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.
Reliability, agreement and variability of a markerless computer vision algorithm for equine gait analysis under field conditions. Computer vision-based algorithms offer accessible alternatives for equine gait analysis but require thorough assessment under diverse conditions. Objective: To evaluate a proprietary vision-based algorithm's reliability in measuring vertical displacement signals (VDS) at the eye, withers and croup, alongside groundline estimation, for horses trotting on straight lines and circles under field conditions. Methods: Cross-sectional comparative study evaluating agreement, variability and reliability of a markerless computer vision algorithm. Methods: We obtained 67 handheld iPhone recordings from 3...
Time Budgets in Domesticated Male Icelandic Horses on Pasture Turnout in Winter and Spring. There are few 24 h time budgets for horses, especially for domesticated horses kept at pasture. Most time budgets utilise short-term scan sampling, which can miss behaviours. This study aimed to assess the seasonal variation in continuous behaviour of domesticated Icelandic horses at pasture during winter and spring in fair weather. Eight Icelandic horses (11.25 ± 9.19 years; 7 geldings, 1 stallion) were observed in a 26 acre field. Herd location and individual behaviour were continuously observed during 3 h periods amounting to 3 × 24 h in winter and late spring, compiled over 43 days (~21 ...
Impact of IL-6 and TGF-β1 on equine mesenchymal stromal cell homing gene expression. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) support wound healing through immunomodulation and by promoting tissue organization. Cell tracking studies demonstrate that MSCs must 'home' to injuries in order to participate in reparative processes. It has been reported that in vivo cell tracking labels, including superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIOs), can alter MSC homing. Homing is thought to occur in coordinated steps including tethering, activation, arrest, diapedesis, and migration, guided by chemotactic stimuli. Equine distal limb injuries, which are commonly treated with MSCs, possess a disti...
Development and Survivability of The Free-Living Stage Larvae of Equine Strongyles in Different Environments and Soil Types. Equine strongyles are harmful gastrointestinal parasites affecting horses' health and productivity. In tropical regions, environmental conditions, including temperature and soil type, significantly influence the development and survivability of strongyle larvae. This study aims to assess the development and survival of third-stage larvae (L3) of strongyles under different temperatures and soil types commonly found in Malaysia. Faecal samples from five adult horses aged between 22-24 years that were kept under a semi-intensive management system and had no history of recent anthelmintic treatmen...
Incubation of Frozen-Thawed Semen Under Capacitating Conditions Supports Successful In Vitro Fertilization and Improves Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection-Results in Horses. In 2022, a repeatable protocol for in vitro fertilization (IVF) using fresh semen was established in horses. This facilitated successful capacitation of equine semen allowing to explore novel applications. Objective: We aimed to extend this technique to IVF with frozen-thawed semen and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and determine the outcome parameters such as blastocyst production and euploidy rates. Methods: A total of 221 oocytes were subjected to either IVF with frozen-thawed semen, ICSI with frozen-thawed semen incubated under capacitating conditions (ICSI cap) or control ICSI w...
A comparison of fecal output determined by total fecal collection or titanium dioxide in horses. Total fecal collection studies to determine digestibility of nutrients are costly and laborious. The use of externally dosed indigestible markers, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), to estimate digestibility using spot samples could be advantageous, but studies validating their use in horses are inadequate. Two experiments were conducted to determine if TiO2 in fecal spot samples effectively estimated fecal output in horses. In Exp. 1, four mature horses were fed a forage-based diet (85:15 forage: concentrate) split into two equal meals with 1.75 ± 0.03 g TiO2/kg DM (10 g TiO2) per day ...
Determinants of stride parameters in Thoroughbreds racing in Japan. To identify the race- and horse-level factors affecting stride parameters during Thoroughbred races in Japan. Unassigned: Global Navigation Satellite System sensors were attached to 921 horses (1,189 starts) participating in 83 races, with distances ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 m, held from April through July 2024. Stride frequency and stride length were calculated from speed spectrograms at 3 racing phases (phase 1, 200 m after gate open; phase 2, 10 m after reaching the final straight stretch; and phase 3, 130 m before the finishing line). Additionally, 10 variables (race distance, surface ty...
