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.
Rossdale PD.Diagnosis in veterinary medicine is based upon observations of the manner in which the behavioural patterns differ from those exhibited by normal subjects. The newborn foal adapts to an advanced level of activity within a period which is short relative to many other species, and the behavioural patterns which it exhibits during the period of adaptation are comparatively stereotyped. Because the status of any newborn mammal is affected by its previous experience of foetal development and birth, the behavioural patterns of the mother form an important anamnesis in the life of each individual neo...
Williams MA, Harrison PM.Horse ferritin was fractionated both by starch-gel electrophoresis and by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200. Monomer fractions contained up to 98% of monomer and oligomer fractions up to 76% of oligomers as determined by quantitative electron microscopy. Percentages obtained from electron micrographs correlated well with analytical starch-gel electrophoretograms and ultracentrifuge patterns. Amino acid analyses of monomer- and oligomer-enriched fractions showed no significant differences. Ferritin oligomers did not apparently dissociate on dilution for electron microscopy or on storage. Apoferr...
Turner GA, Taylor DM.The interactions between tetravalent plutonium and horse serum proteins were studied in vitro by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate and by gel filtration. The results show that in horse serum, as in other mammalian sera, the plutonium is associated principally with the transferrin component of the beta1-globulins. The formation of the plutonium-transferrin complex requires the presence of HCO3-, and plutonium is displaced from the complex by excess iron, thus indicating that similar binding sites may be involved in the complexing of iron and plutonium. The plutonium complex is considered to ...
Rogers CW, Davies AS, Pfeiffer DU, Davie PS.Kinematic parameters were measured from horses competing in a CCI*** 3-day event. The horses were filmed during the first and third horse inspection. This provided a repeat sample on 16 horses. The horses were filmed using a panning lateral S-VHS video camera (50 Hz). Spatial measurements were taken for mean +/- s.d. 5.66 +/- 0.92 strides for the first inspection and 5.05 +/- 1.27 for the third inspection. Within the calibration zone, data of the horses accelerating and obtaining a constant velocity were collected. The horses trotted with a higher mean velocity during the third inspection (0.2...
Sugiyama S, Fujiwara K.The angles related to the coxal joints were comparatively studied in four-limbed walking animals and two-limbed ones including man and birds. Between animals with both types of walking, no significant difference was observed in the neck-shaft angles (NSA), which was equivalent to the acetabulum angles (ACA) at the connection of the femoral head with the acetabulum. The anteversion angles (AVA) were equivalent to the horizontal ACA. Canine species showed two different forms of the femoral neck with or without modification by the femoral AVA, probably being breed-specific and nutrition-dependent...
Sukow WW, Bailey J.The binding isotherms for Triton X-100 binding to equine and rabbit serum albumin were determined by equilibrium dialysis at 16 degrees C in pH 7.0, I = 0.05 phosphate buffer. Presented in a Scatchard plot, the binding isotherms are a straight line, indicating thermodynamically independent and identical binding sites. In this model equine serum albumin is characterized as having 11 such sites with an equilibrium constant of 6.0 x 10(3) M-1. Similarly, rabbit serum albumin is characterized as having 9 such sites with an equilibrium constant of 8.0 x 10(3) M-1.
Johnson PJ.This article presents a brief overview of the physiology of homeostasis in the horse and discusses the units of measurement by which dissolved electrolytes are assessed. Differences in electrolyte composition between compartments of the body and the manner in which water is exchanged between them are reviewed. The mechanisms by which alterations in osmolality and effective circulating volume are detected and the physiological responses to those alterations are presented.
Fackelman GE, von Rechenberg B, Fetter AW.The need for early postoperative weight bearing following fracture repair in the horse has led to investigation of various means of expediting the healing process. Bone grafting represents one means of accomplishing this, and the transplantation of autologous tissues has proven to be most useful in equine orthopedics. Acid-decalcified, frozen, allogeneic bone for grafting is easy to prepare, readily contoured, osteogenic, and elicits no obvious immune or rejection response. The most compelling reason for the use of the substance is the elimination of the need of a harvesting operation on a pat...
