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Topic:Equine Science
Equine Science encompasses the study of horses and their management, health, and performance. This field integrates various scientific disciplines such as biology, genetics, nutrition, physiology, and veterinary medicine to understand and improve the well-being and capabilities of horses. Areas of focus include equine anatomy, reproduction, behavior, and disease prevention. Research in equine science aims to enhance horse care, optimize training and performance, and address health challenges. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the diverse aspects of equine science, providing insights into the latest advancements and methodologies in the field.
Experience of using water-dispersed paper bedding for equine scintigraphy. Equine scintigraphy has been legally permitted in Japan since 2009; however, it has not yet been a routine modality for horses. One reason is the legal regulations concerning the disposal of contaminated bedding. However, overseas, the bedding after scintigraphy can be disposed following radioactivity decay, but this is not allowed in Japan. Therefore, beddings are required to stored permanently in a controlled area, implying that large amounts of beddings such as straw would be kept untreated, which is quite unpractical. This may cause a hospital owner to hesitate to construct an equine scint...
Effects of different concentration and combinations of cryoprotectants on sperm quality, functional integrity in three Indian horse breeds. Traditionally Glycerol (Gly) is being used as major cryoprotectant and its toxicity could be a reason for the variation on stallion sperm freezability and fertility. In an effort to minimize Gly toxicity alternative cryoprotective agents like Di-methyl Formamide (DMF) have been investigated. The effect of the cryoprotectant and dose of cryoprotective agent varies from breed to breed and also from stallion to stallion within the same breed. Considering these factors a study was designed to study the effects of Gly and DMF at different concentrations and combinations on the plasma membrane, acro...
A pilot study of regenerative therapy by implanting synovium-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in equine osteochondral defect models. Synovium-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (SM-MSCs) from seven Thoroughbreds with naturally occurring intra-articular fracture proliferated to over ten million cells by the second passage. Using three experimental Thoroughbreds, columnar osteochondral defects were made arthroscopically at the bilateral distal radius. Five million allogenic SM-MSCs were implanted into the right defect, and another five million were injected into the right radio-carpal joint (implantation site). No SM-MSCs were implanted into the left defect or the same joint (control site). At 3 and 6 weeks after surgery, ten ...
Genetic relationship between Miyako and Yonaguni horses native to Okinawa based on polymorphisms of microsatellites. The Miyako and Yonaguni horses are native horses in Okinawa. Here, we evaluated their genetic relationship using microsatellite data and Kiso horses, which have four subpopulations, as a reference population for evaluating this relationship. Microsatellite data from 35 Miyako, 78 Yonaguni, and 172 Kiso horses were evaluated using the STRUCTURE software for analyzing multilocus genotype data to investigate the population structures and their underlying relationship. The results of the STRUCTURE analysis were stable when ΔK was 2, suggesting that the Okinawan horses are different from the Kiso ...
Impact of a void in the equine medial femoral condyle on bone stresses and peak contact pressures in a finite element model. To predict bone and medial meniscal stresses and contact pressures in an equine stifle with a medial femoral condyle (MFC) intact or with a 2-cm subchondral bone void, under varying degrees of internal femoral rotation (IFR). Methods: Finite element model (FEM) of a cadaveric equine stifle loaded to 8000 N. Methods: The FEM was constructed from computed tomography (CT) of the right, extended stifle of a yearling. The CT image was segmented into relevant anatomic structures and meshed into 4-node tetrahedrons. Bone material properties were assigned according to Hounsfield units, soft tissue p...
Dietary effect of lemon verbena extract on selected blood parameters and on plasma oxidative profile in Avelignese horses. The effect of Lippia citriodora extract on selected blood parameters and on plasma oxidative markers in Avelignese horses was evaluated. Twenty-four horses were divided into three groups, consisting of eight animals each. Results of two experimental groups, 0.5 mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight (bw ) in the low-dose group (LVB) and 1.0 mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight (bw ) in the high-dose group (HVB), were compared to the control group (CON). Groups fed L. citriodora extract (HVB and LVB) showed a significant decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol ...
