Equids are members of the family Equidae, which includes modern horses, donkeys, and zebras, as well as extinct species. Equids are characterized by their long limbs, single-toed hooves, and herbivorous diet, which is primarily composed of grasses. Horses, specifically, have been domesticated for thousands of years and have played significant roles in agriculture, transportation, and sport. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore various aspects of equids and horses, including their evolution, physiology, behavior, and interactions with humans. The collected works provide insights into the genetic diversity, adaptive traits, and conservation efforts related to equid species.
Hatami-Monazah H, Pandit RV.The group of Caspian ponies studied contained some animals with 65 chromosomes and others with 64 chromosomes. The morphology and G-banding pattern of the chromosomes resembled those of Equus caballus and E. przewalskii. The karyogram of animals with 65 chromosomes was identical to that of the cross between E. caballus and E. przewalskii. It is suggested that the Caspian pony is the product of natural hybridization between E. caballus and E. prezwalskii. Low reproductive effeciency of the Caspian pony is suggested as the cause of decline in the population of these animals.
Weitkamp LR, Allen PZ.Ancient origin of the equine vitamin D binding protein (Gc) polymorphism is suggested by the finding of two alleles, Gc(F) and Gc(S), in each of three equine subgenera, Equus, Asinus and Hippotigris. The equine Gc and albumin loci are closely linked (lod score = 6). Although no recombinants were observed, the data are not inconsistent with a map distance similar to the 2 centimorgans reported for the human albumin/Gc linkage relationship. Gametic association between the Gc(F) and Alb(F) alleles appears probable in the American Standardbred horse, perhaps as a result of population structure. Si...
Ryder OA, Hansen SK.A (G + C)-rich density satellite DNA (rho = 1.713 gm/cc) has been purified from splenic DNA of Przewalski's horse, Equus przewalskii, by successive equilibrium density gradient centrifugations. The purified satellite, which may comprise as much as 29% of the total DNA, renatures rapidly; however, analyses of native, single-stranded, and reassociated molecules by analytical ultracentrifugation and melting properties suggest that some sequence heterogeniety exists in the 1.713 gm/cc satellite. Complementary RNA (cRNA) transcribed from satellite DNA has been utilized for in situ hybridization stu...
Ryder OA, Sparkes RS, Sparkes MC, Clegg JB.1. Through the use of isoelectric focusing and peptide analysis, the hemoglobins of Przewalski's horse. Equus przewalskii and the domestic horse, E. caballus have been compared. 2. Przewalski's horses have two separate alpha-globin chain polymorphisms similar to domestic horses. Each hemoglobin phenotype could be accurately determined by isoelectric focusing. 3. Confirmation of the electrofocusing hemoglobin determinations was made by comparison to amino acid composition analyses of purified tryptic peptides and by analysis of the rare hemoglobins phenotypes observed in a family of Norwegian t...
Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, Sugano M.1. Changes in lipid components of lipoproteins during incubation of horse serum at 37 degrees C were investigated. In non-incubated serum, cholesterol and lecithin existed predominantly in alpha-lipoprotein or in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Lysolecithin was mainly associated with the fraction with density above 1.21. 2. When serum was separated into alpha- and beta-lipoproteins by the heparin precipitation method after 1 hr incubation, the decrease in alpha-lipoprotein free cholesterol and lecithin was about four times that in beta-lipoprotein counterparts. 3. When serum lipoproteins were ...
Wilson RT.Equines have been largely ignored in modern scientific literature on domestic animals, probably because they are not providers of meat and milk. Their contribution to the economy in the Sudan, however, is considerable and they are the principal means of transport both as baggage and as riding animals. They also play an important role in the supply of fuel and the distribution of domestic water in the larger villages and towns. Information on population structure is provided and descriptions, with particular reference to withers height and weight, are given of two types of donkey and of the hor...
Kaminski M, Metenier L, Sykiotis M, Ryder OA, Demontoy MC.1. Among several species of Equidae only E. przewalskii possesses a serum esterase identical with that of E. caballus. 2. The esterases of Hemionidae differ slightly from that of domestic horse by electrophoretic migration and by antigenic structure. 3. Zebras (grevyi, burchelli) appear devoid of this component but Z. hartmannae possesses an esterase of high enzymatic activity, differing notably from that of horse by electrophoretic and antigenic properties.
