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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.
Microbial Variability of Commercial Equine Probiotics. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate amounts, therefore the presence of viable microorganisms is essential. Previous studies reported inconsistencies when comparing contents of probiotics marketed for use in animals with label claims. However, to the author's knowledge the variability of the same product between different lots has yet to be evaluated. The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the content and inter-lot variability of commercial equine probiotic products using culture dependent and in...
Humoral Immune Response Evaluation in Horses Vaccinated with Recombinant Clostridium perfringens Toxoids Alpha and Beta for 12 Months. In horses, Clostridium perfringens is associated with acute and fatal enterocolitis, which is caused by a beta toxin (CPB), and myonecrosis, which is caused by an alpha toxin (CPA). Although the most effective way to prevent these diseases is through vaccination, specific clostridial vaccines for horses against C. perfringens are not widely available. The aim of this study was to pioneer the immunization of horses with three different concentrations (100, 200 and 400 µg) of C. perfringens recombinant alpha (rCPA) and beta (rCPB) proteins, as well as to evaluate the humoral immune response ove...
Reproductive patterns and follicular waves in postpartum lactating versus non-postpartum cycling mares. This comparative study between postpartum lactating (PP Lactating) and non-postpartum cycling (N-PP Cycling) mares aimed to characterize reproductive patterns, types and frequencies of follicular waves, corpus luteum and endometrial echotexture dynamics, and the influence of season and body condition. Mares from each group were paired considering the day of parturition of a PP Lactating mare. The partum-ovulation interval (POI) and the postpartum interovulatory interval (PPIOI) were evaluated for PP Lactating mares, and 2 IOIs were evaluated for N-PP Cycling mares. The following observations w...
Early Evidence of the Economic Effects of COVID-19 on the Horse Show Industry in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the economic status of all sectors of the global economy including the horse show industry. Reporting the impact of COVID-19 on in-person horse shows and an early assessment of its impact on the economy was the objective of this study. A Qualtrics survey instrument was disseminated to horse show participants through social media pages and email (n = 251). A majority of respondents were females (95.6%) representing a cross-section of the United States (84.0%). Participants reported planning to attend an average of 9.7 (SD = 7.15) in-person horse shows in 2020...
Cooled storage of semen from livestock animals (part I): boar, bull, and stallion. This review is part of the Festschrift in honor of Dr. Duane Garner and provides an overview of current techniques for cooled storage of semen from livestock animals. The first part describes the current state of the art of liquid semen preservation in boars, bulls, and stallions, including the diluents, use of additives, processing, temperature, and cooling of semen. The species-specific physiology and varying extents of cold shock sensitivity are taken into consideration. In addition, factors influencing the quality of cooled-stored semen are discussed. Methods, trends, and the most recent a...
No modularity at ventral level in the horse skull. Morphological integration and modularity are concepts that refer to the covariation level between the components of a structure. Morphological modules are independent subsets of highly correlated traits. The horse skull has been studied as a whole functional structure for decades, but the integrative approach towards quantitative examination of modules is scarce. We report here the first evaluation of cranial modularity in the horse at basal level. For this, we studied the modularity hypothesis for splanchnocranium and basicranium modules in the horse, two phenotipic regions under local influe...
Qualitative and quantitative analyses of polysomnographic measurements in foals. Veterinary and human medicine are still seeking a conclusive explanation of the function of sleep, including the change in sleep behaviour over the course of an individual's lifetime. In human medicine, sleep disorders and abnormalities in the electroencephalogram are used for prognostic statements, therapeutic means and diagnoses. To facilitate such use in foal medicine, we monitored 10 foals polysomnographically for 48 h. Via 10 attached cup electrodes, brain waves were recorded by electroencephalography, eye movements by electrooculography and muscle activity by electromyography. Wireless ...
Horse Behavior towards Familiar and Unfamiliar Humans: Implications for Equine-Assisted Services. While human benefits of animal-assisted therapy programs have been documented, relatively little research has been conducted on behavioral factors that predict a successful equine-assisted services (EAS) horse. This study compares the behavior of experienced and non-experienced EAS horses as well as horses selected for future EAS work in a series of sociability and temperament tests. No significant differences were found between experienced and non-experienced horses in the sociability measures or for most of the temperament tests; however, significant differences were found between groups in ...
