Analyze Diet

Scientific reports.

Periodical
Science
Natural Science Disciplines
Publisher:
Nature Publishing Group,
Frequency: Continuously updated
Country: England
Language: English
Start Year:2011 -
ISSN:
2045-2322 (Electronic)
2045-2322 (Linking)
Impact Factor
4.6
2022
NLM ID:101563288
(OCoLC):732869387
LCCN:2011250880
Phenotypic and genetic factors that affect the likelihood of Standardbred foals achieving a race start.
Scientific reports    July 20, 2026   doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-63159-x
Tanner JC, Beatson PR, Hickford JGH, Barrell GK.This study was conducted to quantify the probability of a Standardbred foal attaining early career milestones and to estimate some environmental and genetic factors that influence achievement of those milestones. Data for all Standardbred foals registered at birth in New Zealand from 1995 to 2018 were used to estimate variance components and fixed effects influencing attainment of three early-career traits; registered with trainer (REG), starting in a trial (TRIAL) and starting in a race (RACE). The study population comprised 65,256 foals. Of these, 65.5% attained REG, 55.4% progressed to TRIA...
Unveiling wolf dietary specialization on free ranging horses using forensic genetics and field monitoring.
Scientific reports    July 20, 2026   doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-59871-3
Freitas J, Godinho R, Mendonça R, Nakamura M, Rio-Maior H, Ringhofer M, Yamamoto S, Hirata S, Álvares F.Wolves occasionally specialize on free-ranging horses when they are abundant and alternative prey is scarce, potentially reducing horse productivity, triggering conflicts with owners, and hampering conservation of both species. Yet, ecological and demographic impacts of wolf predation on horses remain poorly understood. We investigated wolf-horse interactions in NW Portugal by combining wolf monitoring, diet analysis, spatial overlap between wolf and horse activity areas, and horse pedigree reconstruction from genetically identified individuals recovered from wolf scat remains, feeding sites a...
Sensory-driven neck-limb coordination mechanisms for walk-trot-gallop gait transitions.
Scientific reports    July 12, 2026   doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-61565-9
Suzuki S, Norita A, Asaoka Y, Fukuhara A, Ishikawa M, Kobayashi R, Ishiguro A.Quadruped animals exhibit various gait patterns and switch from one to another depending on their speed. These gait patterns involve complex whole-body coordination and are mainly controlled by a distributed neural network consisting of central pattern generators (CPGs) and peripheral sensory feedback. However, how these neural networks generate various types of whole-body coordination remains unclear. Here, we focus on horse locomotion and present a neural network model that reproduces walk-trot-gallop transitions by changing only a single parameter related to speed. This model uses ground re...
Spatiotemporal dynamics of equine group formation reveal the gradual emergence of social cohesion.
Scientific reports    July 2, 2026   doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-59260-w
Torres Borda L, Auer U, Kelemen Z, Cockburn M, Jenner F.Stable social relationships are essential for horse welfare, yet domestic management often involves regrouping unfamiliar individuals, potentially causing social stress. Fine-scale dynamics of social integration remain poorly quantified due to limitations of observational sampling. Using ultra-wideband real-time positioning, we tracked the development of spatial and social relationships in two newly formed equine groups (n = 19) over 2-12 months. Inter-individual distances decreased significantly, with time spent within 3 m of conspecifics increasing from 1.2 to 27.3% within two months, d...
Advanced paternal age is associated with reduced reproductive success and offspring racing performance in Australian Thoroughbred racehorses.
Scientific reports    June 23, 2026   doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-59342-9
Jenkins C, Upton R, Griffin RA, Swegen A, Hamilton NA, Gibb Z.Reproductive ageing influences fertility and offspring fitness across mammals. In humans and model organisms, paternal age has been associated with changes in sperm quality and genomic integrity, including oxidative stress, DNA damage, and epigenetic alterations; however, these mechanisms have not been directly examined in large equine populations. Thoroughbred racehorses provide a system to investigate paternal age effects at scale using detailed breeding records. In this retrospective observational study, with data from 35 retired stallions and 33,546 progeny, we assessed associations betwee...
Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses in the district of Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Scientific reports    June 12, 2026   doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-56528-z
Kante N, Kaba L, N'Gotta KI, Camara AOD, Salako AS, Berete K, Tuo K, N'Docho AF, Gondo É, Teohou MMC, N'Gotta AA, Traore AK, Barro N.Gastrointestinal parasitic infections constitute a major constraint to equine health and productivity, particularly in tropical regions where climatic and environmental conditions favor parasite survival and transmission. In Côte d'Ivoire, epidemiological data regarding gastrointestinal parasites in horses remain limited, especially in urban and peri-urban settings such as the district of Abidjan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, diversity, and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal parasites affecting horses in the study area. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional st...
Prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in equines in Egypt.
Scientific reports    June 3, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 17125 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-55462-4
El-Halim MOA, Shoraba M, Gattan HS, Alruhaili MH, Selim A.Staphylococcus aureus is a common commensal organism in both humans and animals, frequently colonizing the skin and nasal cavities of healthy individuals, although it can also cause a wide range of severe infections. The present study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of S. aureus in equines, along with antimicrobial resistance patterns of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. The results revealed a prevalence of 38.6% in nasal samples collected from equines, highlighting the organism's significant presence and potential to cause infections in these animals. A genotypic p...
Water and cryoprotectant permeability of mature equine oocytes: experimental measurements and in silico predictions.
Scientific reports    May 29, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 24646 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-54284-8
Gago S, García-Martínez T, Diaz-Muñoz J, Acacio M, Catalán J, Miró J, Higgins AZ, Costa-Borges N, Mogas T.Vitrification of equine oocytes is an essential practice for advancing assisted reproductive technologies however, its efficiency remains limited due to the lack of stage and species-specific information on membrane permeability parameters. In this study, water (L) and CPA permeability (P) for dimethyl sulfoxide (Me₂SO) and ethylene glycol (EG) were measured in in vitro matured (MII) equine oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes were obtained from abattoir ovaries or by ovum pick-up and matured in vitro for 30 h at 6% CO. Oocytes followed ideal osmometer behavior principles, with an osmotically ...
Evaluating hormonal levels in plasma and saliva as temperament indicators in horses.
Scientific reports    May 12, 2026   doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-51061-5
Choi Y, Jung Y, Wickens CL, Park Y, Yoon M.Assessing the temperament of horses is important to ensure their welfare, management, and safety. This study evaluated the plasma-saliva relationships for cortisol, oxytocin, and serotonin, and explored their associations with temperament traits in 40 horses using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Significant correlations were observed between cortisol (r = 0.441) and oxytocin (r = 0.587) concentrations, whereas serotonin showed a weak correlation (r = 0.133). Bland-Altman analysis revealed acceptable agreement for cortisol but substantial individual variability for oxytocin, despite its str...
Insights from healthy mares reveal that mammalian uteri harbor a diverse virome.
Scientific reports    May 9, 2026   doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-49532-w
Guo L, Holyoak GR, DeSilva U.The Earth's estimated 10 virions, primarily phages, significantly impact microbial ecosystems. Despite their abundance, viromes remain relatively understudied-particularly in domestic animals. While recent studies have described a dynamic commensal microbiome in mammalian uteri, no research has yet characterized the commensal virome in a mammalian uterus. In this study, we report for the first time the presence of a sparse, but diverse native virome in the equine uterus. The resulting virome database consists of 513 non-redundant viral genomes (> 2 kb). Taxonomic annotations revealed the...
Detection of papillomavirus DNA in uterine flushing samples from healthy mares reveals diverse genotypes with differing host ranges.
Scientific reports    May 8, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 21179 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-52384-z
A molecular study to assess the presence of some papillomaviruses was performed on 105 uterine flushing samples of healthy mares using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR). Bovine, equine, and ovine papillomavirus DNA was detected in 27 uterine flushing samples through dPCR (~ 25.71%); qPCR was able to detect 18 positive samples (~ 17.14%). Differences between the two molecular protocols were significant as shown by McNemar's test (p˂ 0.005). EcPV DNA was detected in 10 samples by dPCR (~ 9.52%) of uterine flushing samples. qPCR detected EcPV DN...
Feasibility study of microbubble enhanced echocardiography in normal horses.
Scientific reports    May 2, 2026   doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-38819-7
Favero ML, Canola PA, de Sá JM.Intrapulmonary shunting, a contributor to hypoxemia in both anesthetized and spontaneously breathing horses, may occur in association with pulmonary disease, general inhalation anesthesia, or systemic inflammation. In human medicine, transthoracic microbubble-enhanced echocardiography is a widely used method to detect intrapulmonary right-to-left shunting, especially in hepatopulmonary syndrome. This study aimed to adapt and evaluate the feasibility of this technique in horses, laying the groundwork for future clinical applications. Twelve healthy horses underwent two treatments: (1) infusion ...
An in vitro collagen gel contraction assay to assess the relaxing effect of potential pharmacological alternatives to oxytetracycline on foals’ tendons.
