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Topic:Animal Science
Animal Science and horses encompass the study of equine biology, physiology, and management practices aimed at understanding and improving horse health, welfare, and performance. This field integrates various scientific disciplines, including genetics, nutrition, reproduction, and behavior, to address the needs of horses in diverse contexts such as sports, work, and companionship. Research in this area often focuses on optimizing feeding strategies, enhancing breeding programs, and developing effective health management protocols. Additionally, studies explore the genetic factors influencing traits such as athleticism and disease resistance, as well as the impact of environmental and management conditions on horse behavior and welfare. This page gathers peer-reviewed research and scholarly articles that investigate the scientific principles underpinning equine science and their practical applications in horse care and management.
Granulosa cell function in domestic animals: A review on the in vitro effects of FSH, insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1. Ovarian granulosa cells produce a variety of biologically active compounds in addition to steroid hormones that include numerous families of growth factors, cytokines and adipokines. Many of these function as endocrine, paracrine and autocrine hormones to regulate ovarian activity. The goal of this review is to provide an update on the evidence in domestic animals on how FSH, insulin and IGF1 regulate the function of granulosa cells with a focus on ovarian steroidogenesis and cell proliferation with comparisons across six domestic animals: pigs, cattle, horses, water buffalo, goats and sheep. ...
In vitro evaluation of anthelmintic activity of biocompatibile carbon quantum dot nanocomposite against egg and larval stages of equine strongyles. Strongyle nematodes pose a major challenge in veterinary parasitology, causing significant economic losses in livestock due to resistance to conventional treatments. Current anthelmintics, like Ivermectin, often encounter resistance issues. This study aims to address these gaps by synthesizing Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) and Copper-Doped CQDs (Cu@CQDs) using glucose extract, and evaluating their nematicidal properties against strongyles in vitro. We assessed the nematicidal effects of CQDs and Cu@CQDs through larval feeding inhibition of first-stage larvae (L1), egg hatch inhibition (EHI), and ...
Unraveling the distinctive gut microbiome of khulans (Equus hemionus hemionus) in comparison to their drinking water and closely related equids. The microbial composition of host-associated microbiomes is influenced by co-evolutionary interactions, host genetics, domestication, and the environment. This study investigates the contribution of environmental microbiota from freshwater bodies to the gastrointestinal microbiomes of wild khulans (Equus hemionus hemionus, n = 21) and compares them with those of captive khulans (n = 12) and other equids-Przewalski's horse (n = 82) and domestic horse (n = 26). Using PacBio technology and the LotuS pipeline for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyze microbial diversity and conduct ...
The Challenge of Defining Laterality in Horses: Is It Laterality or Just Asymmetry? The defining characteristic of laterality is the dominance of one side of the brain controlling specific functions of paired organs or on one side of the body. Structural and functional asymmetries are ubiquitous in horses and range from anatomical features (e.g., the length of long bones) to the gathering of sensory information (e.g., which eye is used to observe unfamiliar scenes) and motor functions (e.g., left-right differences in locomotion). There is a common tendency to assign observed structural or functional asymmetries to lateralization, which often involves more than a simple left-r...
A retrospective case-control study of pregnancy failure in Thoroughbred horses in Australia. Pregnancy failure is a serious economic and welfare concern in the Thoroughbred horse industry, yet its incidence and risk factors in Australia remain unclear. This retrospective, nested, case-control study investigated pregnancy failure in resident mares on studs in the Hunter Valley, Australia, in 2021-2022, in early (46-150 days), mid (151-270 days), and late (>270 days) gestation. We found an annual incidence risk of 5.4 pregnancy failure cases/100 45-day pregnancies (0.05 cases/mare; 95 % CI 0.04-0.07), with full-term (perinatal) losses (≥320 days) accounting for 24 % of cases (9...
Soybean oil supplement induces increased approaching behavior to humans and alters serotonin concentrations in horses. Enhancement of human-horse interaction is crucial for safety in equine management, as poor relationships between humans and horses can lead to accidents. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is highly related to social affinity in animals and several studies have been documented that supplementation of tryptophan, which is a precursor of serotonin, can increase calmness of horses. This study aimed to assess the effect of tryptophan through soybean oil supplementation on serotonin concentrations and the behavior of horses. Six horses participated and the horses were treated with or without soyb...