Evaluation of recent changes in genetic variability in Japanese thoroughbred population based on a short tandem repeat parentage panel. The integrity of thoroughbreds is maintained under strict regulation involving DNA parentage testing, which is robust in a population with high genetic variability. The genetic variability of the thoroughbred population is possibly fluctuating because of selective breeding that has focused on adaptations for racing performance. To monitor genetic variability within the population and the effectiveness of short tandem repeat (STR) parentage testing, we investigated allele frequencies and the exclusion probability (PE) of 16-17 loci of a parentage panel in the Japanese thoroughbred population ov...
Cardiovascular variables in eventing and endurance horses over a season. The objectives of this study were to describe the changes in clinical cardiovascular examination variables over a competition season in groups of competitive eventing and endurance horses and to compare these findings to non-competitive controls of the same breeds. Methods: This study included two eventing horses, 11 endurance horses, and 13 eventing and seven endurance control breed-matched horses. Methods: Cardiovascular examinations were performed before starting the competition season, in the middle and at the peak/end of the competition season. Examinations included auscultation of the he...
The serine protease testisin is present on the surface of capacitated stallion spermatozoa and interacts with key zona pellucida binding proteins. Serine proteases are emerging as important players in the spermatozoon's acquisition of functional competence. This study aimed to characterize the serine protease testisin (PRSS21) in stallion spermatozoa, examining its surface expression, possible origins in the testis and epididymis, and changes in response to capacitation and acrosome reaction, as well as its capacity to form high molecular weight complexes and interact with other proteins. The role of serine proteases in spontaneous capacitation and acrosome reaction of stallion spermatozoa was established using the serine protease inhibi...
Growth factor modulation of equine trophoblast mitosis and prostaglandin gene expression. To provide insight into maternal recognition of pregnancy control in equids, the mitogenic and developmental effects of endometrium-expressed growth factors (epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)) were examined in equine iTr cells, an equine trophectoderm cell line. Initial western blots revealed that HGF and IGF-1 stimulate phosphorylation of AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) and EGF, FGF2, or HGF resulted in phosphorylation of both extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2...
Cladophora glomerata methanolic extract decreases oxidative stress and improves viability and mitochondrial potential in equine adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key mediators of several cellular damage and thus associated with equine diseases such as inflammation and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the protective and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract prepared from Cladophora glomerata (C. glomerata) biomass, on equine adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (EqASCs), under experimental oxidative stress induced by HO. Pre-treatment of EqASCs cells with different concentrations of C. glomerata methanolic extract (1% and 5%) provided a clear protection against cellular damage triggered by HO. T...
Extracellular vesicles in synovial fluid from juvenile horses: No age-related changes in the quantitative profile. Extracellular vesicle (EV) concentration, characteristics and function in equine synovial fluid (SF) during normal growth and development has not previously been studied. Isolation of EVs was performed in SF from three healthy foals and two adult horses by differential ultracentrifugation (10,000g and 200,000g); EVs were purified by sucrose density gradient floatation and analysed by high-resolution flow cytometry (FCM), buoyant density and western blotting. Additionally, repeated biomarker analysis of sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAG), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), C-terminal crosslinked t...
Whole body and partial body cryotherapies – lessons from human practice and possible application for horses. Whole body and partial body cryotherapies (WBC and PBC) have been successfully used in human medicine, and currently also are being proposed in veterinary practice.In horses, only the partial body cryotherapy provided in cryosauna is considered, due to the technical conditions. These therapies have been dedicated to human patients with rheumatic and inflammatory diseases as well as an assistance during training in athletes. The anti-inflammatory effects have been demonstrated clinically and indicated by the changes in several hematological and immunological parameters, however, various pattern...
Adherence to treatment recommendations and short-term outcome of pleasure and sport horses with equine asthma. Treatments for mild forms of equine asthma are extrapolated from those recommended for severe equine asthma (heaves), but little is known about owner's adherence to recommendations and treatment efficacy. The objective was to determine which recommendations are implemented by owners and their perception of the clinical response to treatment. Medical records of 43 horses diagnosed with moderate asthma between 2010 and 2012 were retrieved from the Université de Montréal database. Treatments and perceived responses were recorded by telephone survey, 2 to 35 months after diagnosis. All 33 owners...