Whalen LR, Wheeler DW, LeCouteur RA, Yovich JV, Boggie LC, Grandy JL, Kainer RA.Maximal conduction velocities of compound action potentials evoked by stimuli of 2 times threshold in the caudal cutaneous sural (CCSN) and medial cutaneous antebrachial (MCAN) nerves were determined by averaging potentials evoked and recorded through percutaneous needle electrodes. Mean maximal conduction velocities of compound action potentials were: CCSN = 61.3 +/- 2.0 meters/second (m/s) and MCAN = 56.4 +/- 2.8 m/s. To confirm accuracy of our percutaneous recordings, compound action potentials were recorded through bipolar chlorided silver electrodes from the exposed surfaces of fascicles ...
Hole SL, Manfredi JM, Clayton HM.The equine first premolar ("wolf tooth," Triadan number 05) is frequently extracted, and although extracted teeth have been observed to vary greatly in size, published data describing tooth dimensions are limited. Total length, root length, crown height, and crown width were measured in 65 extracted wolf teeth. Dimensions, expressed as median (range) mm, were total length: 21 (12-34), root length: 13.2 (0-19.6), crown height: 7 (2-20), and crown width: 7 (2.6-16). Root length exceeded crown height in 61 of the 65 teeth. Crown height and crown width were either not correlated or poorly correlat...
Ott EA, Brown MP, Roberts GD, Kivipelto J.Forty-four weanling horses were used in two experiments to evaluate the effect of starch intake on growth and skeletal development. In Exp. 1, the weanlings were fed either a grain-based, high-starch (31.1%, DM basis) concentrate or a by-product-based, low-starch (0.0%) concentrate with coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay. Corn oil was used to equalize the energy concentration of the concentrates. The concentrate:hay ratio was 64:36 (as-fed basis), and intake was the same for both diets. Body weight gains were greater by the weanlings consuming the high-starch concentrate (0.81 vs. 0.6...
Landry Z, Roloson MJ, Fraser D.The metapodials of extinct horses have long been regarded as one of the most useful skeletal elements to determine taxonomic identity. However, recent research on both extant and extinct horses has revealed the possibility for plasticity in metapodial morphology, leading to notable variability within taxa. This calls into question the reliability of metapodials in species identification, particularly for species identified from fragmentary remains. Here, we use ten measurements of metapodials from 203 specimens of four Pleistocene horse species from eastern Beringia to test whether there are s...
Morris LH.The generally recommended minimum number of spermatozoa required for conventional artificial insemination in the mare is in excess of 200 x 10(6) progressively motile spermatozoa. Recent developments in different insemination techniques such as deep uterine, hysteroscopic and oviductal insemination, which have been designed to use significantly fewer spermatozoa, are reviewed in this paper. A number of studies have demonstrated that ultrasound guided deep uterine insemination of 5 x 10(6) fresh spermatozoa can produce satisfactory pregnancy rates. The use of hysteroscopic insemination enables ...
Strashko EY, Kapustianska АA, Bobyreva LE.Matters of physical and medical rehabilitation of children with organic lesions of the nervous system, in particular, with cerebral palsy, are actual in countries around the world. Hippotherapy is neurophysiologically oriented therapy using horses. Determine whether a combination of hippotherapy as a method of rehabilitation in the aftermath of outpatient comprehensive impact on MS on a stationary phase; Study of the effect of hippotherapy as securing and preparation method for learning new postures and movements in children with spastic cerebral palsy forms; The study of the possible optimiza...
Blue MG.This study provides accumulated data to assist the definition of karyotypes from normal and infertile horses. The normal karyotype of the horse (2n = 64) was characterized following Giemsa staining and C- banding, and 23% aneuploidy was found among chromosome counts of cells prepared from 44 clinically normal horses and 24 equine embryos. These expected variations in chromosome counts are especially important in the evaluation of potential mosaicism. Centromere staining was shown to be a valuable aid for the identification of specific chromosomes, in particular the sex chromosomes. Sex chromat...
Shearman JP, Hopkins WG.To evaluate the reliability of 2 time-trial protocols, 1 that involved use of a pacemaker and 1 that did not, for assessing performance of Standardbred racehorses. Methods: 3- to 7-year-old Standardbred maiden pacers. Methods: 11 Standardbred pacers were used to determine the reliability of a time-trial protocol that involved use of a galloping pacemaker. All tests were performed by a single driver. Horses were paced for an initial 1,600 m then raced and timed for the final 800 m. They were retested 9 days later. Twenty-two horses were used to determine the reliability of a time-trial protocol...