Rhythmic categories in horse gait kinematics. Anecdotally, horses' gaits sound rhythmic. Are they really? In this study, we quantified the motor rhythmicity of horses across three different gaits (walk, trot, and canter). For the first time, we adopted quantitative tools from bioacoustics and music cognition to quantify locomotor rhythmicity. Specifically, we tested whether kinematics data contained rhythmic categories; these occur when adjacent temporal intervals are categorically, rather than randomly, distributed. We extracted the motion cycle duration (t) of two ipsilateral hooves from motion data of 13 ridden horses and calculated th...
Mare colostrum quality and relationship with foal serum immunoglobulin G concentrations and average daily weight gains. Foals suffer from total failure to transfer passive immunity (TFTPI) when serum immunoglobulin (IgG) is <4 g/L, and partial failure to transfer passive immunity (PFTPI) when serum IgG is 4-8 g/L. Objective: To explore risk factors for poor serum IgG concentration. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Data from 535 Thoroughbred foals born to 177 mares were analysed and included foal sex, birthweight, month and year of birth and colostrum Brix %. Associations between dam age and colostrum Brix (%); and between foal serum IgG and liveweight gains were also measured. Pre-suckle...
The impact of teaching approach on horse and rider biomechanics during riding lessons. Riding relies on embodied and practical knowledge and is predominantly taught during practical lessons. Effective teaching is dependent on relevant instructions and evaluation from the riding teacher or trainer. The aim was to investigate how riding instructions affect horse and rider motion and rein tension during transitions between walk and trot. Two Swedish (S1, S2) and two Norwegian (N1, N2) riding teachers, and five riders per location participated. Each rider rode two horses, 40 lessons total. Videos, horse and rider kinematics and rein tension were recorded. The teachers were interview...
Description and Analysis of Horse Swimming Strategies in a U-Shaped Pool. Aquatic training has been integrated into equine rehabilitation and training programs for several decades. While the cardiovascular effects of this training have been explored in previous studies, limited research exists on the locomotor patterns exhibited during the swimming cycle. This study aimed to analyze three distinct swimming strategies, identified by veterinarians, based on the propulsion phases of each limb: (S1) two-beat cycle with lateral overlap, (S2) two-beat cycle with diagonal overlap, and (S3) four-beat cycle. 125 underwater videos from eleven horses accustomed to swimming wer...
A Meta-Analysis on Quantitative Sodium, Potassium and Chloride Metabolism in Horses and Ponies. The goal of this meta-analysis was to (i) identify any potential differences in the apparent and true digestibility, renal excretion, and retention between ponies and horses and (ii) examine the impact of work on these parameters. Additionally, the study aimed to (iii) evaluate the effects of water deficiency. This meta-analysis used data from 33 studies and plotted them in diagrams similar to the Lucas test against mineral intake. Three studies involved ponies that were later diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). These were compared with other data to identify quantitat...
The Role of European Equestrian Institutions in Training Professionals: Outcomes from a Workshop on Horse Welfare in Equestrian Education. This paper highlights and summarizes the experiences and perceptions of European equestrian educational experts from a workshop held at the French National Riding School in Saumur. The workshop, which brought together fifty leading experts, aimed to address challenges in equestrian education, identify common ground, and share best practices. Using 'The World Café' method, the participants were divided into groups to discuss four key topics: the relationship between horses and humans, diversity of perspectives versus common ground, training philosophy, and social acceptability. A follow-up onl...
Genome wide landscaping of copy number variations for horse inter-breed variability. Copy number variations (CNVs) have become widely acknowledged as a significant source of genomic variability and phenotypic variance. To understand the genetic variants in horses, CNVs from six Indian horse breeds, namely, Manipuri, Zanskari, Bhutia, Spiti, Kathiawari and Marwari were discovered using Axiom™ Equine Genotyping Array. These breeds differed in agro-climatic adaptation with distinct phenotypic characters. A total of 2668 autosomal CNVs and 381 CNV regions (CNVRs) were identified with PennCNV tool. DeepCNV was employed to re-validate to get 883 autosomal CNVs, of which 9.06% were...
Sperm vitrification in horses and donkeys. Sperm vitrification is an alternative freezing method, which includes high cooling rates and non-permeable cryoprotectants agents. The first attempt in equids was using the spheres technique by directly dropping small volumes of the sperm into liquid nitrogen. Later, vitrification was developed using 0.25 mL straws with outer covers, which resulted in similar progressive motility when compared to conventional freezing in donkeys (44.3 ± 15.0 % vs. 44.7 ± 18.2 %) or even higher in horses (48.2 ± 2.3 % vs. 37.3 ± 2.2 %). Subsequently, the vitrification of larger volumes of sperm in 0.5 mL st...