Doping control analysis of four JWH-250 metabolites in equine urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. JWH-250 is a synthetic cannabinoid. Its use is prohibited in equine sport according to the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) and the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). A doping control method to confirm the presence of four JWH-250 metabolites (JWH-250 4-OH-pentyl, JWH-250 5-OH-pentyl, JWH-250 5-OH-indole, and JWH-250 N-pentanoic acid) in equine urine was developed and validated. Urine samples were treated with acetonitrile and evaporated to concentrate the analytes prior to the analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The chromat...
Effects of physical exercise in winter training conditions on the thermographic temperature distribution of the horse rider’s skin. The purpose of this work was to assess the impact of a specific equestrian training, conducted in winter weather conditions, on the thermovision temperature distribution of a rider's body surface. The study included a riding pair with 12 years of experience (female rider, aged 25, sports active and 16-year-old horse, Trakehner breed). Methods: The study included the temperature distribution of selected parts of the rider's body (the area of the right and left shoulder blade, chest and lumbar section, and the region of the left and right cross) was carried out before and after recreational, jum...
Comprehensive characterization of horse genome variation by whole-genome sequencing of 88 horses. Whole-genome sequencing studies are vital to gain a thorough understanding of genomic variation. Here, we summarize the results of a whole-genome sequencing study comprising 88 horses and ponies from diverse breeds at 19.1× average coverage. The paired-end reads were mapped to the current EquCab3.0 horse reference genome assembly, and we identified approximately 23.5 million single nucleotide variants and 2.3 million short indel variants. Our dataset included at least 7 million variants that were not previously reported. On average, each individual horse genome carried ∼5.7 million single n...
Morphological characteristics of mule conceptuses during early development. Hybrids between species are often infertile and extremely rare among mammals. Mules, i.e. crossing between the horse and the donkey, on the other hand are very common in agricultural and leisure practices due to their enhanced post-natal physical characteristics that is believed to occur for outbreeding or hybrid vigor. Since no reports are availableon the effects of hybrid vigor during early development, this study focused on characterizing the intrauterine development of mule conceptuses during critical embryo-to-fetus transition period. Nine embryos and fetuses of early gestation, obtained ...
Vitrification of equine expanded blastocysts following puncture with or without aspiration of the blastocoele fluid. Historically, cryopreservation of equine embryos >300 μm gave poor pregnancy rates until researchers collapsed the blastocoele cavity and aspirated the blastocoele fluid prior to vitrification. Objective: To determine if aspiration of the blastocoele fluid prior to vitrification is essential for post warming survival. Methods: In vivo experiments. Methods: Fifty embryos were recovered on day 7-8 and washed in holding medium (HM; M-199HEPES + 20% FBS + antibiotics). Embryos were punctured using a micromanipulator mounted 30 μm biopsy needle; following this 28 had >90% of their bla...
Simultaneous miRNA and mRNA Transcriptome Profiling of Differentiating Equine Satellite Cells Treated with Gamma-Oryzanol and Exposed to Hydrogen Peroxide. Gamma-oryzanol (GO) is a popular supplement for performance horses, dogs, and humans. Previous studies indicated that GO supplementation decreases creatine kinase activity and lactate level after exercise and may affect oxidative stress in Thoroughbred horses. GO may change genes expression in equine satellite cells (ESC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of GO on miRNA, gene expression, oxidative stress, and cell damage and viability in differentiating ESC pretreated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). ESCs were obtained from a young horse's skeletal muscle. ESCs were pre-i...
Cloning and Expression of Immunogenic Regions of EMA-1 Gene of Theileria equi From Infected Horses. Diversity among the pathogenic strains of Theileria equi (T. equi), a major agent of equine piroplasmosis, can affect the appropriate detection of parasite and host immunization. Production of recombinant surface proteins from an infected horse in natural endemic area provides a reliable tool for immunodiagnosis of parasite. Regarding this, the present study was targeted toward the cloning, expression, and purification of the immunogenic regions of equine merozoite antigen 1 (EMA-1 gene), as one of the most important immunodominant surface proteins in T. equi, from naturally infected horses in...
