Mares and horses are integral components of equine studies, focusing on the reproductive and behavioral aspects of equine biology. Mares, or adult female horses, play a significant role in breeding programs and are often studied for their reproductive physiology, gestation, and maternal behaviors. Horses, as a broader category, encompass both sexes and all age groups, providing a comprehensive view of equine anatomy, physiology, and behavior. Research in this area often investigates the differences and similarities between mares and other horses in terms of hormonal cycles, reproductive health, and social interactions. This page compiles peer-reviewed studies and scholarly articles that explore the biological and behavioral characteristics of mares and horses, offering insights into their roles in equine science and management.
Retamar GC, Bustos CP, Guillemi EC, Becú T, Ivanissevich A, Mesplet M, Muñoz AJ.Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is a mucosal commensal of the lower genital tract in horses and is the most isolated bacterium causing endometritis in mares. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular diversity of S. zooepidemicus obtained from endometritis in mares in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Thirty isolates obtained from the uterus of mares in 2005 and 2017 were studied. The MLST scheme was applied to identify the Argentinian genotypes and the clonal relationships and patterns of evolutionary descent were identified using the eBURST algorithm - g...
Alkhadrawy JMH, Aboelmaaty AM, Abou-Ahmed MM, Ghallab AM.Mares are the only companion animals simulating women in the large diameter of their follicles. Horses start reproduction at the age of three years, and some of them live for >30 years, so aging influences their reproductive capacity. Mares are sensitive to summer heat stress as they can sweat like humans. Unassigned: The current work aimed to study the effects of age (young versus senile), season (cold versus hot), and the hormonal treatments during embryo collection on the dominant and subordinate follicular dynamics and hemodynamics and circulating ovarian hormones in embryo donor mares ...
Catandi GD, Fresa KJ, Cheng MH, Whitcomb LA, Broeckling CD, Chen TW, Chicco AJ, Carnevale EM.Obesity is a growing concern in human and equine populations, predisposing to metabolic pathologies and reproductive disturbances. Cellular lipid accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction play an important role in the pathologic consequences of obesity, which may be mitigated by dietary interventions targeting these processes. We hypothesized that obesity in the mare promotes follicular lipid accumulation and altered mitochondrial function of oocytes and granulosa cells, potentially contributing to impaired fertility in this population. We also predicted that these effects could be mitigated ...
Klecel W, Kloch M, Wojciechowska M, Gajewska M, Martyniuk E.With a history tracing back to at least the 18th century and a substantial global influence on various breeds, Polish Arabian horse population is of paramount importance for both breeders and conservationists. However, its genetic makeup and the population dynamics are still not well understood. This study presents an analysis of the modern Polish Arabian horse population using pedigree data, focusing on the breed's genetic diversity and population structure. Our analysis encompassed 1 498 individuals defined as the reference population (RP) and their 11 065 ancestors, which resulted in the ...
Determination of morphological and biochemical blood indices facilitates assessment of the health and welfare of horses, their nutrient demand, the effects of training already undertaken, and the horses' suitability for exercise. Identification of the season-dependent components and the effects of sex and exercise on changes in frequently referenced haematological and biochemical parameters was the main goal of the current study. Unassigned: The blood morphology of 21 healthy adult Shetland ponies (11 mares and 10 stallions) aged 6.5 ± 1.4 years from the central Pomeranian region in Poland wa...
Pusterla N, Lawton K, Barnum S.Adult horses are susceptible to equine coronavirus (ECoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), although, only ECoV has been linked to clinical disease. Little information is available regarding the seroprevalence against ECoV and SARS-CoV-2 in adult healthy horses. The goal of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence against two coronaviruses known to infect horses using convenience samples collected from horses recently imported from Europe to the United States from 2019 to 2023. A total of 385 banked serum samples were tested against ECoV and SARS-Co...
