequencing and Differential Analysis of Testes in One- and Two-Year-Old Kazakh Horses. This study systematically elucidated the developmental characteristics and molecular regulatory mechanisms of the testis during the critical period of sexual maturation in Kazakh horses by combining histological observation of one- and two-year-old testicular tissues with transcriptomic sequencing. In the testes of one-year-old horses, no obvious lumen was observed, and the interior is mainly comprising supporting cells and spermatogonia on the basement membrane; in contrast, in the testes of two-year-old horses, the tubular lumen was complete with spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatozoa...
Age-Associated Differences in Paddock Locomotor Activity Among Senior Horses: A Pilot Observational Study. Turnout locomotor activity is a potentially informative indicator of health and welfare in older horses, yet objective field data in seniors remain limited. We examined whether a brief turnout recording could detect cross-sectional associations between chronological age and locomotor activity in senior horses in this study setting. In this single-site observational study, 28 senior Selle Français horses (17-35 years) contributed 122 paddock sessions (2 h each), with total distance and mean speed quantified using a Polar Team Pro sensor. Associations with age were assessed using linear mixed-e...
Morphometric Characterization and Preliminary Heritability Estimates of Body Measurements in the Polish Konik Populations. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the morphometric diversity of 172 Polish Koniks from the largest Polish breeding centers and to assess their genetic diversity by estimating the effective population size () and heritabilities () of the studied traits. The animals were bred under a stable housing system. Horses of both sexes aged 3 to 24 years were analyzed. Each horse was characterized with 40 metric traits. Multifactorial analyses (PCA, DA) and the REML method were applied to reveal the exterior differentiation and the development of distinct morphometric types. The findings esta...
Standing NanoNeedle Arthroscopy of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint for Removal of Osteochondral Fragments of Distal P2 and the Extensor Process in a Horse. In horses, standing arthroscopy offers a valuable alternative to general anesthesia for the reduction of anesthetic-associated risks, and provides improved visualization in joints where access is facilitated by weightbearing. These techniques are particularly advantageous for patients with increased anesthetic risk or financial limitations. To the authors' knowledge, the removal of osteochondral fragments from the distal interphalangeal joint in a standing, sedated horse using small-diameter arthroscopic equipment has not been previously reported. Methods: A 7-year-old American Quarter Horse-T...
Pedigree Investigation of Polish Sport Horses in Show Jumping: Insights for Global Breeding. The aim of this study was to characterise the pedigree and genetic structure of Polish Sport Horses competing in Grand Prix show jumping events and to assess the implications for international sport horse breeding. Pedigrees of 513 horses were analysed, encompassing a total of 18,836 individuals over a maximum of 16 generations. The completeness and depth of the pedigrees allowed for a reliable estimation of inbreeding coefficients and genetic diversity. The mean inbreeding coefficient was low (0.645%), yet 82% of the horses exhibited some degree of inbreeding. The greatest loss of genetic var...
Unraveling the Molecular Mechanism of Bider Marking Formation in Dun Mongolian Horses Through Transcriptome Sequencing. (1) Background: The "Bider" marking refers to the symmetrical black stripes distributed on the shoulder blades of Dun Mongolian horses, representing an ancestral trait of significant genetic value. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its formation remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the molecular basis of these markings by comparing transcriptomic differences in skin tissues from variously pigmented areas of Mongolian horses' "Bider" patterns. (2) Methods: Using three Dun Mongolian horses as subjects, skin tissue samples were collected from their shoulders (dark-marked and li...
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Thyroxine Concentrations in Young Healthy Equids: Species Differences and Seasonal Variations. Due to growing interest in endocrine diseases, more studies aim to interpret the baseline concentrations and reference intervals of hormone values like adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and thyroxine (T4) in horses. Most studies available in the literature focus on evaluating ACTH and thyroid hormone values in adult and geriatric horses, with only a few considering younger donkeys and ponies. This study aimed to measure ACTH and T4 in autumn and spring in younger equids. The study included 42 young equids, which were divided into three groups: horses, ponies, and donkeys. The concentration of...
Priorities and Recommendations for Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Improve Equid Health and Welfare. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being increasingly used for equid health and welfare. This study aimed to establish consensus on where and how AI should be developed to achieve maximum benefit in this field. A workshop involving 41 stakeholders generated statements about current welfare concerns, areas for AI development, and barriers and solutions to AI use. Statements were circulated through Delphi surveys (acceptance set at 75% agreement). One-hundred-and-six statements reached agreement. Ethological needs not being met and poor equid management practices were key welfare concerns. Particip...