Fetometry in Arabian horses. This study aimed to monitor intrauterine fetal growth, establish predictive equations for gestational age estimation, and determine the optimal period for fetal sexing in Arabian horses using ultrasonography. Unassigned: Seven Arabian mares were monitored from insemination to parturition using transrectal ultrasonography. The following fetal and embryonic parameters were measured: embryonic vesicle (EV), crown-rump length (CRL), biparietal diameter (BIP), stomach diameter (STD), chest depth (CHD), abdominal diameter (ABD), kidney length (KDL), eyeball diameter (EBD), and eye lens length (ELL)....
The Role of Genetic and Environmental Factors in White Leg Markings: Prevalence and Heritability Analysis in Pura Raza Española Horses. White leg markings in horses are phenotypic traits influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This study analyzed their prevalence, symmetry, and genetic parameters in 38,825 Pura Raza Española (PRE) horses registered in the official studbook. White markings were scored using a binary (affected/unaffected) and a four-level ordinal scale. Most horses (38,341 out of 38,825; 98.8%) had at least one limb without white markings. The prevalence of white markings was higher in the hindlegs (17.9% LH; 14.5% RH) than in the forelegs (5.3% LF; 4.6% RF). Markings were most frequent above the fetlo...
Genetic inbreeding depression load for conformation defects and dressage traits in the Pura Raza Española horse. Investigate the genetic inbreeding depression load (IDL) on two dressage traits and two conformational defects in horses. Unassigned: The dataset included performance records for Walk and Points per Reprise (PPR) (N:43,838) and conformation data for Closed and Convergent hocks (N:57,949). Pedigree information spanned over 400,000 individuals. Inbreeding coefficients (F, F6, Fk) and partial inbreeding coefficient (Fij) were computed to quantify the IDL using Bayesian approach. Linear and ordinal logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between inbreeding and phenotypic values. ...
Editorial: Advances in the application of technology for monitoring horse welfare and health. Flowchart illustrating interdisciplinary collaboration in animal research. A horse symbolizes the focus, with pathways connecting physiology, behavior, and environment to decision-making and regulatory indications. Data analysis, system understanding, and data interpretation lead to feedback and warning. Visual elements include sun, clouds, a light bulb, gears, and a graph.
Genome-wide association study reveals candidate loci on ECA1 and ECA9 for withers height in Friesian horses. In Friesian horses, withers height is an important trait as a minimum has been set to be eligible to the studbook. Several loci for withers height have been identified in horses. However, withers height has not been studied in the Friesian horse. Therefore, our aim was to identify loci associated with withers height in the Friesian horse population. We performed a genome-wide association study using 70 K SNP data of 2192 Friesian horses. We found ECA1 and ECA9 to be significantly associated with withers height, explaining 19.6% and 3.5% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. In other hors...
Efficacy of feed additives obtained from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba L.: Ginkgo tinctures for all animal species and ginkgo extract for horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs (FEFANA asbl). Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of feed additives obtained from the leaves of L.: ginkgo tinctures as sensory additives for all animal species and ginkgo extract as a sensory additive for horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. In previous assessments, a sensory analysis of ginkgo extract was performed, which showed that aqueous solutions of ginkgo extract have an intense aroma, significantly different from plain water. No evidence was provided to show that the additives would impart flavour to a food or fee...
Evaluation of a targeted enrichment panel for gene editing detection and assessment of population variation in Thoroughbred horses. Gene editing and genome manipulation offer great promise for treating diseases in both humans and animals. There is a danger, however, that this technology could be used for other purposes such as performance enhancement. To detect such 'gene doping' events, we evaluated a targeted enrichment panel and next-generation sequencing to assess its reproducibility, sensitivity, and capability of variant detection on a wide variety of samples and biological matrices. The panel was verified against existing data for the myostatin gene, a PCR-based SNP panel, and whole genome sequencing in a subset of ...