Cardiovascular changes have been reported in late pregnancy in mares. However, there are no data on changes in peripheral blood flow. Doppler ultrasound represents a sensitive method for assessing the blood flow directed to the hoof. The aims of this study were to evaluate the blood flow parameters of the lateral palmar digital artery (LPDA) in pregnant mares and to assess intra- and interrater agreement between two observers with different levels of experience. The LPDAs of pregnant Italian Standardbred mares were examined. The vessels were located with B-mode ultrasound and analyzed with col...
Bell T, Kyriazopoulou P, Mowbray C, Murphy BA.Equine headshaking syndrome is a poorly understood neuropathic pain condition presenting as uncontrollable shaking, flicking, or striking of the head. Therapeutic options are limited, and treatments are only partially successful. Currently, epidemiological information on headshaking in the Southern Hemisphere is lacking. An online survey was circulated to Australian owners of headshaking horses to collect information on triggers, symptoms, seasonality, treatments, and perceived treatment efficacy. The responses (n = 216) showed the mean age at symptom onset as 9.6 (±4.7) years. More geldings ...
Fedorka CE, Schnobrich MR, Muderspach ND, Scoggin KE, Dedman MT, Weigle KE, May MG, Twist H, Linse CR, Douglas RH, Troedsson MHT.Equine embryonic loss following the development of endometrial cups delays return to cyclicity due to the production of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Natural degradation of endometrial cups coincides with an influx of immune cells at 100-120 days of gestation, but therapeutic stimulation of reduced eCG production has been relatively unsuccessful. Recently, we observed an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production following the use of the immunostimulant mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of hysteroscopic-guided injection of MCWF on the a...
Sill S, Zhao L, Houpt K.Salt (NaCl) is an essential nutrient for horses because their diet is low in sodium and they lose salt in sweat. Given the many types of salt block available, 342 horse owners were surveyed to see what type they offered their horses. The owners most often offered plain(30%) mineralized (29%) or Himalayan salt blocks. Next, adult mares were given two choice preference tests between plain (white) and mineralized (red) salt blocks, between mineralized and selenium (green) blocks, between plain and selenium, between Himalayan (pink) and plain and between Himalayan and selenium salt blocks. The hor...
Charlotte C P, Benoit B, Olivier M L.To evaluate secondary intention wound healing in the horse's limbs when treated with the synthetic epidermis spray (Novacika®, Cohesive S.A.S, France) or with a standard bandaging technique. Methods: Six Standardbred mares were included in the study. Four 2.5 x 2.5 cm full-thickness skin wounds were created on each thoracic limb. Two wounds were located on the dorsoproximal aspect of the cannon bone and the other two at the dorsoproximal aspect of the fetlock. Six hours after creation, wounds were randomly treated with synthetic epidermis spray or standard bandaging. The wounds were assessed ...
Moroni R, Fanelli D, Camillo F, Rota A, Cantile C, Marmorini P, Salamone G, Ori M, Panzani D.Endometritis is a major cause of subfertility in mares. Multiparous old mares are more susceptible to developing endometritis given that ageing is associated with an altered immune response and with inadequate physiological uterine clearance after breeding, which can lead to degenerative changes in the endometrium. Molecules such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been proposed as endometritis markers in the equine species. Methods: Cross-sectional. Objective: To investigate the endometrial expression of defensin-beta 4B (DEFB4B), lysozyme (LYZ) and secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor (...
Ellerbrock M, Krohn J, Büttner K, Wehrend A.Dystocia typically presents a life-threatening condition for both the mare and the foal. This prospective long-term study aimed to ascertain whether mares with prior pregnancy disorders or a history of dystocia were at a higher risk of experiencing subsequent dystocia in comparison to those without such medical antecedents. To achieve this goal, the authors analysed 207 parturitions and 164 mares over a 10-year period. Of these, 57 were associated with pregnancy disorders or prior dystocia (Group 1), while 150 parturitions followed uneventful pregnancies in mares that had not yet experienced d...