Population Structure and Genetic Diversity Among Lipizzan Mare Families in Hungary Based on Microsatellite Genotyping. The conservation of genetic diversity in historically structured horse breeds requires fi-ne-scale population genetic evaluation beyond conventional pedigree-based approaches. The present study assessed genetic diversity, population structure, and mare family differentiation in a Lipizzan horse population using 16 ISAG/FAO-recommended microsatellite markers. A total of 172 mares representing 29 mare families were genotyped. All loci were polymorphic, with a mean number of alleles per locus of 6.69 and a mean effective number of alleles of 3.56. The average polymorphism information content (PIC...
Effects of Head-Neck Position and Ground Surface on Gait Kinematics in Ridden Brazilian Criollo Horses. The Criollo horse is prized for its endurance, yet its specific biomechanical signatures remain under-researched. This study investigated diagonal dissociation and support patterns in eleven clinically sound Criollo horses to understand the influence of head and neck position (HNP), surface compliance, and morphometry. Using high-speed video (120 fps) and kinematic analysis, we found that diagonal dissociation occurred in 85.24% of hoof contacts, while HNP1 showed a higher frequency of positive (hindlimb-first) dissociation and HNP2 had a higher incidence of negative (forelimb-first) dissociat...
Comparison of Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Characteristics Between Miechongshu-Treated and Untreated Yili Horses. Anthelmintic treatment is widely used in equine health management to control parasitic infections; however, its potential effects on the gut microbiota and metabolic characteristics remain poorly understood. In this study, twelve Yili horses were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (C), which received no anthelmintic treatment, and a Miechongshu-treated group (T), which was orally administered Miechongshu at a dose of 0.36 g/kg body weight on day 0. Fecal samples were collected from the rectums of Yili horses on day 14 after administration, and differences in gut microbial composi...
Preliminary Investigation of a Transcutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Technique for Pudendal Nerve Block in Six Horse Cadavers. Regional anaesthesia of the equine anogenital tract is limited to local infiltration, extradural, blind palpation and nerve stimulator-guided techniques which risk iatrogenic damage, recumbency and ataxia. This study aimed to describe and assess the feasibility of transcutaneous ultrasound-guided (USG) pudendal nerve staining in equine cadavers. An initial pilot phase used two fresh equine cadavers and one standing unsedated horse to image the intrapelvic anatomy using ultrasound. One fixed equine cadaver specimen was also dissected to identify the pudendal nerve and refine the dissection appr...
Effects of Exercise Intensity and Duration on Acute-Phase Proteins in Thoroughbred Racehorses. Physical exercise represents a physiological stressor capable of activating the acute-phase response (APR) in horses. However, the relative contribution of exercise intensity duration to acute-phase protein (APP) dynamics remains incompletely defined. This study compared the effects of short, high-intensity gallop exercise (2400 m flat race; = 12) and prolonged, low-intensity endurance exercise (40 km; = 13) on serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), and ceruloplasmin (Cp) in Thoroughbred racehorses. Blood samples were collected before exercise and at defined post-exercise time points. Bet...
Objective, Longitudinal Computed Tomographic Evaluation of the Metacarpal Condyles in Non-Lame Thoroughbred Racehorses. There are limited data on sequential computed tomographic (CT) evaluation and objective CT assessment of the metacarpal condyles in Thoroughbred racehorses. This longitudinal study aimed to document changes in attenuation of the metacarpal condyles during the first two years of training and racing. Fan-beam CT examination of the metacarpophalangeal regions was performed on 40 non-lame Thoroughbred yearlings, and repeated four more times, approximately six months apart. Mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) measurements were obtained on sagittal reconstructions of the dorsal and palmar halves of the medial...
New Diagnostic Score for Sepsis in Adult Horses with Acute Gastrointestinal Disease. Colic is a leading cause of mortality in horses, particularly when associated with systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction. In human medicine, these complications are associated with sepsis, defined as organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated, life-threatening host response to infection. However, no consensus sepsis score exists for adult horses. This retrospective study aimed to develop a diagnostic sepsis score for adult horses. Medical records from 295 horses admitted for colic to the Oniris equine emergency department (Nantes, France) between July 2011 and November 2021 were analyzed...