Scientific reports    April 25, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 13412 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-49449-4
Cardinaux EM, Oltmanns H, Rohn K, Meißner J, Geburek F.Oxytetracycline has been successfully used to treat flexural limb deformities in foals. However, its antimicrobial properties and potential adverse side effects warrant the investigation of alternatives. Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or collagen cross-linking have been suggested as possible mechanisms of action. This study assessed the influence of potential alternative substances lacking antimicrobial properties on collagen gel contraction by juvenile equine myofibroblasts in vitro. Myofibroblasts were isolated from forelimb SDFTs and inferior check ligaments from foals eutha...
Exploring the relationship between inhibitory control and coping behaviour in horses.
Scientific reports    April 18, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 12738 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-48050-z
von der Tann M, Palme R, König von Borstel U, Brucks D.The ability to flexibly adapt to the demands of a stressful situation is a key factor in successful coping. Appropriate coping is of critical importance in artificial environments, which may include novel and potentially stressful situations. Being able to inhibit immediate but counterproductive reactions, and thus exert inhibitory control, might allow to better adapt to the environment. Horses are required to flexibly adapt to various housing conditions and training techniques; however, not all horses successfully cope as evidenced by the prevalence of stereotypical behaviours. We tested 31 m...
Milk fat globule EGF and factor V/VIII domain containing (MFGE8) as a novel player in equine endometrial fibrosis.
Scientific reports    April 9, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 12045 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-46595-7
Zu Klampen E, Neufeld G, Klein C.With increasing age, mares are frequently affected by endometrial fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) promotes fibrosis, while milk fat globule EGF and factor V/VIII domain containing (MFGE8) primarily exerts antifibrotic effects. We used in situ hybridization analysis (ISH) to investigate MFGE8, TGFB1 and its downstream effectors cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) and transgelin (TAGLN) in equine endometrial fibrosis. Additionally, transcriptional effects of TGF-β1 and MFGE8 on equine endometrial fibroblasts in vitro were investigated by single cell sequencing. ...
Detection of exercising ectopic atrial and ventricular beats using non-linear analysis of clinically normal racehorse electrocardiograms at rest or low-intensity exercise.
Scientific reports    March 13, 2026   doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-41281-0
Alexeenko V, Tavanaeimanesh H, Stein F, Gold J, Hughes L, McCue M, Marr C, Durward-Akhurst S, Jeevaratnam K.Cardiac arrhythmias are common in healthy athletic horses and may lead to poor athletic performance or exercise-associated sudden death. Early detection of high-risk horses is an important goal of cardiovascular diagnostics. We hypothesised that non-linear analysis of electrocardiogram disorderliness can be used to identify horses exhibiting intermittent ectopic atrial and ventricular heart rhythm abnormalities at exercise using brief, artifact-free recordings of normal sinus rhythm electrocardiograms collected at submaximal heart rates. In a convenience prospective cross-sectional study, ambu...
Transmission of Salmonella clones between different animal species in a horse and cattle breeding region in Japan.
Scientific reports    March 6, 2026   doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-39311-y
Arai N, Niwa H, Uchida-Fujii E, Sawa Y, Tamamura-Andoh Y, Kinoshita Y, Momoki A, Watanabe-Yanai A, Iwata T, Kubo M, Kusumoto M.Sequence type 34 (ST34) Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and its monophasic variant (Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:-) are the most prevalent clones among humans and animals worldwide, including in Japan. Although cross-species transmission may have occurred in the background of global spread, the matter remains unresolved. Here, we conducted high-resolution phylogenetic analysis using whole-genome sequencing data of Salmonella Typhimurium and 4,[5],12:i:- obtained from a horse and cattle breeding district in Japan and identified cases of cross-species transmission of ST34 Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:...
Association between ultraviolet-related TP53 mutations and immune microenvironment in equine ocular squamous cell carcinoma.
Scientific reports    February 26, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 11151 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-41467-6
Martinoli G, De Biase D, Ressel L, Brunetti B, Avallone G, Grillini A, Franceschini T, Fiorentino M, Sarli G, Bacci B.This study investigates the molecular and immune characteristics of equine ocular squamous cell carcinoma (eoSCC). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used to detect protein expression and TP53 mutations, respectively. T lymphocytes (CD3+), regulatory T cells (FoxP3+), B lymphocytes (CD20+), and macrophages (IBA-1+) were quantified. A total of 29 cases of eoSCC were evaluated, consisting of 3/29 carcinomas in situ (CISs) and 26/29 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). p53 positivity by IHC was detected in 19/29 cases while by NGS, 21 TP53 mutations were found in 13/...
