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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.
An increased number of heterozygous calls in the AxiomTM Equine Genotyping Array. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays are commonly used in livestock genetics to investigate complex traits including genome-wide associations and fine mapping, genomic prediction and genetic diversity analyses. In a European equine diversity study, we analysed the AxiomTM Equine 670K SNP genotype data from 2,768 equids representing 20 horse breeds and one donkey breed. Using a strict detection setting to identify genome-wide runs of homozygosity (ROH), 169 purebred horses displayed fewer ROH segments than F1 crosses. Under medium and relaxed settings, ROH counts increased, while some ho...
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...
Mass culture of equine synovial fluid-derived mesenchymal stromal cells using nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate fabrics. Culture protocols need to yield 100 million equine synovial fluid (SF)-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (SF-MSCs) in around 3 weeks are needed, before these cells can be evaluated as agents of articular repair in clinical trials. Objective: To investigate mass culture of equine SF-MSC culture protocols using nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics for the potential to meet the targets for clinical trials. Methods: In vitro experiments. Methods: SF samples were collected from the carpal joints in thoroughbred racehorses (n = 21) undergoing arthroscopic surgery and cultured in 10%...
Relationship between prevalence and severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and environmental factors. Environmental risk factors could contribute to the development of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in racing Thoroughbreds. Objective: To identify environmental risk factors that might contribute to differences in EIPH prevalence and severity across 12 Thoroughbred racetracks in the United States. Methods: Eight hundred fifteen 2-year-old and 122 >2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Prospective blinded observational study. Videoendoscopy was performed 30-60 min post-race. Three observers independently assigned an EIPH grade to each videorecording, and prevalence and se...
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...
Serum-free medium modulates the immunomodulatory and anabolic function of equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. Adult bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) hold significant therapeutic potential in human and veterinary medicine. Traditionally, BM-MSC cultures use fetal bovine serum (FBS) to promote growth, but this practice introduces batch variability and xenogeneic contamination that complicate clinical translation. While serum-free medium (SFM) alternatives have been optimized for human MSCs, limited options have been explored for alternative or veterinary species. Here, we compared a chemically defined, customizable SFM formulation with conventional serum-containing medium (SCM) fo...
Sex determination and genetic screening of equine embryos with whole genome amplification and real-time PCR. Reliable pre-implantation sex determination and genetic screening enables informed embryo transfer decisions in equine breeding while avoiding later interventions. We developed a streamlined workflow that couples rapid whole genome amplification (WGA) with a multiplex real-time PCR targeting ETSTY5 as a Y-specific marker and UBC as an autosomal control. On purified equine DNA, sex was correctly assigned down to 10 pg gDNA and to a single fibroblast cell. Direct testing of embryo biopsies without WGA yielded inconsistent results, whereas introducing a short WGA step produced tight allelic-discr...
Impacts of flavor and aromatic palatants on consumption behavior in nursing foals. Palatability research in horses has primarily been conducted in mature, non-lactating horses and has typically investigated gustatory rather than aromatic preference. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the gustatory and aromatic preferences of nursing foals. Methods: Stock-type mare (13.25 ± 4.40 years) and foal (6 ± 3 weeks) pairings (n = 4) were utilized in multi-preference testing for treatments including apple, anise, peppermint and control (no palatant). Mares and foals were placed in assigned split stalls for 1800 seconds and provided unrestricted access to a...
An investigation into the impact of the inclusion of a commercial fiber-based feed, designed for both hydration and nutrition, on the equine hindgut microbiomes. It is more evident that horse health is linked to the gastrointestinal tract and microbial community structure (MCS) as affected by diet. There are many marketed feeds available to enhance nutrition for horses, however the effects of these feeds on hindgut MCS are largely unknown. Objective: The aim was to test the effect of a complementary forage feed (FF) on the fermentation profile and MCS in contrasting basal diets. Methods: A 2×2 factorial design was used to assess the effect of basal diet, forage only (FOR) or forage/concentrate (MIX), and presence/absence of FF on fermentation paramete...
The influence of dirt track hardness on equine limb acceleration and impact attenuation. BACKGROUND: Track hardness is a modifiable factor that may influence musculoskeletal loading and injury risk in equine athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of track hardness on segmental accelerations and impact attenuation in the equine forelimb at racing speeds. We hypothesized that harder surfaces would result in greater peak segmental accelerations and reduced attenuation. METHODS: Twelve Thoroughbred chuckwagon outriding horses, instrumented with tri-axial accelerometers and a global positioning system (GPS) unit, galloped on the Calgary Stampede dirt racetrack ...