Herzog B, Lindner A, Sommer H.To compare the career profiles of thoroughbred racehorses in Germany in different decades all horses which raced for the last time in the years 1966/67, 1976/77 and 1986/87 were selected from the annual report of the German Thoroughbred Racing Association. The number of racing horses increased within decades while the percentage of the horses which raced for the last time was equal in all years. It amounted yearly to about 30%. Most of the horses finished racing at three and four years of age. In 1966, 1967, 1976 and 1977 more than 50% of the horses began their career at the age of two years, ...
Harfoush K, Guintard C, Desfontis JC, Thorin C, Douart C, Mallem MY, Betti E.Dysfunction of venous valves can lead to hemodynamic disorders causing venous stasis, which would favour the occurrence of equine laminitis. However, very few studies have investigated venous valves in the horse digit. The purpose of this study was to compare valvular density between thoracic and pelvic limbs and to study the relationship between valvular density of veins and their location, diameter and wall thickness. After dissection, valvular density was calculated based on the number of valves counted in the principal veins of 7 thoracic and 7 pelvic limbs from 7 horses. Our results showe...
Allen AL, Myers SL, Searcy GP, Fretz PB.The Hematologic values of 19 equine fetuses between 202 and 238 days gestation were compared with those of their dams. The red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were significantly lower in fetal blood, while the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and red cell distribution width were significantly higher. Mares had a significantly higher nucleated blood cell count than fetuses, and all nucleated cells were leukocytes (WBC). Most WBC in mare blood were segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes. In contrast, ...
Cervantes C, Madison JB, Miller GJ, Casar RS.The biomechanical characteristics of a 4-ring circular multiplanar fixator applied to equine third metacarpal bones with a 5 mm mid-diaphyseal osteotomy gap were studied. Smooth Steinmann pins, either 1/8 inch, 3/16 inch, or 1/4 inch, were driven through pilot holes in the bone in a crossed configuration and full pin fashion and fastened to the fixator rings using cannulated fixation bolts. The third metacarpal bone fixator constructs were tested in three different modes (cranial-caudal four-point bending, axial compression, and torsion). Loads of 2,000 N were applied in bending and axial comp...
Barfield JP, McCue PM, Squires EL, Seidel GE.Cryopreservation of equine embryos>300microm in diameter results in low survival rates using protocols that work well for smaller equine embryos. These experiments tested the potential benefit of incorporating a dehydration step prior to standard cryopreservation procedures. Forty-six, day 7-8, grade 1, equine embryos 300-1350microm in diameter were subjected to one of the following treatments: (A) 2 min in 0.6M galactose, 10min in 1.5M glycerol, slow freeze (n=21); (B) 10min in 1.5M glycerol, slow freeze (n=15); (C) 2min in 0.6M galactose, 10min in 1.5M glycerol, followed by exposure to thaw ...
Smetzer DL, Senta T, Hensel JD.Each of nine horses was treated with amphetamine alone, with atropine alone, and with amphetamine and atropine in combination. Cardiac effects of these drugs were studied by electrocardiography during resting and exercising states and immediately after exercise. Although each treatment increased heart rate significantly during the resting state, only the amphetamine plus atropine treatment increased heart rate significantly during exercise. Decrease in heart rate immediately after exercise differed significantly for each treatment; the most rapid decrease in heart rate was found after the amph...
Hurley DJ, Berghaus LJ, Hurley KA, Moore JN.To evaluate effects of black walnut extract (BWE) on equine mononuclear cells and determine whether BWE has direct proinflammatory effects. Methods: Mononuclear cells separated from blood samples from 8 horses. Methods: Aqueous BWE was prepared and processed to eliminate contamination with particulates and microbes. A Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay was used to detect lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contamination in the BWE. Mononuclear cells were incubated in minimal essential medium with or without the addition of 0.6% to 10% (vol/vol) BWE. These mononuclear cells were assessed for viability, activ...
Clarke PN.Application of nursing theory in daily life by applying elements of Parse's paradigm allowed for a more expansive view of the dressage experience by focusing on the paradox of visible-invisible in the unique rhythmic-patterns of the horse-rider team. The study of classical nursing theory has diminished in a similar pattern as classical dressage. The importance of studying the classics in any field is emphasized along with concerns about the future of nursing and healthcare.