Allen WR.Fertilized eggs reach the uterus of the mare by the sixth day after ovulation whereas unfertilized eggs remain lodged in the fallopian tubes for many months. However, embryo removal studies indicate that the fetal message for luteal maintenance in the pregnant mare is not transmitted until Days 14-16. The equine endometrial cups comprise a series of small, ulcer-like endometrial outgrowths which are present in the pregnant horn of the uterus between 40 and 150 days of gestation. Each cup consists of a discrete colony of large, gonadotropin-secreting, trophoblast cells derived from a specialize...
Walasek OF, Margoliash E.Donkey cytochrome c was shown to differ from horse cytochrome c by having a serine in position 47 rather than a threonine. The rest of the amino acid sequences are identical. Mules and hinnies, both males and females, carry equal amounts of horse and donkey cytochromes c. The same ratio is found in hinnies in preparations from heart tissue and from skeletal muscle. These results demonstrate that cytochrome c is transmitted in horse-donkey crosses as a simple Mendelian character which is neither sex-linked nor shows dominance. The cytochrome c gene is therefore located in the nuclear genome, as...
Mirzayans A, Maghsoodloo H.Microfilariae of three genera, namely Elaeophora böhmi, Onchocerca cervicalis and Parafilaria multipapillosa were recovered from blood samples of equidae in Tehran, Iran. These microfilarial infections in equidae are reported for the first time from Iran.
Sundberg JP, Burnstein T, Page EH, Kirkham WW, Robinson FR.In a retrospective study of neoplasms in Equidae pre;ented to the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University, from Jan 1, 1970, to Dec 31, 1974, data were compiled on numbers and anatomic sites of neoplasms as well as on age, sex, and breed of subjects from which the neoplasms were taken. During this 5-year period, 21 neoplasms were diagnosed from 687 equine necropsies (3.1%) and 215 from 635 biopsies (33.9%), totaling 236 neoplasms from 1,322 cases (17.9%). The most common neoplasms were sarcoids (43.6%) and squamous cell carcinomas (24.6%). Papillomas (5.5%), nerve sheath tumors...
The Journal of heredityNovember 1, 1976
Volume 67, Issue 6 361-367 doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.jhered.a108753
Eldridge F, Blazak WF.Karyotypes of the horse with 64 chromosomes, the ass with 62 chromosomes, and the mule with 63 chromosomes are presented. The chromosome complements of each species and their mule hybrid are analyzed and compared.
Feist JD, McCullough DR.The social behavior of feral horses was studied in the western United States. Stable harem groups with a dominant stallion and bachelor hermaphrodite hermaphrodite groups occupied overlapping home ranges. Groups spacing, but not territoriality, was expressed. Harem group, stability resulted from strong dominance by dominant stallions, and fidelity of group members. Eliminations of group members were usually marked by urine of the dominant stallion. Hermaphrodite-hermaphrodite aggression involved spacing between harems and dominance in bachelor groups. Marking with feces was important in hermap...
Reinertson EL.Thirteen horses and ponies were used to evaluate an anastomotic technique utilizing a modified Gambee suture pattern. The modified Gambee technique was compared with a single-row everting technique and a double-row inverting technique. The double-row inverting technique predisposed to intestinal obstruction and resulted in minimal adhesions. The everting technique predisposed to leakage of intestinal contents and subsequent peritonitis. Adhesions were formed at the site of the anastomosis to such an extent as to jeopardize the proper position of the bowel. The technique did not cause any lumin...
Clutton-Brock TH, Greenwood PJ, Powell RP.Recent studies of primates have questioned the importance of dominance hierarchies in groups living under natural conditions. In a herd of Highland ponies and one of Highland cattle grazing under free-range conditions on the Isle of Rhum (Inner Hebrides) well defined hierarchies were present. The provision of food produced a marked increase in the frequency of agonistic interactions but had no effect on the rank systems of the two herds. While rank was clearly important in affecting the distribution of agonistic interactions, it was poorly related to behaviour in non-agonistic situations.