Proteomic Insights into the Mechanism by Which Ferulic Acid Promotes Skeletal Muscle Fiber Type Conversion in Mongolian Horses. Ferulic acid is a bioactive phenolic compound with potential benefits for skeletal muscle health. In this study, Mongolian horses were used as experimental subjects and were orally administered ferulic acid at doses of 5, 10, or 15 g per horse per day for 40 consecutive days. Muscle biopsy samples were analyzed using proteomics to assess fiber type composition and regulatory protein expression. Ferulic acid supplementation increased the proportion of fast-twitch fibers and upregulated key differentiation factors such as MUSTN1, while modulating glycolysis, ECM remodeling, and calcium signaling...
Finishing Performance, Meat Quality, and Economic Efficiency of Retired Thoroughbred Versus Belgian-Cross Geldings Under an Identical Total Mixed Ration: A Pilot Study. This study evaluated a 181-day finishing system for horses entering the Korean meat chain by comparing retired thoroughbred geldings and Belgian-crossbred geldings under identical management and an ad libitum forage-based total mixed ration. Ten geldings ( = 5 per group) were individually housed, with body weight and feed intake recorded monthly. After slaughter, carcass traits and meat quality grade were assessed, and longissimus thoracis et lumborum samples were analyzed for proximate composition. Belgian-crossbreds consumed more dry matter (18.68 vs. 13.60 kg DM/day), corresponding to 2.3% ...
Effect of heat acclimation training frequency on the physiological adaptations of Thoroughbred horses. Heat acclimation enhances thermoregulation and cardiovascular function. While daily training protocols are typically recommended for humans, optimal training protocols for Thoroughbred horses remain unclear. Here, we compared the effects of two heat acclimation protocols, consecutive and intermittent, in Thoroughbred horses. In a randomized crossover study, eight trained Thoroughbred horses completed either a consecutive (CONS: 9 consecutive days) or an intermittent (INT: 3 days/week for 3 weeks) heat acclimation protocol, comprising 30 min of exercise in hot conditions (WBGT 30°C). Increment...
Comparative Evaluation of Sperm Quality Assessment Methods in Purebred Spanish Horses. Evaluating semen quality in Purebred Spanish Horses is essential to determine reproductive potential and optimize assisted reproductive techniques. Objective: This study compared several sperm analysis methods in Purebred Spanish Horses to standardize protocols suitable for both laboratory and field conditions. Methods: Fifteen stallions were evaluated through three ejaculates, analyzing sperm parameters using different techniques. Sperm kinematics was assessed by Sperm Computer Analyzer (SCA-CASA) or iSperm mCASA. Viability was analyzed by eosin-nigrosin-Giemsa (ENG) staining or Hoechst 33258...
Genetic background and phenotypic features of the endangered Miyako horse. The Miyako horse is one of the eight Japanese native horse breeds and is scarce in terms of population size. Japanese native horses are believed to be descended from Mongolian horses and represent a precious lineage that has preserved its traits for over a thousand years in Japan. Genetic analysis of the endangered Miyako horse is useful for preserving its original phenotypic traits. This study analysed the genetic variation in trait-related genes for coat colour (), body composition (), gait (), and temperament () in 46 extant Miyako horses. In addition, because numerous Miyako horses have ve...
Direct single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping from whole blood without DNA extraction. A subset of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with various phenotypes, including diseases, coat colour, and athletic performance, and are widely used in medical and veterinary fields. In this study, we developed a novel method for direct SNP genotyping from whole blood without DNA extraction. Thoroughbred blood samples were diluted 100-fold with Milli-Q water and analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with hydrolysis probes. Specificity and sensitivity were improved by increasing the annealing temperature and number of PCR cycles. Genotyping results for SN...
Synergistic effects of Ferula asafoetida extract and condensed tannins from raisin pomace on in vitro cecal fermentation kinetics and nutrient digestibility in horses. The equine hindgut depends on microbial fermentation for efficient nutrient utilization but remains vulnerable to dysbiosis, hindgut acidosis, and suboptimal fiber digestion. Growing restrictions on antibiotic and synthetic feed additives have increased interest in natural phytogenic compounds. Medicinal plant extracts and condensed tannins are promising candidates to modulate microbial activity, improve fermentation efficiency, and enhance nutrient digestibility. This study aimed to investigate the individual and combined effects of hydroalcoholic extract of and condensed tannins extracted f...