Differential Expression of MITF, WNT3A, SLC7A11, and EDN3 in the Shoulder ‘Bider Marking’ of Dun Mongolian Horses. (1) Background: The "Bider marking" on the shoulder of the Dun Mongolian horse represents a unique pigmentation pattern, the molecular formation mechanism of which remains incompletely understood. This study investigates the differential expression and protein localization of pigment-related genes-specifically the core transcription factor , as well as , , and -in the skin. The analysis focuses on three distinct regions: the dark-colored area of the 'Bider marking' shoulder (BIDC), the light-colored area of the 'Bider marking' shoulder (BILC), and the non-Bider-marked shoulder area (NBIS). The...
Sequential Application of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma and Muscle-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Acute Tendon Injuries in Horses: Early Clinical and Ultrasonographic Outcomes in a Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study. Tendon and ligament injuries are frequent in sport horses and are prone to recurrence due to incomplete healing. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly used, but data controlled on the early effects of autologous MSCs remain limited. A prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in horses with naturally occurring tendinopathies. After standardized PRP pretreatment, non-responders were randomized to receive intralesional autologous muscle-derived MSCs (mdMSCs, = 17) or placebo ( = 6). Clinical and ultrasonographic paramete...
Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Equine Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis Using Machine Learning Integrating Computed Tomography Findings and Synovial Fluid Biomarkers. Horses presenting with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions are often clinically evaluated for TMJ osteoarthritis (OA). Due to the unique characteristic of TMJ-related pain, the clinical diagnosis of equine TMJ OA is challenging; however, it may be supported by computer-aided tools incorporating biomarker data. This study aims to evaluate a machine learning-based approach to address a binary classification distinguishing healthy TMJs from TMJ OA. Among 50 equine cadaver heads, 82 TMJs were included and annotated as healthy or OA based on histological and computed tomography (CT) findings...
Functional Characterization of Long Non-Coding RNAs Associated with Reproductive Fitness in Pura Raza Española Mares. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts constituted of more than 200 nucleotides that have been associated with the regulation of different biological processes by modulating the expression of key genes. In horses, evidence suggests that lncRNAs play a role in female reproductive fitness, yet their functional implications remain poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to investigate potential DNA:RNA triplex interactions between the promoter regions of fertility-related genes and lncRNAs transcribed from non-coding loci located within ±50 kb of these genes. By doing so, w...
Differences in Redox Biomarkers in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Leisure Horses With and Without Severe Equine Asthma: Preliminary Results. Equine asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and oxidative imbalance, particularly in its severe form. The aim of this study was to evaluate pro-oxidative substances, oxidative products, and antioxidant defense biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from horses with and without a history of severe equine asthma (SEA). This prospective observational study included 21 leisure horses classified as SEA or non-SEA based on clinical history and BALF cytology. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed for derivatives of reactive oxygen metaboli...
H3K4me3 CUT&Tag and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal the Epigenetic Regulatory Landscape in Mammary Gland Tissues of Yili Horses at Different Lactation Stages. H3K4me3, a well-established histone modification associated with active promoters, plays a critical role in orchestrating gene expression programs that govern mammary gland development and lactation. In this study, we present the first comprehensive epigenomic profiling of H3K4me3 modifications during mammary gland development in Yili horses using Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation (CUT&Tag) and RNA sequencing. Mammary gland tissues were collected from two developmental stages-early lactation and peak lactation. A total of 393 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified betw...
Horse Olfactory Exploration of Various Plants with Regard to Smell and Taste Familiarity. The sense of smell is the first sense by which horses determine the suitability of feed for consumption. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the degree of familiarity with the smell and taste of plants on horses' olfactory exploration. Behavioural responses of twenty adult horses to nine herbs of three degrees of familiarity-least familiar (unknown in the first trial), known only by smell, and known by smell and taste-were investigated. During the tests, the horses were allowed to explore the individual herbs placed in a crib constructed to prevent them from eating the contents...
Effects of Dietary Non-Fibrous Carbohydrate to Neutral Detergent Fiber Ratio on Apparent Digestibility, Fecal Microbiota, and Plasma Metabolomics in Yili Horses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary NFC/NDF ratio on nutrient apparent digestibility, fecal fermentation parameters, microbial diversity, and plasma metabolomics in Yili horses. Twenty-four healthy Yili horses with similar body weights (406 ± 22.73 kg) were divided into four groups, each with six replicates: the Control Group (CG), Low-NFC Group (LG), Medium-NFC Group (MG), and High-NFC Group (HG). The experiment lasted 52 d, comprising a 7-day adaptation period and a 45-day experimental period. Total fecal collection was conducted from days 41 to 45 to calculate nutrient a...