Li J, Toyama H, Matsumoto T, Qasimi MI, Inoue R, Murase H, Yamamoto Y, Nagaoka K.Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including the regulation of the reproductive system and steroid sex hormones. Throughout the normal estrous cycle of healthy mares, the levels of estradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P4) in the blood exhibit periodic changes. To investigate the relationship between cyclic changes in steroid sex hormones and the gut microbiome of mares, we analyzed the fecal microbiota composition in healthy mares during the typical estrous cycle. Blood and fecal samples from five healthy mares were collected, E2 and P4 levels in serum wer...
Oddsdóttir C, Jónsdóttir HK, Sturludóttir E, Vilanova XM.Studies have been carried out on the effect of large-volume blood harvesting from horses, but they were performed on nonpregnant horses of various breeds other than Icelandic horses. This study aimed to investigate the effect on the haematological variables indicating erythropoiesis of repeated blood harvesting from pregnant mares. To account for regional variation, two herds of mares were chosen, both kept under free-range conditions. Sequential EDTA blood samples were collected weekly from 160 mares and analysed for haematological variables in an automated analyser. Serum samples from 115 ma...
McGrath BM, Norman ST, Gaspardis CA, Rose JL, Scott CJ.To understand better the role that kisspeptin plays in regulating seasonal and estrous cycle changes in the mare, this study investigated the number, location and interactions between GnRH, kisspeptin and RFRP-3 neurons in the equine hypothalamus. Hypothalami were collected from mares during the non-breeding season, vernal transition and various stages of the breeding season. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was used to label the neuropeptides of interest. GnRH cells were observed primarily in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), while very few labeled cells were identified in the pre-optic area (POA). ...
Martínez-Boví R, Sala-Ayala L, Querol-Paajanen A, Plaza-Dávila M, Cuervo-Arango J.PGF is commonly given at the end of embryo flushing (EF) to shorten the interval to the next oestrus and ovulation. Objective: To determine the effect of repeated EF on plasma progesterone concentration, percentage of mares with endometritis, unwanted pregnancy and subsequent fertility in mares flushed without the use of PGF . Methods: Controlled experiments. Methods: Nine mares were inseminated in seven consecutive cycles (n = 63), to either perform an EF (n = 54) 7-9 days after ovulation or left pregnant (n = 9). PGF was not used to induce oestrus. Ultrasound examination and bl...
Magalhaes HB, Colombo I, Spencer KM, Podico G, Canisso IF.Accurate prediction of parturition is paramount to ensuring monitoring of delivery and preventing complications. Assessing the pH and electrolytes of the mammary gland secretions (MGS) helps detect impending parturition. As conductivity is related to electrolyte concentrations and pH, it could be a useful alternative for predicting impending parturition; however, this hypothesis warrants a critical assessment. Objective: To assess the ability of conductivity, pH, and Brix in the MGS to predict parturition and to investigate their associations. Methods: Field study. Methods: The MGS of peripart...
Aminou O, Badaoui B, Machmoum M, Piro M.The International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG) currently advocates for a transition towards single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers as a potential alternative for equine parentage verification. To ascertain the efficacy of this transition, it is imperative to evaluate the performance of parentage testing using SNPs in juxtaposition with short tandem repeats (STRs). As per ISAG's recommendation, we used an equine genotyping-by-sequencing panel with 144 SNPs for this purpose. Equine parentage is currently realized using 16 microsatellites (STRs) excluding the LEX3 marker. In this stud...
Amini M, Alamian S, Talebhemmat M, Dadar M.Equine brucellosis significantly impacts the health and functionality of horses, leading to complications such as bursitis infection, septic tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, and non-specific lameness resulting from joint infections. In the present study, we used the Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT), serum agglutination test (SAT), and the 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) assays to find equine brucellosis. From June 2018 to September 2022, 876 blood samples were randomly taken from apparently healthy racing horses in certain parts of Iran, such as Kerman, Isfahan, Tehran, Qom, and Kurdistan....