Horses with sustained attention follow the pointing of a human who knows where food is hidden. When interacting with humans, domesticated species may respond to communicative gestures, such as pointing. However, it is currently unknown, except for in dogs, if species comprehend the communicative nature of such cues. Here, we investigated whether horses could follow the pointing of a human informant by evaluating the credibility of the information about the food-hiding place provided by the pointing of two informants. Using an object-choice task, we manipulated the attentional state of the two informants during food-hiding events and differentiated their knowledge about the location of t...
Fatty acid profiles of the plasma and follicular fluid mares fed a combination of linseed and salmon oil. This study evaluated the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in circulating blood and in the ovarian follicular fluid of mares, after supplementation of the diet with linseed oil. Six Mangalarga Marchador mares, weighing 397.00±31.89 kg, were kept on native pasture, and assigned to the current study. In a switch over design, mares were randomly allocated to receive 150 ml of vegetable oil daily, containing polyunsaturated fatty acids n3 (62.23 g ALA, 20.34 g LA, 2.27 g EPA, 2.32 g DHA), (n=3) or no supplementation (n=3) in two replicates. Blood and follicular fluid samples were taken on t...
Assessment of Age Effects on Ovarian Hemodynamics Using Doppler Ultrasound and Progesterone Concentrations in Cycling Spanish Purebred Mares. In equine reproduction, accurate and timely detection of the moment of ovulation is of great importance. Power Doppler ultrasound technology is a non-invasive method that enables to assess the morpho-echogenic features and blood flow changes during the estral cycle in mares. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of age on ultrasonographic parameters (follicular diameter, follicular blood flow-FBF, corpus luteum (CL) area and corpus luteum blood flow-CLBF) and blood plasma progesterone concentrations in cycling Spanish Purebred mares (15 less than 8 years old and 15 e...
Equine embryo mobility. A game changer. The equine embryo or embryonic vesicle on Days 11-15 postovulation travels with profound physiologic purpose throughout the lumen of the two uterine horns and uterine body making 12 to 22 trips between the two uterine horns per day. This phenomenon is termed embryo mobility and is unique in equids among domestic species. Apparently, the embryo first reaches the uterine body on Days 8 or 9. Mobility increases to maximum by Days 11 or 12 and continues until an abrupt cessation of mobility (fixation) on Days 15 (ponies) or 16 (horses and donkeys). The embryo is propelled by uterine contractions i...
500 years of breeding in the Carthusian Strain of Pura Raza Español horse: An evolutional analysis using genealogical and genomic data. The Carthusian horse is a Pura Raza Español (PRE) strain (CS), bred as a closed population since its creation more than 500 years ago. The aim of this study was to analyse for the first time its population structure and situation of variability combining both genealogical (GEL) and genomic (GEN) data. The GEL data comprised 348,429 pedigree records (56,105 CS horses), while the GEN analysis included the high-density genotypes (670,804 SNPs) of 287 horses. Pedigree completeness demonstrated its accuracy, showing a good correlation of GEL (F) and GEN (F ) inbreeding coefficient in the case of ...
A Survey of Horse Selection, Longevity, and Retirement in Equine-Assisted Services in the United States. Little published information exists on the horses in equine-assisted services (EAS), particularly their selection, longevity, and retirement. The purpose of this study was to characterize horses and procedures used in EAS. A pilot survey was developed using focus group discussions and distributed to Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH Intl) centers in Florida ( = 45, Part I) before further modification and distribution to members of PATH Intl., American Hippotherapy Association (AHA), eagala, and Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) ( = 26,000, Part II...
Transrectal three-dimensional fetal volumetry in early pregnant mares: Relationships between maternal factors and equine fetal volume measurements. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal, hormonal, and fetal factors on early fetal volume (FV) measurements in mares obtained by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound. Furthermore, postpartum parameters were explored in regard to their association with early FV. For this purpose, 149 German warmblood mares that were artificially inseminated and confirmed to be pregnant between days 14-16 of gestation, were examined transrectally at day 45 ± 1 of gestation with the portable 3D ultrasound device Voluson® i (GE, Zipf, Austria). FV was calculated by using the extension so...