Ronda GJ, Gaastra W, Beintema JJ.The kinetic parameters Km, k+2 and k+2/Km of the pancreatic ribonucleases (EC 3.1.4.22) from cow, giraffe, horse, rat and lesser rorqual have been determined, using 2',3'-cyclic cytidine monophosphate and 2',3'-cuclic uridine monophosphate as substrates. No large differences were found between the activities of the five enzymes. The relative differences between the activities of the five enzymes are mainly due to differences in the rates of hydrolysis and not to differences in the affinities for the substrates.
Silva JG, Martins KR, Rahal NM, Schuch LFD, Cunha RC, Meireles MCA.Neorickettsia risticii, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is the causative agent of Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) - a systemic, acute, and potentially fatal diarrheal disease. This pathogen is an endosymbiont of digenetic trematodes, with freshwater snails playing a role in its biological cycle. The disease exhibits endemic and seasonal patterns, primarily affecting horses in wetlands during warmer months, and has been documented in the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America. Previous studies confirmed the pathogen's presence in herds from southern Brazil via serology and PCR; however...
Stachurska A, Wnuk E, Łuszczyński J, Donderowicz W.Correct conformation and symmetry of bilateral hooves are associated with a properly balanced hoof, which has a significant impact on the biomechanics of movement and reduces the risk of injury. The aim of the study was to compare solear aspect dimensions of bilateral hooves in forelimbs (hoof width, length, frog width, length, medial and lateral diagonals) with regard to sex, breed and age of horses. The dimensions were measured with a calliper in 100 horses of four breeds. The results showed that the breed factor significantly affected all dimensions. Age was significant for some variables, ...
Mańkowska A, Dobraczyńska BM, Szewczak J, Chodup Z, Radzanowski B, Matychyn I, Witkowska D.Cultivated carrot ( subsp. ) is a valuable component of equine diets due to its high β-carotene content (a precursor of vitamin A) and desirable sensory properties. However, its use may be limited by short shelf life, susceptibility to spoilage, and firm texture, which can be challenging for horses with dental problems. This study aimed to evaluate horses' preferences for different physical forms of carrots. Twenty-one leisure horses aged 3-22 years were individually evaluated in a free-choice test. Each horse was simultaneously offered equal portions (150 g) of five carrot forms: raw, grated...
Gonzálvez M, Franco JJ, Cano-Terriza D, Barbero-Moyano J, Jose-Cunilleras E, García J, Alguacil E, García-Bocanegra I.Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a notifiable disease caused by Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV), with major sanitary and economic importance for equids worldwide. There is limited and outdated information on the circulation of EIAV in many European countries. In the present study, we aimed to assess virus exposure in different equid species in Western Europe. Methods: Between 2011 and 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of EIAV in 1676 equids (1444 horses, 106 donkeys and 126 mules/hinnies) from four European regions: Andalusia (Southern Spain; ...
Sellke L, Ludewig E, Handschuh S, Witter K.In a previous study on hoof biometry, we found that mathematical correction of measuring results from radiographs did not lead to complete correspondence to computed tomography (CT) results. The present study investigates this finding by comparing 13 measures of six cadaveric equine digits collected with the following workflows: radiographs with 1 and 2 m focus-object distance (FOD) (Xray 1 m/2 m), computed tomography images in planes defined based on anatomical landmarks (CTw), simulated radiographs based on the tomography dataset (virtual 120-mm slabs, Xray Sim) and measurements based ...
Leibeck R, Lehman J, Birmingham S.Whole-body vibrational therapy (WBV) is well-studied in people, but there is a paucity of research regarding its effect on horses. It is suggested that the use of WBV in horses increases performance, aids in recovery, and stimulates nerves, bones, and muscles in ways that normal exercise does not. Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if frequent WBV therapy sessions affect mechanical nociceptive thresholds based on pressure algometry in horses without clinical signs of lameness or back pain. Methods: The mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs) were measured for 5 horses...