Morphometric changes in overweight horses following 10-week weight loss programs. Up to 70% of horses in domestic equine populations are overweight. Promotion of weight loss is an important component of limiting the detrimental co-morbidities associated with excess adipose tissue. The use of a body condition score (BCS) can help equine caregivers track their horse's weight-status. However, this single score doesn't reflect changes in individual adipose depots. The purpose of this study was to characterize morphometric changes (including 8 anatomic BCS measurements that make up the whole-BCS) in horses during 3 different weight-loss programs over 10 weeks. Methods: Thirty-tw...
Dynamic Mobilization Exercises Improve Activity and Stride Parameters Measured with Accelerometry in Sedentary Horses. Dynamic mobilization exercises (DME) are an effective strategy to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and promote back health in sport horses. Previous studies focused mainly on multifidus muscle cross-sectional area, with limited data on locomotion and adaptation timing. This study evaluated locomotor changes using accelerometry, over 8 weeks of DME application in 14 sedentary horses: a DME group ( = 8) performing 10 different DME (3 neck flexions, 1 neck extension and 3 lateral bending exercises to each side), 5 repetitions of each DME per session, 3 sessions/week, and a control group ( = 6), t...
Complications in Theriogenology. This article explores key complications in equine reproduction, focusing on their causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It emphasizes the risks associated with common procedures, particularly those that are iatrogenic, meaning caused by medical intervention. The discussion highlights how understanding these risks can help in early detection and management, ultimately improving reproductive success and animal welfare. The article also provides insights into best practices to minimize complications, ensuring safer procedures and better outcomes for breeding horses.
Hematological and blood biochemical parameters of Tokara horses in Kaimon Foothills Nature Park. The Tokara horse is a breed of native Japanese horse, for which hematological and biochemical data are lacking. The aim of this study was to obtain current hematological and biochemical data on Tokara horses. We enrolled 90 Tokara horses kept at the Kaimon Foothills Nature Park (Kagoshima) that underwent physical examinations and blood sampling between 2022 and 2024. All horses in this study were regarded as clinically healthy, based on physical examinations. Hematological and biochemical parameters also showed no abnormal values. Based on the above results, we consider that the data from this...
Connections Between Gene Polymorphism and Fetlock and Hock Measurements in Polish Sport Horses. Finding the causative mutations for musculoskeletal system development and health status is of a higher priority for all sport horse breeders' associations. Of the regulating proteins involved in animal ossification, 15 gene polymorphisms were chosen to be identified as connected with the nine fetlock and 14 hock bone structures measurements of 198 horses. All measurements were taken using X-rays of the limbs, which were available at the beginning and end of the horse training. The analysis of variance (GLM, SAS program) was performed taking into account identified training and horse-connected...
Exploring the Abnormal Characteristics of the Ovaries During the Estrus Period of Kazakh Horses Based on Single-Cell Transcriptome Technology. The ovary is among the earliest organs to undergo age-related degeneration, limiting the reproductive potential of elite horses and constraining the growth of the equine industry. Follicular development during estrus is a key determinant of fertility, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying its decline, particularly at the level of specific ovarian cell types, remain poorly understood in equids. Here, we constructed a single-cell transcriptomic atlas to investigate ovarian changes in Kazakh horses. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we profiled 112,861 cells from follicle-containing...
Deep learning approach for classifying grazing behavior in yearling horses using triaxial accelerometer data: A pilot study. Accurate monitoring of grazing behavior in horses is essential for pasture management and welfare evaluation; however, conventional observation methods are labor-intensive and lack temporal resolution. Objective: This pilot study aimed to develop and validate a deep learning model using jaw-mounted accelerometer data to classify grazing and non-grazing behaviors in yearling horses under various pasture conditions. Methods: Four yearling Thoroughbred horses were equipped with triaxle accelerometers mounted under their jaws. Data were recorded at 10 Hz (100 ms) during a 19 h free-grazing period ...