Changes in pressure distribution of the solar surface after a single trimming event are associated with external hoof measurements in the equine fore foot. Trimming is critical for a functioning equine hoof. Pressure distribution provides information on loading; however, information on the effects of trimming on pressure distribution is lacking. Objective: To describe the pressure changes of equine fore feet following trimming. Methods: Cross-sectional cohort study. Methods: Fifty sound horses were recruited. Eighteen external hoof measures of the dorsal, lateral, medial and solar aspects were obtained before and after trimming from 94 fore feet. Horses were walked over a pressure mat before and after trimming and pressure maps of the solar surfa...
Evaluation of equine perineural anesthesia simulators with integrated success control for veterinary education. The skills necessary to perform diagnostic perineural anesthesia in equids belongs to one of the Day One Competences of a veterinarian, so every veterinary graduate should be able to perform them correctly. For logistical, hygienic and ethical reasons, practical exercises on cadaver limbs are not accessible to all students. Two equine distal limb simulators were developed and evaluated as an additional instructional tool to train the required skills. Both simulators were designed and built with an integrated success control, with Simulator I (S1) designed to be a simplified anatomical model an...
Does dietary supplementation of pregnant mares with a commercial stud feed balancer improve the transfer of passive immunity in their foals? A controlled field trial. This prospective, controlled field trial aimed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of mares in late pregnancy with a commercial stud feed balancer on the transfer of passive immunity to their foals. Eighty-two pregnant mares on a single stud farm that were eligible for inclusion were assigned into two groups (Intervention and Control) based primarily on existing social groupings. Between 64-224 days prepartum, all mares received the same forage-based diet but mares in the Intervention group received an in-feed commercial stud feed balancer and mares in the Control group received...
Single-Step Genome-Wide Association Study of Factors for Evaluated and Linearly Scored Traits in Swedish Warmblood Horses. Swedish Warmblood horses (SWB) are bred for show jumping and/or dressage with young horse test scores as indicator traits. This study aimed to investigate possible candidate genes and regions of importance for evaluated and linearly scored young horse test traits. A single-step genome-wide association study (ssGWAS) was done using the BLUPF90 suite of programs for factors scores from factor analysis of traits assessed at young horse tests together with height at withers. The ssGWAS included 20,814 SWB with factors scores for four factors for evaluated traits. A total of 6436 of these horses al...
Real-time transrectal ultrasonographic measurement of the fetal eye (vitreous body) to predict parturition in bucking horse mares. Monitoring gestation and predicting parturition in mares with unknown breeding dates is challenging, especially in pasture bred herds of bucking horses. Transrectal ultrasonographic measurement of fetal vitreous body length is a validated predictor of foaling dates, but previous research suggested a need for breed-specific parameters to develop accurate indices for respective breeds. This study aimed to develop a scale associating fetal vitreous body length with days before parturition (DBP) in bucking horses. Biannual data collection over 2 years identified 199 pregnancies out of 240 reproduc...
Post competition recovery of hydroelectrolytic and acid-base variables under distinct comfort indexes in equines participating in 90 km Federate RAID. The recovery of acid-base and hydro electrolytic balance at medical discharge after Raid races and its association with comfort index (CI) is unknown. Unassigned: To determine hydroelectrolytic and acid-base variations before and at the time of clinical discharge in horses that completed 90 km Raid competitions. Unassigned: Hematocrit, total protein, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and serum pH were determined in samples before and after the race and after hydration in 276 horses and were analyzed using a mixed procedure, including the time of the race, the CI and its interaction. Unassi...
Genomic-Inbreeding Landscape and Selection Signatures in the Polo Argentino Horse Breed. Analyzing genetic variability and inbreeding trends is essential for effective breed management in animal populations. To this, the characterization of runs of homozygosity (ROH) provides a good genomic approach to study the phenomena. The Polo Argentino (PA) breed, globally recognized as the best adapted to playing polo, is known for its strong influence of Thoroughbreds, intense selective breeding, and extensive use of reproductive biotechnologies. This study investigates the PA's genomic variability, by characterizing the ROH landscape and identifying ROH islands (ROHi) as potential genomic...