Characterisation of Salmonella Typhimurium from a fatal equine nosocomial outbreak and retrospective analysis of equine clinic salmonellosis cases (2010-2025).
Scientific reports    February 18, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 9787 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-40617-0
K-Jánosi K, Sztojka A, Kis IE, Biksi I, Bakos Z, Kaszab E, Mag T, Albert E.In 2024, a highly fatal outbreak of equine salmonellosis occurred in a Hungarian equine referral hospital, resulting in the death or euthanasia of four out of five affected horses. () subsp. serovar Typhimurium was identified as the primary causative agent from equine faecal, reflux, and post-mortem intestinal content samples, while one case involved Coeln. Extensive environmental sampling during the outbreak also yielded multiple serovars. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a high degree of genetic relatedness among the Typhimurium isolates, confirming nosocomial transmission. The source ...
Proteomic profiling of equine airway mucus reveals compositional changes in asthmatic phenotypes.
Scientific reports    February 10, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 5880 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-38766-3
Bartenschlager F, Kuropka B, Schmitz P, Dumke F, Landmann K, Gruber AD, Weise C, Schnabel CL, Gehlen H, Mundhenk L.Mucus hypersecretion and accumulation are hallmark features of equine asthma (EA), a meaningful respiratory disorder in horses occurring in mild to moderate (MEA) and severe (SEA) forms. Changes of the proteomic composition of airway mucus in EA are poorly understood. Using label-free quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, we analyzed airway mucus from SEA (n = 10), MEA (n = 6), and healthy (n = 8) horses. We identified and quantified 2,275 proteins including gel-forming mucins MUC5AC and MUC5B and membrane-bound mucins MUC1 and MUC4. Compared with healthy controls, ...
Feed intake, digestibility and passage kinetics in grazing horses.
Scientific reports    January 22, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 3052 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-35647-7
Bachmann M, Bochnia M, Wensch-Dorendorf M, Glatter M, Schäfer S, Simroth K, Greef JM, Zeyner A.Feed intake and digestibility are important indicators for sufficient nutrient supply, but they can be assessed only to a limited extent in horses on pasture. In horses, feed intake is embedded in a complex behavioural pattern of searching, selecting, chewing and almost constant movement called foraging. The objectives of this study were to estimate organic matter intake (OMI) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) in six horses, 24 h/day on pasture, based on plant alkanes and synthetic n-hexatriacontane (C) excretion. A multi-compartmental model was fitted to the marker excretion and the C m...
Prevalence and risk factors of stress urinary incontinence among female horseback riders in Poland.
Scientific reports    January 17, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 5606 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-36444-y
Zalewski M, Kołodyńska G, Piątek A, Mucha A, Misztela W, Andrzejewski W.Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is usually associated with aging and parity, but repetitive intra-abdominal pressure during physical activity can also trigger its onset in young women. Horseback riding, despite potential benefits for pelvic floor strengthening, may also contribute to pelvic floor strain and urinary symptoms. The study included 100 Polish women aged 21-54 engaged in horse riding, both recreational (85%) and professional (15%). Participants were divided into three age groups and screened for urinary incontinence symptoms. Quality of life was assessed with validated questionnai...
Effect of horse sleep behavior on performance in a field-side spatial reversal learning test.
Scientific reports    January 6, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 4265 doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-34463-9
Hämäläinen MJ, Brotherus IL, Wigren HM, Kaimio TE, Suomala H, Olbricht AM, Hänninen LT, Mykkänen AK.Reduced rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep is associated with impaired learning in many species. We developed a reversal learning test (RLT) suitable for field conditions to explore this association in 16 healthy horses. Nocturnal REM-like sleep behavior was recorded five times for 48 h over a six-week period. The horses performed a target training task followed by an RLT using two objects. When the horses reached a predefined frequency of touching the object, the spatial location was reversed. Mean test parameters were statistically analysed using GENLIN models, longitudinal continuous variables...
Mitochondrial genome assembly of the Peruvian Paso horse through PacBio long-read sequencing.
Scientific reports    December 21, 2025   Volume 16, Issue 1 85 doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29107-x
Saldaña CL, Justo S, Murga L, Vásquez HV, Maicelo JL, Arbizu CI, Bardales W.The complete mitochondrial genome of the Peruvian Paso Horse was assembled using PacBio HiFi long reads, resulting in a high-quality circular genome of 16,617 bp comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and a control region. Nucleotide composition and gene structure were consistent with other equine mitogenomes. Codon usage analysis revealed a bias toward CUA (Leu), AUA and AUC (Ile), suggesting translational optimization. Thirty-five heteroplasmic variants were identified, predominantly located in RNA genes (12 S rRNA and tRNA-Phe), with allele frequencies between 0.10 and 0.6...