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...
Decoding sebaceous gland functions and diseases: insights from domestic animals. Skin sebaceous glands (SGs) synthesize and secrete sebum, a mixture of lipids and cellular debris that defends the external body surface against physicochemical challenges. Recent data define the SG as a dynamic entity with potential functions beyond skin protection, including immunomodulatory actions and the regulation of energy metabolism. We postulate that the SG also has important, unrecognized roles in physiological and pathological processes in domestic animals. Conversely, data derived from domestic animals may have translational relevance for humans. This review article summarizes SG s...
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...
Do active stables affect the response to novelty and attitude towards humans in horses? A pilot study. The demand for horse housing that allows social contact, free movement, and continuous access to forage is increasing. Active stables, equipped with automatic feeders, aim to meet these needs by offering conditions closer to natural living. It is not known whether 'active stable' influences horse fear and human-oriented behaviour. This study compared the behaviour of horses housed in active stable (N = 24) and traditional stable (N = 22) to assess responses to novelty, sudden stimuli, and interactions with humans. We also examined the effects of breed type, age, and weekly riding workload....
Deficiency in homozygous haplotypes reveals recessive lethal variants affecting fertility and viability in the Friesian horse. BACKGROUND: Recessive lethal alleles causing pre- or postnatal death in homozygous mutant animals, could lead to reduced fertility success. The Friesian horse breed has signs of reduced fertility and has faced high inbreeding rates in the past (∆F > 1%). Consequently, by genetic drift lethal alleles may have reached moderate to high frequencies in the population. Our aim was to identify lethal recessive alleles that — when homozygous — may cause pre- or postnatal death in the Friesian horse. RESULTS: We analyzed genotypes (70 K SNP) of over 8,000 Friesian horses, looking for hapl...
RAiSE (recognizing affective state in equine) and the assessment of equine affective state: Accuracy and application. Accurate interpretation of affective state (AS) of animals is critical to assessment of their wellbeing. Although horse owners may appreciate the importance of this skill, many lack the ability to interpret AS accurately. Objective: To test if the online course Recognizing Affective States in Equine (RAiSE) improves participants' assessment of AS in horses and increases use of AS in management. Methods: Participants completed pre (PRE), post (POST), and 90 day post (90POST) course surveys to assess accuracy in identifying AS in 20 videos, as well as use of AS in their horse interactions. Pre/p...
Gene Editing and the Future of Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing. Prohibited gene editing in horses (either in embryos or via cell culture and cloning) can result in both desired and undesired outcomes. If left undetected, changes can proliferate within the population in subsequent generations, posing a major threat to welfare and breed integrity.
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...
Does the Reproductive Technique Affect Neonatal Health Parameters in Foals? This retrospective study evaluated whether different reproductive biotechnologies influence neonatal behaviour parameters in foals. Data from 102 foalings in two commercial breeding farms were analysed, including foals conceived by artificial insemination (AI), conventional embryo transfer (ET) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Neonatal parameters recorded were birth weight, time to achieve sternal recumbency, time to stand, time to nurse and time to meconium elimination. Mixed statistical models were applied to assess the influence of reproductive technique, breed, sex and farm. Si...
The fertility of a sub-population of stallions is negatively affected by ambient climatic conditions, mediated through DNA damage. Exposure to systemic heat stress in male mammals adversely affects sperm production, fertility, and DNA integrity. To date, few studies have investigated this phenomenon in horses, particularly in industry-relevant environments. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between ambient climatic conditions and fertility within a population of commercially fertile stallions. Post-coital semen samples ( = 804) were collected weekly from 46 Thoroughbred stallions during two successive breeding seasons (NSW, Australia; 22 weeks total). Semen samples were processed via single-layer colloid...
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...
Long-term micronutrient and amino acid supplementation increases embryo recovery per flush and ovarian responsiveness in donor mares. Background: Nutritional strategies may modulate ovarian function and embryo recovery in donor mares, but field evidence for long-term multinutrient supplementation remains limited.Aims/objectivesTo determine whether long-term micronutrient and amino acid supplementation increases embryo recovery per flush and ovarian responsiveness in donor mares.Methods: A total of 115 uterine flushes were performed under a crossover design across two consecutive breeding seasons in 12 multiparous, non-lactating crossbred donor mares (4-12 years). Mares received a basal diet or the same diet plus 40 g/day of ...