Wakuri H, Sakuma Y, Mutoh K, Watanabe S.In 6 equine specimens of both sexes, the morphological features of the cleavage lines of the skin over the entire body were examined using a metal probe with a sharp conical point. Wounds were produced on the skin with the probe and painted with Chinese white or Indian ink. The direction of running of the cleavage lines was determined from their relationship to the long axis of each region or area of the physical structure. The cleavage lines of the head and face revealed a fixed pattern in all specimens. They were similar to those of equine fetuses of 6 to 7 months of age. A transverse patter...
Zuffa T, Bennet ED, Parkin TDH.Endurance riding is a popular equestrian sport organised at the international level by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). The sport involves prolonged exercise at speed over significant distances, which puts a substantial load on equine athletes' musculoskeletal systems and metabolism and contributes to the risk of injuries and other veterinary problems. The FEI employs a system of in-ride veterinary inspections aimed at early detection of such problems and elimination of horses unfit to continue in the ride. To date, risk factors for elimination due to irregular gait or metaboli...
Budras KD, Schiel C, Mülling CK, Patan B.The preparation of hard tissues such as the equine hoof horn for electron microscopic examination is very difficult. In particular the penetration of fixatives and chemicals used during fixation and embedding is a problem. The objective of this study was to find and implement an alternative method enabling the preparation of high-quality thin sections of hoof horn and other hard tissue, which maintains the hard tissue ultrastructure and can be used for immuno-labeling. Compared to commonly used fixation and embedding techniques, the preparation of thin sections from untreated material method s...
Lewczuk D, Metera-Zarzycka E.Many horse breeds in the world are reserved as genetic resources; however, their characteristics seem to be insufficiently clarified, especially in terms of horse performance. Two jumping ability evaluation methods have been used to compare different types of performance breeds and on this basis their applicability for precision phenotyping has been determined. Methods: Jumping data of 186 young Polish Warmblood stallions (27 with an endangered status) bred for sport and multipurpose use was collected during their performance tests organised under identical environmental conditions following t...
Komárková M, Bartošová J, Dubcová J.We present a study focused on those factors influencing dominance position in young horses, with emphasis on the role of the mother. Horses, as other group-living polygynous mammals, form stable linear dominance hierarchies based on agonistic interactions. Higher dominance positions are believed to be connected, in both sexes, to better condition and higher reproductive success. Many variables play a role in forming the dominant-submissive relationships between horses; however, the maternal effect on the dominance position of the offspring still remains unclear, as do the possible mechanisms o...
Kalmykov NP.The first data on polymorphism and preadaptation of the Pleistocene horses in the mountains surrounding Lake Baikal are presented. It has been shown that disregard of intraspecific polymorphism leads to unreasonable ignoring of their diversity, phylogenetically false constructions, and incorrect interpretation of natural environment.
Kneller SK, Losonsky JM.Bilateral metacarpophalangeal radiographs of 100 Thoroughbreds were examined for visualization and location of the major nutrient foramen of the proximal phalanx. The foramina were located on the dorsal or palmar aspects of the cortex or were not visible radiographically. Of the 100 horses, 60 had the same pattern in both forefeet. In the remaining 40 horses, the left and right proximal phalangeal foramina were asymmetric. Of the 200 proximal phalangeal foramina (100 horses), 53 were on the dorsal aspect of the cortex and 101 were on the palmar aspect of the cortex; 46 were not visible radiogr...
Bindler D, Koch C, Gendron K, Ferguson SJ, Kaposi AD, Papp M, Bodó G.Mechanical evaluation of a novel screw position used for repair in a type III distal phalanx fracture model and assessment of solar canal penetration (SCP). Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Disarticulated equine hooves (n = 24) and 24 isolated distal phalanges. Methods: Hooves/distal phalanges cut in a sagittal plane were repaired with 1 of 2 different cortical screw placements in lag fashion. In group 1 (conventional screw placement), the screw was inserted halfway between the proximal border of the solar canal (SC) and the subchondral bone surface on a line parallel to the dorsal co...
Bernath CM, Valet S, Rossignol F, Weisse B, Fürst AE, Kümmerle JM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing the bone to cast distance on the resistance of the pin to cyclic loading in equine transfixation pin casts. Methods: Eleven pairs of cadaveric equine third metacarpal bones were prepared and one 6.3/8.0 mm transfixation pin was placed in standard fashion 10 mm proximal to the distal physeal scar into each bone. One metacarpus of each pair was tested with a distance of 10 mm (10 mm group) and the contralateral metacarpus with a distance of 20 mm (20 mm group) between the outer cortex of the bone and the fixation of t...