Exploring Adhesive Performance in Horseshoe Bonding Through Advanced Mechanical and Numerical Analysis. Despite technological advancements in various industries, the equine sector still relies on old methods like horseshoeing. Although traditional, the industry is dynamic and well-funded. Therefore, there is a need to modernize these methods with more reliable and less invasive solutions for attaching horseshoes to horse hooves. There are currently several commercial adhesive solutions in the market specifically tailored to this application. In this work, the mechanical properties of two acrylic adhesives were characterized under quasi-static conditions. In the characterization process, tensile,...
A Genetic Make Up of Italian Lipizzan Horse Through Uniparental Markers to Preserve Historical Pedigrees. Lipizzan is a famous horse breed dating back to 1580 when the original stud of Lipica was established by the Hasburg Archduke Charles II. Currently, the Italian State Stud of Lipizzan Horses (ASCAL) is a conservation nucleus managed through strict mating rules where mitochondrial DNA sequences are used to verify the correct assignment of mares to a historical pedigree maternal lineage. Here, we analyzed the D-loop sequences of Lipizzan horses from the ASCAL in Monterotondo (Rome, Italy) in order to confirm their pedigree assignment to known female founder families. The concurrent investigation...
Gestational length of Thoroughbred mares kept in tropical and subtropical climates. Gestation length (GL) in horses varies widely, influenced by multiple variables, including maternal, fetal, and environmental factors. This study aimed to investigate and quantify the relative contributions of climatic (photoperiod and temperature-humidity index - [THI]), maternal (age and parity), fetal (sex) and environmental (year and month of foaling) variables influencing gestation length in Thoroughbred mares. Retrospective data encompassing 704 pregnancies across nine breeding seasons in tropical and subtropical Brazilian climates were analyzed. Stepwise regression analysis identified f...
Applying Multi-Purpose Commercial Inertial Sensors for Monitoring Equine Locomotion in Equestrian Training. Inappropriate, excessive, or overly strenuous training of sport horses can result in long-term injury, including the premature cessation of a horse's sporting career. As a countermeasure, this study demonstrates the easy implementation of a biomechanical load monitoring system consisting of five commercial, multi-purpose inertial sensor units non-invasively attached to the horse's distal limbs and trunk. From the data obtained, specific parameters for evaluating gait and limb loads are derived, providing the basis for objective exercise load management and successful injury prevention. Applied...
Anticipatory Behaviour During the Approach to Feeding Times as a Measure of Horse Welfare. Anticipatory behaviour is increasingly being recognised as a measure of animal welfare. This behaviour is linked to reward sensitivity, which reflects the balance of positive and negative experiences. This study examined anticipatory behaviour in horses fed either ad libitum or rationed diets, aiming to identify differences in behaviour patterns during the periods of one hour immediately before and after feeding. Behavioural data were collected via video surveillance over five days, focusing on the pre- and post-feeding periods of stabled horses. The data were successfully fit to Poisson model...
Genetic Composition of Polish Hucul Mare Families: mtDNA Diversity. The Hucul horse breed formed in the region of the Eastern Carpathians, likely through the natural crossbreeding of oriental horses. After World War II, their population significantly decreased, leading to the breeding being based on only 14 female lines, whose founders often had unknown origins. To preserve the breed's unique characteristics, it is now part of a Genetic Resources Conservation Program, which prioritizes the maintenance of genetic diversity. This study aims to clarify the maternal relatedness of founder mares and assess genetic diversity using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The hy...
An ongoing concern: 20 years of research on equine atypical myopathy. Anne-Christine François, Benoît Renaud, Caroline-Julia Kruse, Christel Marcillaud-Pitel and Dominique-Marie Votion of the Atypical Myopathy Alert Group discuss insights from 20 years of research and surveillance on equine atypical myopathy.
Showing the unshowable: a new start for rescue horses. Emma Dahm introduces a new society in the world of showing that aims to give horses that have come back from neglect and abuse a platform to show off their talents and resilience.
Rising trends of inbreeding in Japanese Thoroughbred horses. We investigated the changes in inbreeding levels in Japanese Thoroughbred horses over the past 46 years. Our results show a significant increase in inbreeding over the past 30 years, primarily due to the influence of two sires, Northern Dancer and Sunday Silence. Northern Dancer's bloodline spread gradually through descendants like Northern Taste, leading to a slower increase in the inbreeding coefficient. In contrast, Sunday Silence was directly imported and became a leading sire, causing a rapid increase in his blood proportion and inbreeding coefficient. Our findings suggest that monitoring...