Rare and common variant discovery by whole-genome sequencing of 101 Thoroughbred racehorses. The Thoroughbred breed was formed by crossing Oriental horse breeds and British native horses and is currently used in horseracing worldwide. In this study, we constructed a single-nucleotide variant (SNV) database using data from 101 Thoroughbred racehorses. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed 11,570,312 and 602,756 SNVs in autosomal (1-31) and X chromosomes, respectively, yielding a total of 12,173,068 SNVs. About 6.9% of identified SNVs were rare variants observed only in one allele in 101 horses. The number of SNVs detected in individual horses ranged from 4.8 to 5.3 million. Individual...
Bacterial Contamination of Equine Dentistry Equipment-Effect of Cleaning and Disinfection. Equine dentistry has developed immensely and human dental equipment, such as handpieces, are often used. Measures to avoid the spread of infectious microorganisms are important, but this is challenging since handpieces are difficult to decontaminate. Thus, it is necessary to develop effective IPC measures in equine dentistry. The aim of this study was to contribute to the evidence needed for future evidence-based guidelines on IPC by investigating hygiene in equine dentistry. Used handpieces and dummies (i.e., handpieces not used during dental procedure, reflecting environmental bacterial cont...
Collar pressure mapping: An evaluation of seven collar types used on working donkeys in Europe. Working donkeys represent an important source of energy worldwide. Poor working conditions and equipment affect their ability to work. Poorly designed, ill-fitted harness causes inefficient transfer of power and leads to health and welfare issues. Using technology to assess different types of collars provides a better understanding of those that are most efficient for working donkeys. Methods: Seven different collars were tested using pressure pads. Contact area, median, maximum and peak pressures were obtained for the whole collar and critical points. Eight donkeys pulled 20% and 40% of their...
Horses show individual level lateralisation when inspecting an unfamiliar and unexpected stimulus. Animals must attend to a diverse array of stimuli in their environments. The emotional valence and salience of a stimulus can affect how this information is processed in the brain. Many species preferentially attend to negatively valent stimuli using the sensory organs on the left side of their body and hence the right hemisphere of their brain. Here, we investigated the lateralisation of visual attention to the rapid appearance of a stimulus (an inflated balloon) designed to induce an avoidance reaction and a negatively valent emotional state in 77 Italian saddle horses. Horses' eyes are late...
The Proteome of Equine Oviductal Fluid Varies Before and After Ovulation: A Comparative Study. Equine fertilization cannot be performed in the laboratory as equine spermatozoa do not cross the oocyte's zona pellucida . Hence, a more profound study of equine oviductal fluid (OF) composition at the pre-ovulatory and post-ovulatory stages could help in understanding what components are required to achieve fertilization in horses. Our work aimed to elucidate the proteomic composition of equine OF at both stages. To do this, OF was obtained postmortem from oviducts of slaughtered mares ipsilateral to a pre-ovulatory follicle ( = 4) or a recent ovulation ( = 4); the samples were kept at -80°...
An investigation into environmental variables influencing post-race exertional heat illness in thoroughbred racehorses in temperate eastern Australia. Exertional heat illness (EHI) is a syndrome that occurs when metabolic heat production from muscular contraction exceeds the rate at which it can be dissipated. Core body temperature rises to critical levels, causing hyperthermia and central nervous system dysfunction. Best practice for the prevention of EHI centres around early detection, rapid response and aggressive cooling. Advance planning enables risk mitigation measures. The more that is known about EHI in horses, the better prepared those in the positions of responsibility can be to anticipate events in which the risk of EHI may be ele...
The Dmanisi Equus: Systematics, biogeography, and paleoecology. The Equus datum has been established as a geochronologic 'instantaneous' migratory event of a North American Equus species into Eurasia at the beginning of the Pleistocene (2.58 Ma). A remarkable radiation of Equus followed across Eurasia and Africa. Dmanisi includes excellent remains of Equus, well calibrated between 1.85 and 1.76 Ma. Our morphologic and morphometric analyses of the augmented Dmanisi Equus sample support the co-occurrence of Equus stenonis and Equus altidens in the sequence. Dmanisi E. stenonis is found to be morphologically similar to the European E. stenonis populations a...