Rönnow E, Roth LSV.Compared to other companion animals, our understanding of the human-horse relationship is limited, particularly from the horse's perspective. This pilot study examined whether horses (N = 30) show a bias towards their owner in a reunion in the presence of both the owner and a stranger. Afterwards, the horses were also presented with the odor of the owner and a stranger. Both tests were video recorded for behavioral analyzation. No significant owner-directed bias was observed at the group level in either the reunion test or the odor test. Nonetheless, in the reunion test, owner bias in physical...
Sharma M, Singh A, Kumar V, Olla N, Arora R, Sharma R, Mohan NH, Ahlawat S.The genus Equus, encompassing horses, donkeys, and extinct relatives, has evolved over approximately 55 million years from small, multi-toed ancestors to the modern horse. Selective breeding has produced over 600 distinct horse breeds optimized for diverse traits such as size, conformation, performance, and adaptability. In the past two decades, rapid advances in equine genomics have significantly deepened our understanding of the molecular basis of these traits. The integration of high-throughput sequencing, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) geno...
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...
Raftery AG, Gummery L, Garcia K, Mohite D, Capewell P, Sutton D.Equine trypanosomiasis is a neglected protozoal disease. Objective: To answer the study question: In equines what are the effects of disease management of trypanosomiasis on disease severity (individual level) and disease prevalence (population level) compared to no intervention? Methods: Systematic review. Methods: Studies were identified that described management of naturally occurring equine trypanosomiasis in any country following 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses' using eight international databases (1980-2022). Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. D...
Sidwell A, Shanklin A, Miller H, Cahoon M, Hole SL, Bianco C, Pereira R.A 3-year-old Connemara X filly was referred to a UK equine hospital for further investigation of unilateral nasal discharge and facial swelling. Diagnostic imaging documented the presence of a heterogenous, soft tissue opacity with areas of focal mineralisation within the right paranasal sinuses, completely obliterating the nasal cavity, in addition to endodontic disease and significant periapical pathology associated with the right permanent fourth premolar (Triadan 108). Subsequent histopathologic examination confirmed the mass as a fibro-inflammatory polyp.
Li X, Meng C, Xue Y, Shen Z, Ren W, Zeng Y, Meng J.Skeletal muscle is the largest organ system in mammals. To investigate the differences in energy metabolism across various skeletal muscles in Yili horses, this study examined muscle fiber type distributions through immunohistochemical staining of muscles, including the splenius, triceps brachii, longissimus dorsi, and gluteus medius. The splenius and gluteus medius muscles, which exhibited the greatest differences in the proportion of slow-twitch fiber area, were selected for further comparison of differential metabolites and transcriptomic expression profiles between slow-twitch and fast-twi...
Jlassi M, Dhifalli I, Ouled Ahmed H, Lasfar F, El Gtari M, Jemmali B.The genetic diversity and population structure of Tunisian Arabian horses were assessed using highly polymorphic microsatellite markers, which are critical for conservation and breeding programs. Despite the cultural and economic importance of Arabian horses in Tunisia, molecular data supporting their management remain limited. In this study, DNA from 130 horses was genotyped with 17 ISAG-FAO-recommended microsatellites to evaluate diversity within Eastern and Western Arabian lineages and their relationship to Thoroughbreds. Eastern Arabians showed an average of 5.176 alleles per locus, observ...
Atasoy MO, Turan T, Özbek R, Işıdan H, Naggar RFE, Afify AF, Rohaim MA.The genus (HCV) has long been a dynamic group, increasing its number by myriads of species collectively referred to as non-primate hepaciviruses (NPHVs). NPHV exhibits a broad hepatotropism and is often attributed to chronic infection in horses and dogs. However, recent studies and meta-analyses on NPHV in horses have remained inconclusive regarding the determination of risk factors for infection. Therefore, our main goal was to investigate the frequencies and molecular characteristics of NPHV infection linked to geographical location, horse breeds, genders, and ages. For this purpose, we tes...
Gao W, Liu M, Nurdaly K, Caidan D, Sun Y, Duan J, Zhao J, Gong X, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Chen Q.Equine bacterial abortion presents substantial economic and One Health challenges; however, comprehensive epidemiological data from China are limited. This study sought to ascertain the overall prevalence of key pathogens-namely, spp., , , and spp.-in equine populations in northwestern China. In this study, we aimed to further elucidate the characteristics of co-infections, profile antimicrobial resistance genes, and identify associated risk factors. Conducted as a cross-sectional analysis across four provinces, we collected 508 blood samples and 24 abortion tissue samples from 15 farms. Pat...