Blanco-Doval A, Azkargorta M, Iloro I, Beaskoetxea J, Elortza F, Barron LJR, Aldai N.Mare milk has traditionally been attributed a number of health promoting properties. However, knowledge on its composition and functionality remains scarce, with particularly limited studies on mare milk proteomics. This study deeply characterized mare milk proteome accounting for both caseins and proteins in the whey fraction, also addressing the impact of lactation stage and different management systems. Milk samples from Basque Mountain Horse breed mares belonging to three different farms and three lactation stages were analysed after in-gel and in-solution digestion using nLC-MS/MS. Among ...
Sadowska A, Molcan T, Wójtowicz A, Lukasik K, Pawlina-Tyszko K, Gurgul A, Ferreira-Dias G, Skarzynski DJ, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A.The establishment of the fetomaternal interface depends on precisely regulated communication between the conceptus and the uterine environment. Recent evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in embryo-maternal dialogue. This study aimed to determine the expression profile of endometrial miRNAs during days 26-28 of equine pregnancy. Additionally, the study aimed to predict target genes for differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and their potential role in embryo attachment, adhesion, and implantation. Using next-generation sequencing, we identified 81 DEmiRs betwe...
Virendra A, Gulavane SU, Ahmed ZA, Reddy R, Chaudhari RJ, Gaikwad SM, Shelar RR, Ingole SD, Thorat VD, Khanam A, Khan FA.The application of high throughput technologies has enabled unravelling of unique differences between healthy mares and mares with endometritis at transcriptomic and proteomic levels. However, differences in the uterine microbiome are yet to be investigated. Objective: The present study was aimed at evaluating the differences in uterine microbiome between healthy mares and mares with endometritis. Methods: Low-volume lavage (LVL) samples were collected from the uterus of 30 mares classified into healthy (n = 15) and endometritis (n = 15) based on their reproductive history, intrauterine fl...
Carrillo Heredero AM, Sabbioni A, Asti V, Ablondi M, Summer A, Bertini S.The Bardigiano horse is a traditional native Italian breed with a rich history and peculiar characteristics. Local breeds are proven to have unique genetic traits developed over generations to adapt to defined geographical regions and/or conditions. The specific microbial communities that coexist within these animals are unraveled by studying their microbiota, which permits a further step in the characterization of local heritage. This work aimed to characterize Bardigiano horse fecal microbiota composition. The data obtained were then compared with published data of a mix of athlete breeds to...
Sielhorst J, Baade S, Neudeck KC, Tönissen A, Rohn K, Hollinshead F, Sieme H.Transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration (TUA) is used for post-fixation twin reduction in mares. However, there is limited information regarding factors that influence pregnancy outcome after TUA. Objective: To evaluate the effect of day of gestation on which TUA is performed, aspiration volume, puncture of the conceptus, medication administered before and after TUA, embryo location, mare age and parity and operator experience on pregnancy and foaling rates after TUA. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from case records of 464 TUAs performed by 14 operators in 4...
Delchiaro SB, Oliveira PVLF, Júnior RJP, Gonçalves GD, Morotti F, Seneda MM.Mares (n = 77) were evaluated by antral follicle count (AFC) and selected as embryo recipients. Cyclic recipients received embryos between days 4-6 after ovulation. The acyclic recipients received an intramuscular (i.m.) protocol with 5mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) on the day of donor ovulation (D0; D-4 recipient), 3mg of EB on the following day (D1; D-3 recipient), and 3mg of EB (D2; D-2 recipient). Furthermore, 1500mg of progesterone (P4) i.m. given on D0 of the recipient (D4 donor) followed by 1500mg of P4 on the day of ET (D4-6 recipient). On the ET day, the AFC and animals' weight, body c...
Bello K, Lorch G, Papich MG, Kim K, Toribio RE, Yan L, Xie Z, Hill K, Phelps MA.Additional immunomodulatory treatment is needed for the management of immune-mediated disease in horses. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunomodulatory agent used in human and veterinary medicine for the prevention of graft rejection and the management of autoimmune diseases. Few studies exist investigating the pharmacokinetics of MMF in horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of MMF in healthy horses in the fed vs. fasted state. Six healthy Standardbred mares were administered MMF 10 mg/kg by a nasogastric (NG) tube in a fed and fasted state. ...