Effect of cryopreservation techniques on proliferation and apoptosis of cultured equine ovarian tissue. Preservation of cellular integrity and its mechanisms after ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) and in vitro culture (IVC) procedures are crucial aspects for the success of preservation and recovery of female fertility. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two cryopreservation methods (slow-freezing, SF, and vitrification, VIT) on the equine ovarian tissue after 1, 3, and 7 days of IVC by assessing: (i) preantral follicle morphology and distribution of follicle classes; (ii) protein expression of markers of cell proliferation for EGFR and Ki-67; (iii) markers of apoptosis for Bax and...
Physiological outcomes of calming behaviors support the resilience hypothesis in horses. To manage a stressful stimulus animals react both behaviorally and physiologically to restore the homeostasis. In stable horses, a stressful stimulus can be represented by social separation, riding discomfort or the presence of novel objects in their environment. Although Heart Rate Variability is a common indicator of stress levels in horses, the behavioral mechanisms concurrently occurring under stressful conditions are still unknown. The sudden inflation of a balloon was administered to 33 horses. Video-recording of self-directed behaviors (snore, vacuum chewing, snort, head/body shaking) a...
Specificity and variability of trunk kinematics on a mechanical horse. As perturbation training is gaining popularity, it is important to better understand postural control during complex three-dimensional stimuli. One clinically relevant and commonly used three-dimensional stimulus is found in hippotherapy and simulated hippotherapy on a mechanical horse. We tested nine healthy participants on a horse simulator, measured head and trunk kinematics, and characterized data in time (root-mean-square and variability) and frequency (amplitude spectra, gains, and phases) domains. We addressed three fundamental questions: 1) What is the specificity of postural responses...
Sequence and functional variability of Toll-like receptor 9 gene in equines. Significant structural differences in the extracellular domain of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) account for species-specific recognition of its ligand CpG-ODN sequences. TLR9 is extensively studied in human, mice and some domestic animals. The recognition ability appears to be utilized differently by various species and breeds, but so far no comprehensive study exists about the equine TLR9 gene. We characterized TLR9 sequences of Marwari and Zanskari breeds of horses and Poitu donkey. We sequenced and identified the protein coding regions of equine TLR9 and compared with other animals and human ...
Ethics in animal breeding. Ethical breeding involves the use of healthy animals true to their species in behaviour and physical appearance, and when applicable, showing a sustainable performance. The concerns for the species/breed are essential parts of the breeding goals, including preservation of genetic resources within the species/breed, and the health and welfare of the individual animal. Ethical and welfare considerations were often not prioritized in developing new breeds of production or companion animals. As a result, animal breeding practices are increasingly becoming part of the debate on animal welfare. In c...
Track Surfaces Used for Ridden Workouts and Alternatives to Ridden Exercise for Thoroughbred Horses in Race Training. Little is known about the types of surfaces used during training of Thoroughbred racehorses or methods of exercise used in addition to ridden track-work. Our aims were to (1) describe the types of surfaces used in the training of Thoroughbred racehorses and to (2) identify alternative approaches used to exercise horses in addition to, or in place of, ridden overground track-work. Information regarding surface and alternative exercise methods was collected as part of an in-person survey of training practices of 66 registered Thoroughbred trainers in Victoria, Australia. Sand and synthetic surfa...
Small day 8 equine embryos cannot be rescued by a less advanced recipient mare uterus. Equine embryos tolerate an unusually large degree of negative uterine asynchrony (recipient mare up to 5 days behind the donor mare). By contrast, positive asynchrony of more than 2 days results in a high incidence of early embryonic loss (EEL). Day 8 embryos range in diameter from approximately 130-1300 μm, with embryos smaller than 300 μm reported to suffer an increased incidence of EEL. However, it is not known whether this reduced viability is due to intrinsically poor embryo quality, or to inadvertent recipient uterine stage-embryo (positive) asynchrony. To examine whether small emb...