Development and Validation of a Test for the Classification of Horses as Broken or Unbroken. Regulation EC 1/2005 has stricter rules for transportation of unbroken (untamed) vs. broken (tamed) horses, but does not provide adequate tools for their identification. This study aimed to develop and validate such a tool. A behavioural test (Broken/Unbroken Test (BUT)) based on approaching, haltering, and leading was applied to 100 horses. Physiological and additional behavioural data were also collected, and the horses' status (broken/unbroken) was assessed by the expert who administered the BUT. Each horse's behaviour during the BUT was scored by four trained observers blinded to the horse...
GWAS Identifies a Region Containing the SALL1 Gene in Variation of Pigmentation Intensity Within the Chestnut Coat Color of Horses. Chestnut coat color in horses is determined by a missense mutation within the MC1R gene. However, the intensity of the chestnut color can vary widely within individuals possessing this genotype. Here, we investigated this variation using standardized photographs of 96 horses. Each horse was ranked lightest to darkest within the cohort for phenotype by 3 blinded observers. A genome-wide association study utilizing the relative shade ranking as the phenotype and using 268 487 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped using the Affymetrix Equine 670k array identified a single significantly...
Simulated validation of intron-less transgene detection using DELLY for gene-doping control in horse sports. Gene doping is prohibited in horseracing. In a previous study, we developed a method for non-targeted transgene detection using DELLY, which is based on split-read (SR) and paired-end (PE) algorithms to detect structural variants, on WGS data. In this study, we validated the detection sensitivity of DELLY using artificially generated sequence data of 12 target genes. With DELLY, at least one intron was detected as a deletion in eight targeted genes using the 150 bp PE read WGS data, whereas all targeted genes were detected by DELLY using the 100 bp PE read data. The detection sensitivity was h...
Development and Validation of an Instrument to Assess Horseback Mobility in Hippotherapy. Improvement in rider mobility represents an important functional gain for people with disabilities undergoing hippotherapy. However, there is no validated measuring instrument to track and document the rider's progress in riding activities. In this study, we aimed to develop and establish validity evidence for an instrument to assess hippotherapy participants' mobility on horseback. We report on this development through the stages of: (a) content validation, (b) construct validation, (c) inter- and intra-rater reliability and (d) internal consistency analysis. We evaluated its factor structure...
Influence of Reproductive Status on Equine Serum Proteome: Preliminary Results. The reproductive cycle and early pregnancy represent dynamic physiological states in mammals, but mechanisms involved in early pregnancy in the domestic horse remain poorly understood. Proteins in uterine secretions have been studied, but the proteome of peripheral serum during various reproductive states has not been investigated. This study characterized and compared the serum proteome in the domestic horse during various reproductive states. Serum was collected from three mares during: (1) estrus (day [d] -1; d 0 = ovulation), (2) diestrus (d 12.5, non-mated), (3) early pregnancy (d 12.5,...
Sequence analysis of the mitochondrial D-loop region throws a new light on the origin of Hungarian Nonius, Danubian Horse and Serbian Nonius. The objective of our study was to investigate the genetic structure of yet uninvestigated populations of three closely related horse breeds - the Danubian Horse, the Hungarian Nonius and the Serbian Nonius - in order to clarify their origin and genetic diversity. A 640-bp-long fragment of the mtDNA D-loop region was amplified and sequenced. The results showed that the investigated breeds have different genetic profiles although they share some common characteristics. We identified nine of the 17 haplogroups described in modern horses. Most of the obtained sequences fall into the M, L, G, and O...
Impact of blue light therapy on plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and hypertrichosis in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Blue light therapy can be used in horses to alter the natural photoperiod and inhibit winter hair coat growth. Seasonal increases in ACTH occur in the fall season but are exaggerated in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Additionally, PPID horses frequently present with hypertrichosis. Thus, blue light therapy was proposed as a potential management tool for hypertrichosis and for investigating the impact of photoperiod manipulation on ACTH. Eighteen PPID horses, aged 18 to 31 yr, from a university-owned research herd were selected and assigned to either the control group...