Vidal Moreno de Vega C, de Meeûs d'Argenteuil C, Boshuizen B, De Mare L, Gansemans Y, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, Goethals K, De Spiegelaere W....Mapping-out baseline physiological muscle parameters with their metabolic blueprint across multiple archetype equine breeds, will contribute to better understanding their functionality, even across species. Aims: 1) to map out and compare the baseline fiber type composition, fiber type and mean fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA, mfCSA) and metabolic blueprint of three muscles in 3 different breeds 2) to study possible associations between differences in histomorphological parameters and baseline metabolism. Methods: Muscle biopsies [m. pectoralis (PM), m. vastus lateralis (VL) and m. semitendin...
Eerdekens A, Papas M, Damiaans B, Martens L, Govaere J, Joseph W, Deruyck M.To seek appropriate veterinary attention for horses with colic, owners must recognise early signs. Direct observation of horse behaviour has several drawbacks: it is time-consuming, hard to see subtle and common behavioural signs, and is based on intuition and subjective decisions. Due to recent advances in wearables and artificial intelligence, it may be possible to develop diagnostic software that can automatically detect colic signs. Objective: To develop a software algorithm to aid in the detection of colic signs and levels of pain. Methods: In vivo experiments. Methods: Transient colic wa...
Piotrowska-Tomala KK, Jonczyk AW, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A, Hojo T, Żebrowska E, Katila T, Ferreira-Dias G, Skarzynski DJ.Intrauterine devices (IUD) are used in the veterinary practice as the non-pharmacological method of oestrus suppression in mares. When placed in the uterus, IUD create a physical contact with the endometrium that mimics the presence of an equine embryo. However, the mechanism of their action has not been fully elucidated. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of mechanical stimulation of IUD on mare`s endometrium in both in vitro and in vivo study. For this purpose, we demonstrated the effect of IUD on prostaglandin (PG) F and PGE secretion, and mRNA transcription of gen...
Gentry LR, Thompson DL, Gentry GT, Davis KA, Godke RA, Cartmill JA.An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of high vs low body condition scores (BCS) produced by restricted feeding on reproductive characteristics, hormonal secretion, and leptin concentrations in mares during the autumnal transition and winter anovulatory period. Mares with BCS of 6.5 to 8.0 were maintained on pasture and/or grass hay, and starting in September, were full fed or restricted to produce BCS of 7.5 to 8.5 (high) or 3.0 to 3.5 (low) by December. All but one mare with high BCS continued to ovulate or have follicular activity during the winter, whereas mares with low BCS...
Crowhurst FA, Dickinson G, Burrows R.An outbreak of paresis occurred on a small isolated stud farm in July 1980. Of the 42 horses on the stud, infection was confined to a group of nine in-foal mares and their foals and eight other horses which were either housed together at night or grazed adjacent pastures. Eight mares and two geldings developed ataxia or paresis and one mare died. Equid herpesvirus 1 was isolated from 17 animals and serological studies confirmed that 24 of 26 animals sampled had experienced infection.
Barreto ÍMLG, Urbano SA, Oliveira CAA, Macêdo CS, Borba LHF, Chags BME, Rangel AHN.The objective of this study was to characterize the chemical composition and lipid profile of colostrum and milk of purebred Quarter Horse mares. Thirty-four (34) purebred mares were selected, which were then separated into groups according to age, birth order and lactation stage. Colostrum samples were collected in the first six hours after delivery and milk samples from the 7th postpartum day, with intervals of 14 days until the end of lactation. The samples were refrigerated and sent to the Milk Laboratory of the University (Laboleite-UFRN), where they were analyzed for chemical composition...
Watson ED.Post-breeding endometritis is a major cause of subfertility in the mare. Endometritis is a normal event in the immediate period after mating, but the presence of ultransonographically visible uterine fluid more than 12 h later is thought to be evidence of uterine pathology. In mares that are free of venerally transmitted endometritis, treatment is aimed at removing the intraluminal fluid. If the endometritis persists past day 5, when the embryo enters the uterine lumen, the cytotoxic environment will not be compatible with pregnancy. Reproductive anatomy, defective myometrial contractility, lo...