Influence of calcination temperature on equine bone hydroxyapatite structure and lead adsorption efficiency. Lead (Pb²⁺) contamination in aquatic environments represents a serious global threat due to its toxicity, persistence, and non-biodegradable nature. In this study, hydroxyapatite (HA) was synthesized from equine scapula bone and investigated as a low-cost, sustainable adsorbent for Pb²⁺ removal from aqueous media. HA was thermally treated at 100 °C, 500 °C, and 900 °C to assess the effect of calcination on physicochemical and adsorption properties. Characterization techniques including XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDX, TGA and XRF confirmed structural and compositional evolution with temperature...
Horseback opinions: what do visitors see when they see the wild horses that concern conservation biologists? Social conflicts surrounding invasive alien species can hinder their management, which makes studying the human dimension increasingly important. This approach is particularly relevant in natural reserves, where assessing visitors' perceptions of invasive alien species can help guide the design of more effective outreach and engagement strategies. This study examines visitors' knowledge of feral horses, their perceptions of these animals' value and ecological impact, and their acceptance of different management alternatives in a protected grassland area in the Argentine Pampas. We expect that ...
Agreement between subjective evaluations and a markerless AI-based gait analysis system during lungeing assessment in traditional racehorses. Subjective lameness evaluation during lungeing is routinely performed in equine practice, but its consistency remains limited, especially in cases of mild or complex asymmetry. Objective: This study aimed to assess the agreement between subjective gait evaluations and a markerless AI-based gait analysis system (OAI-MS) in traditional racehorses during lungeing. Intra- and inter-observer agreement of subjective evaluations was also investigated. Methods: 24 traditional racehorses were assessed during routine pre-race inspections (T0) while trotting on a soft surface. Two experienced equine clin...
Evaluation of a Chemically Defined, Long-Term Extender for Liquid Storage of Stallion Semen. Efficient use of stallion semen in liquid state is limited by its relatively short shelf-life. A chemically defined extender (Beyond) is now available for long-term liquid semen preservation. The objectives of the present study were to compare Beyond with milk extenders for the preservation of semen at two temperatures, and to evaluate fertility of semen cooled for 4-8 days before artificial insemination. Semen was processed using different extenders: milk, cholesterol (BotuSemen Special); milk-based (INRA 96); and Beyond. Sperm motility, membrane and acrosome integrity, and chromatin struct...
Comparing the Difference in Traction Between the Bare Hoof, Iron Horseshoes and Two Glue-On Models on Different Surfaces. The interaction between equine hooves and various ground surfaces is a critical factor for injury prevention and performance in modern equestrian sports. Accurate measurement of surface grip is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of different hoof protection systems. This study introduces the Vienna Grip Tester (VGT), a novel sensor-based device developed to quantify rotational resistance-an important parameter for assessing hoof-surface interaction. The VGT utilizes a torque wrench and spring-loaded mechanism to simulate lateral hoof movements under a standardized vertical load (~700 N...
Comparing Genomic and Pedigree Inbreeding Coefficients in the Slovenian Lipizzan Horse as a Case Study for Small Closed Populations. In small, closed populations such as the Lipizzan horse, maintaining genetic diversity while limiting inbreeding is a key challenge in conservation breeding. The Lipizzan is an indigenous Slovenian breed with a small population and restricted gene flow from other subpopulations. Inbreeding is traditionally monitored with pedigree-based coefficients, but these often underestimate realised autozygosity, particularly when pedigree depth is limited. This study compared pedigree-based inbreeding (F_PED) with four genomic estimators (F_HOM, F_ROH, F_HBD, F_GRM) in 329 Slovenian Lipizzan horses genot...
Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling of Longissimus Dorsi and Biceps Femoris Muscles in Kazakh Horses Reveals Cellular Heterogeneity and Myogenic Regulation. Kazakh horses are renowned for their endurance and adaptability, with distinct muscle groups such as the longissimus dorsi (LD) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles serving specialized functions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional specialization of these muscles in Kazakh horses remain poorly understood. This study aims to address this gap by utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate the transcriptomic differences between these muscle groups, with a focus on understanding their molecular adaptations. Our analysis revealed that the BF muscle, specialize...