Standing CT-based finite element models efficiently identify regions of high mechanical strain in equine metacarpal subchondral bone.
Scientific reports    December 11, 2025   Volume 16, Issue 1 1166 doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-30921-6
Malekipour F, Whitton RC, Muir P, Lee PV.Stress fractures are common in racehorses, with the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint being the most frequently affected site as it is subjected to high-magnitude and high-rate cyclic loads during training and racing. These loads lead to repeated compressive stresses, resulting in subchondral bone (SCB) sclerosis, fatigue microcracks, and matrix damage that can progress to parasagittal fractures or palmar osteochondral disease (POD). The present study developed joint-specific 3D FE models and slice-based FE models using standing CT images for three trained racehorses, each presenting distinct SC...
Impact of dietary essential fatty acids on phospholipid composition and mitochondrial function in aged mares.
Scientific reports    December 5, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 1 43295 doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-03271-6
Fresa K, Catandi GD, Gonzalez-Castro R, Omar A, Whitcomb LA, Cheng MH, Chen TW, Carnevale EM, Chicco AJ.Advancing age is associated with a decline in fertility and functional capacity, which may result in part from suboptimal nutrition and impaired mitochondrial function. Dietary essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are broadly recommended to mitigate weight loss and reduce risk of chronic disease in aged populations, but their effects on mitochondrial function are less clear. The present study investigated the impacts of dietary supplementation with essential omega-3 PUFA (flaxseed oil; N3) or omega-6 PUFA (corn oil, N6) on blood, muscle and follicular cell fatty acid composition and mi...
Quantitative holographic analysis in stallion spermatozoa following cryopreservation.
Scientific reports    December 4, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 1 43190 doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-24885-w
Ferrara MA, Preziosi G, Boni R, Ruggiero R, Gualandi SC.This study employs Holographic tomography (HT) to examine structural and biophysical changes occurring during the cryopreservation of stallion sperm. HT is an advanced imaging technique that integrates digital holography with tomography to achieve three-dimensional, quantitative reconstructions of objects without the need for treatment or reporter dyes. By using refractive index (RI) intervals to represent specific structural regions of sperm cells, variations in optical density, surface area, volume, and dry mass across different cryopreservation extenders and donors have been quantified. Thr...
Using culture ‘omics to explore the microbial structure and function in an equid in vitro digestion model.
Scientific reports    December 1, 2025   Volume 16, Issue 1 455 doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29936-w
Daniels S, Martin S, Harris P, Moore-Colyer M.The in vitro gas production system (GPS), developed to estimate degradation of ruminant feedstuffs, has been adapted for equine use. This study aimed to characterise the bacterial community profile and metabolome of donor faeces and faecal inoculum within the GPS when fermenting the same diet as faecal donors. Six Welsh ponies on identical diets were faecal donors with samples collected for microbiome profiling and system inoculation. Gas production (manual pressure transducer technique) was performed for 156 h with 2 replicate bottles from each donor harvested at 8,20,28 and 36 h. Faecal an...
Child horse harmony in motion: a preliminary study to explore heart rate synchronization in equine assisted therapy for neurotypical and ADHD children.
Scientific reports    November 25, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 1 45312 doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29330-6
Helmer A, Hacohen A, Bart O.Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) encompass a range of therapeutic interventions utilizing equine interactions to achieve therapeutic goals. This study explores heart rate synchronization between horses and riders during mounted and unmounted interactions, focusing on its potential implications for emotional regulation. A total of 25 participants aged 6-12 took part in the study, which included two groups: novice riders diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (n = 15) and experienced neurotypical riders (n = 10). Heart rate measurements were obtained using Polar Equ...
Temporal and intra-horse consistency of circulating myostatin concentrations in Thoroughbred racehorses.
Scientific reports    November 5, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 1 38708 doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-22472-7
Hanousek K, O'Hara V, Riddell DO, Piercy RJ.In Thoroughbred horses, a highly prevalent short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) mutation in the myostatin gene (MSTN) promoter influences circulating myostatin concentration and is associated with muscle morphology, fracture risk and optimal race distance. Our prior data reveal that within horses there is substantial variation in serum myostatin concentration, particularly in MSTN heterozygotes and wild type horses but it was unclear whether such variation relates to within-horse differences or to environmental or temporal effects. Here we report the intra-horse consistency of circulating...
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