Nuñez CM, Adelman JS, Smith J, Gesquiere LR, Rubenstein DI.Feral horses (Equus caballus) have a complex social structure, the stability of which is important to their overall health. Behavioral and demographic research has shown that decreases in group (or band) stability reduce female fitness, but the potential effects on the physiological stress response have not been demonstrated. To fully understand how band stability affects group-member fitness, we need to understand not only behavioral and demographic, but also physiological consequences of decreases to that stability. We studied group changes in feral mares (an activity that induces instabilit...
Davis TA, Nguyen HV, Garcia-Bravo R, Fiorotto ML, Jackson EM, Reeds PJ.To determine whether the amino acid composition of milk changes during lactation, we compared the amino acid pattern (concentration of each individual amino acid relative to the total amino acid concentration) of colostrum with that of mature milk in six mammalian species. In the human, horse, pig and cow, the pattern of amino acids changed between colostrum and mature milk: glutamate, proline, methionine, isoleucine and lysine increased; cystine, glycine, serine, threonine and alanine decreased. In these four species, the total amino acid concentration also decreased 75% between colostrum and...
Crowell-Davis SL, Houpt KA.In colts and fillies observed from birth to 24 weeks old, coprophagy occurred from Weeks 1 to 19. Its frequency was greatest during the first two months. Coprophagy was rarely observed in mares and stallions. Foals usually ate the faeces of their mother but were observed to eat their own and those of a stallion and another unrelated mare. Urination by the foal occurred before, during or after 26 per cent of the coprophagy incidents. It is hypothesised that foals may consume faeces in response to a maternal pheromone which signals the presence of deoxycholic acid or other acids which the foal m...
Aupperle H, Ozgen SSchoon HA, Schoon D, Hoppen HO, Sieme H, Tannapfel A.The aims of this study were to investigate the steroid hormone receptor expression and the proliferation intensity during the equine endometrial cycle by immunohistological methods, established for routine examination of formalin-fixed, paraplast-embedded specimens. Endometrial biopsy specimens were obtained during one cycle from 7 mares. In comparison with the blood steroid hormone levels the quantity and distribution of oestrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) and the proliferation marker Ki-67 antigen expression were investigated. Rising 17beta-oestradiol concentrations in preoestrus ...
Malaluang P, Wilén E, Lindahl J, Hansson I, Morrell JM.Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics following low-level "background" exposure to antimicrobial agents as well as from exposure at therapeutic levels during treatment for bacterial infections. In this review, we look specifically at antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the equine reproductive tract and its possible origin, focusing particularly on antibiotics in semen extenders used in preparing semen doses for artificial insemination. Our review of the literature indicated that AMR in the equine uterus and vagina were reported worldwide in the last 20 years, in locations as diverse as Euro...
Båverud V.In human medicine, Clostridium (C.) difficile is since many years a well-known cause of nosocomial diarrhea induced by antibiotic treatment. In horses, C. difficile was recently suggested as a possible enteric pathogen. The bacterium is associated with acute colitis in mature horses following treatment with antibiotics. C. difficile, and/or its cytotoxin, is also associated with acute colitis in mares when their foals are being treated with erythromycin and rifampicin for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. The colitis can have resulted from an accidental ingestion of erythromycin by the mares. In an ...
Sessions-Bresnahan DR, Schauer KL, Heuberger AL, Carnevale EM.Obesity is associated with disrupted reproductive cycles in mares, but the impact of obesity on follicles and oocytes has received minimal attention. We investigated the impact of obesity on 1) expression of selected genes in follicle cells for carbohydrate metabolism, inflammatory cytokines, lipid homeostasis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial function; 2) follicular fluid content of metabolic hormones and metabolites; and 3) lipid fingerprint of oocytes. Mares (9-13 yr) were classified as control (n = 8, normal weight, body condition score [BCS] 5.1, 10.4% body fat) or obese (n...