Gmel AI, Haraldsdóttir EH, Rosa TV, Lamas LP, Neuditschko M, Weishaupt MA.Europe has many horse breeds differing in conformation, gaits and genetics due to diverging breeding goals. Research studies comparing objective gait parameters between different horse breeds are limited and date back a decade. Objective: In this study, objective gait parameters were measured in three European breeds, namely Lusitanos (LUS; n = 52), Franches-Montagnes (FM; n = 311) and Swiss Warmblood (WB; n = 40) using an inertial measurement system (sensors at poll, withers, pelvis and all four canon bones) at walk and trot. Results: At walk and trot, LUS moved significantly slower than WB a...
Cyathostomins and Anoplocephala perfoliata infect equids worldwide and both are of concern due to their potential to cause clinical disease. Although coprological techniques are commonly used for assessing helminth egg shedding these do not provide information about an individual's total parasite burden. Antibody-based tests provide information on infection levels within individuals. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate cyathostomin and Anoplocephala perfoliata occurrence in Italian horses using coprological and serum-based antibody detection methods and to analyse risk factors for infectio...
Vilela VMT, Zutter BM, Gomes LLO, Silva DF, Diniz JHW, Sancler-Silva YFR, Ignácio FS, Papa FO, Monteiro GA.This study investigated the effects of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) before cryopreservation and the use of FertTalp (FT) after thawing on the structural and functional quality of equine spermatozoa. Methods: Two ejaculates from twelve stallions were divided into four groups: G1 (0 mg CLC), G2 (1.0 mg), G3 (1.5 mg), and G4 (2.0 mg). Post-thaw semen quality was evaluated through computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry. Results: In Experiment I, supplementation with 1.5 mg (G3) significantly improved total motility (64.9 ± 10.1 %) and progressive motility (40.5 ± 8.8 %) com...
McCoy AM, Lopp-Schurter CT, Bishop RC, Narotsky A, Grogger K, Kemper AM.To determine the natural progression of tarsal osteochondrosis (OC) in a cohort of Standardbred foals and assess the impact of gait preference (trotting vs. pacing). Methods: Longitudinal observational cohort study. Methods: Client-owned Standardbred foals (n = 148). Methods: Tarsal radiographs were taken every 2 months from 2 to 12 months of age and foals were video monitored to document time spent pacing or trotting. Differences between groups were assessed using χ analysis. Survival analysis was used to determine if lesion healing differed between groups over time. Results: Of 148 ...
Ramos Serrano B, Ávalos Rodríguez A, Edward Kjelland M, Ernesto Hernández Pichardo J.Semen is a complex fluid that, in addition to spermatozoa, contains other cell populations, including immune cells, immature male germ cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. These cells share the diploid condition, making them suitable candidates as nuclear donors for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) cloning. The generation of viable embryos and offspring has been demonstrated using these cells. Effective methods for isolating them from semen include centrifugation and osmotic gradient techniques; however, prolonged in vitro culture periods are necessary to establish primary cultures fr...
Jones CJP, Aplin JD, Wilsher S.There is little information on non-ciliated secretory cell numbers in the equine oviduct isthmus over the course of the estrous cycle and the effect, if any, of insemination. Lectin histochemistry was used on a series of 13 oviducts taken at different stages of the estrous cycle, with and without insemination, to monitor glycosylation changes and the distribution of secretory cells characterised by a prominent cytoplasmic accumulation of glycoconjugates. There appeared to be an increase in secretory cells expressing a wide range of glycans in all specimens at estrus. One day after ovulation, o...
Riquelme LF, de Araújo VO, da Silva TKF, de Sousa MS, da Silva MA, da Silva WDQ, Lucena RB.Malachra fasciata Jacq. (Malvaceae) is an invasive plant widely found in Northeastern Brazil and has been experimentally demonstrated to cause severe dermatitis in sheep. However, its toxic effects in horses have not previously been documented. This report describes primary photosensitization in four Quarter Horses grazing on a pasture heavily infested with M. fasciata in Paraíba, Brazil. Affected animals developed alopecic, erythematous, crusted, and ulcerated lesions on sun-exposed areas, accompanied by severe pruritus and behavioral signs of distress. Histopathology revealed epidermal ulce...