Lyons ET, Swerczek TW, Tolliver SC, Bair HD, Drudge JH, Ennis LE.A survey to determine current prevalence of several species of endoparasites in equids (n=350) at necropsy was conducted at the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center in central Kentucky (1995-1999). Thelazia lacrymalis were found in 42% of the 1- to 4-year olds (n=132), which was the only age group examined for these parasites. Five- to 30-year olds (n=157), examined for Onchocerca spp. worms/lesions, had a prevalence of 24%. In > or =1-year olds (n=324), the infection rate for Gasterophilus intestinalis was 12% for second instars and 14% for third instars and for Gasterophilus nasalis was 2%...
Heitor F, do Mar Oom M, Vicente L.Factors related to dominance rank and the functions of aggression were studied in a herd of Sorraia horses, Equus caballus, under extensive management. Subjects were 10 adult mares 5-18 years old and a stallion introduced into the group for breeding. Dominance relationships among mares were clear, irrespective of rank difference, and remained stable after introduction of the stallion. The dominance hierarchy was significantly linear and rank was positively correlated with age and total aggressiveness. Higher-ranking mares received lower frequency and intensity of agonistic interactions. Nevert...
Almiñana C, Rudolf Vegas A, Tekin M, Hassan M, Uzbekov R, Fröhlich T, Bollwein H, Bauersachs S.Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified in the uterine fluid in different species and have been pointed as key players in the embryo-maternal dialogue, maternal recognition of pregnancy and establishment of pregnancy. However, little is known about the uterine EVs in the mare. Therefore, the present study aimed at characterizing EVs from uterine lavage of cyclic mares by comparing five EVs isolation methods and the combination of them: (1) ultracentrifugation (UC); (2) concentration of lavage volume by Centricon ultrafiltration (CE); (3) the use of CE with different washing steps (ph...
Cameron EZ, Linklater WL.The Trivers-Willard hypothesis (TWH) predicts that a mother will treat a son or daughter differently depending on her ability to invest and the impact of her investment on offspring reproductive success. Although many studies have investigated the hypothesis, few have definitively supported or refuted it because of confounding factors or an inappropriate level of analysis. We studied maternal investment in sons and daughters in feral horses, Equus caballus, which meet the assumptions of the TWH with a minimum of confounding variables. Population level analyses revealed no differences in matern...
Fumuso EA, Aguilar J, Giguère S, Rivulgo M, Wade J, Rogan D.Our objective was to characterize immune parameters in susceptible (SM) and resistant (RM) mares, with and without artificial insemination (AI) and immunomodulation. Eight RM and eight SM were selected based on their reproductive history and functional tests. Both groups of mares were evaluated during three consecutive cycles: Cycle 1, untreated cycle (control); Cycle 2, AI with dead semen; Cycle 3, AI with dead semen and immunomodulation. Endometrial biopsies were taken during the three cycles as follows: Cycle 1--at estrus, when follicles > or =35mm and at diestrus (7+/-1 days after ovulatio...
Aurich C.The spermatozoon is a highly specified cell that has the abilities of active motility and fertilization of the ovum. Damage to the sperm plasma membrane results in the irreversible loss of its functions. Because of the high content of unsaturated fatty acids in the plasma membrane, mammalian sperm are sensitive to oxidative stress. While mild peroxidation appears to promote capacitation of the sperm cell, excessive peroxidation will damage the plasma membrane and results in loss of motility and fertility. The functional integrity of the sperm plasma membrane can be determined by functional tes...
Timoney JF, Kalimuthusamy N, Velineni S, Donahue JM, Artiushin SC, Fettinger M.Although serologic data indicate horses in N. America are exposed to a variety of leptospiral serovars, abortion is almost always associated with Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona type kennewicki. A variety of wildlife including raccoons, white tailed deer, striped skunks, opossums, and red and grey foxes have been shown to host serovar Pomona and have therefore been suspect as sources of infection for pregnant mares. The aim of the present study was to examine genetic diversity in serovar Pomona type kennewicki in wildlife and in aborting mares. Our approach utilized PCR that targeted tan...