Khalil WA, Sharf MI, Derbala MK, Alfattah MA, Hassan MAE, Alhujaili W, El-Harairy MA, Abdelnour SA.Oxidative stress is a major contributor to male infertility. Therefore, fortifying assisted reproductive technology with nanotechnology could enhance sperm preservation. Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of myo-inositol nano-emulsion (MINE) supplementation in semen extender on sperm quality, redox balance, semen bacteriology, apoptosis, ultrastructure, and acrosome status of chilled stallion semen. Methods: Semen samples were collected and preserved with 0 (MINE0), 1 (MINE1), and 2 (MINE2) mg of MINE/mL of extender. Results: Results revealed that extender fortified with 1 or 2 ...
Bueno VLC, Bastos HBA, Centeno LAM, Schmitt F, Larentis G, Mattos RC, Fiala-Rechsteiner S.The seminal plasma (SP), a fluid originating from the testes, epididymis, and accessory sex glands, represents 98 % of the volume of stallion ejaculate. Metabolomic analysis enables the identification of final products of metabolic pathways, providing insights into reproductive physiology. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the metabolomic profile of stallion seminal plasma and to investigate metabolic differences between stallions with high and low pregnancy rates, in order to identify potential biomarkers associated with fertility. Methods: Twenty-four Criollo stallions, were sampled...
Valente TC, Mendes RP, Miguel EL, Rafael LA, Ribeiro GSN, Souza AF, Fonteque JH.Regional intravenous limb perfusion (RILP) is widely used in equine practice for achieving high local antimicrobial concentrations while minimizing systemic exposure. However, certain drugs, including enrofloxacin, have been associated with vascular irritation and thrombosis, and their thrombogenic potential remains poorly characterized. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the thrombogenic potential of enrofloxacin administered via RILP in the cephalic vein of clinically healthy horses. Methods: Ten adult horses underwent RILP in both forelimbs: the right limb received 10 % enrofloxacin (1...
Rychtarova J, Fulka H, Loi P, Fulka J.In the mouse, spermatozoa are highly resistant to DNA damage, even when frozen without cryoprotectants, and can produce offspring when subsequently used for ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). It is not known whether the same applies to other mammals as well. For example, in the horse, even conventional sperm freezing is still very problematic and frequently leads to sperm immobility. It has, however, never been tested whether sperm immobility also mirrors sperm head DNA damage, and if so, to what extent. In our study, we evaluated the damage to DNA in horse frozen and thawed motile and i...
Vernaccini M, de Marchi L, Bindi F, Meucci V, Sala G, Cingottini D, Sgorbini M.Antibiotics are essential in veterinary medicine, enhancing animal health and welfare. However, widespread use contributes to resistance, increasing the risk of treatment failure and the transmission to humans. Objective: Analyze antibiotic prescribing practices in an equine internal medicine unit, focusing on factors influencing use, particularly Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials (HPCIAs). Methods: 1315 adult equids, including horses, donkeys and mules, presented for different diseases to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the University of Pisa from 2011 to 2023. Re...
Latorre N, Gómez-Cuétara C, Cañizares E, Crespo F, Pérez-Aguilera V, Cuerda MI, Laborda-Gomariz JA, Soler AJ, Roldan ERS, Sanchez-Rodriguez A.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...
Loosley H, Rehbein LS, Lima EMM, Blake R.Elevated pressures beneath training rollers during the Pessoa training aid (PTA) use have been reported, particularly over the thoracic region, which may contribute to back discomfort. Objective: To investigate the effect of different pads on pressures and forces beneath a training roller during lunging with a PTA. Methods: Six clinically sound horses (13.8 ± 5.2 years) were lunged on a 16-m circle in trot and canter using a randomised crossover design under three conditions: no padding (Pad 1), a folded cotton saddle cloth (Pad 2), and a purpose-made roller foam pad (Pad 3). Kinetic data wer...