The aims of this study were to (1) verify if significant changes occur in hematological and biochemical parameters in jennies during the last 2 months of pregnancy and the first 2 months of lactation, and (2) determine any differences with mares. Hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated in jennies every 15 days during late pregnancy, parturition, and early lactation. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, analysis of variance for repeated measurements and Tukey's multiple comparison test as post hoc were applied. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Statistical analysis sho...
Heldens JG, Hannant D, Cullinane AA, Prendergast MJ, Mumford JA, Nelly M, Kydd JH, Weststrate MW, van den Hoven R.Pregnant mares and young foals were vaccinated with Duvaxyn EHV1,4, an inactivated and adjuvanted vaccine containing both the EHV-1 and 4 antigens. SN and CF antibody titres were induced two weeks after first vaccination. Antibody levels were boosted after second vaccination, however they never reached the levels induced after virus challenge. Young foals were challenged with virulent EHV-1 and EHV-4 field viruses. Pregnant mares were challenged with the highly abortigenic EHV-1 strain Ab4. Vaccinated animals showed a clear reduction in clinical signs and virus excretion compared to unvaccinat...
Powell DM, Reedy SE, Sessions DR, Fitzgerald BP.Twelve untrained aged mares were used to determine whether 7 days of light exercise improved peripheral tissue insulin sensitivity. Mares were divided into obese-exercised (n = 3), obese-sedentary (n = 3), lean-exercised (n = 3) and lean-sedentary (n = 3) groups. The exercised groups were worked at a trot to a heart rate (HR) of not more than 140 beats/min for 30 min in a round pen. Each group was subjected to 3 euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamps: prior to exercise (P), 24 h following the seventh exercise training session (E) and 9 days postexercise training (PE). Prior to exercise training,...
Corradetti B, Correani A, Romaldini A, Marini MG, Bizzaro D, Perrini C, Cremonesi F, Lange-Consiglio A.Amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal cells (AMCs) are considered suitable candidates for a variety of cell-based applications. In view of cell therapy application in uterine pathologies, we studied AMCs in comparison to cells isolated from the endometrium of mares at diestrus (EDCs) being the endometrium during diestrus and early pregnancy similar from a hormonal standpoint. In particular, we demonstrated that amnion tissue fragments (AM) shares the same transcriptional profile with endometrial tissue fragments (ED), expressing genes involved in early pregnancy (AbdB-like Hoxa genes), pre-imp...
Klein C.Maintenance of pregnancy is dependent on the exchange of signals between the conceptus and the endometrium. The objective of this study was to use next-generation sequencing to determine transcriptome blueprints of the conceptus and endometrium 16 days after ovulation in the horse. There were 7760 and 10 182 genes expressed in the conceptus and endometrium, respectively, of which 7029 were present in both. Genes related to developmental processes were enriched among conceptus-specific transcripts, whereas many endometrium-specific genes had known roles in cell communication, cell adhesion and ...
Husso A, Jalanka J, Alipour MJ, Huhti P, Kareskoski M, Pessa-Morikawa T, Iivanainen A, Niku M.The establishment of the intestinal microbiota is critical for the digestive and immune systems. We studied the early development of the rectal microbiota in horse, a hindgut fermenter, from birth until 7 days of age, by qPCR and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. To evaluate initial sources of the foal microbiota, we characterised dam fecal, vaginal and oral microbiotas. We utilised an amplicon sequence variant (ASV) pipeline to maximise resolution and reproducibility. Stringent ASV filtering based on prevalence and abundance in samples and controls purged contaminants while preserving intest...
Wagner B, Wimer C, Freer H, Osterrieder N, Erb HN.The recent increase in incidence, morbidity, and mortality of neurological disease induced by equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) has suggested a change of virulence of the virus. The exact mechanisms by which EHV-1 induces neurologic disease are not known. Environmental, viral, and host risk factors might contribute to neurological manifestation. Here, we investigated innate interferon-α (IFN-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-4 responses after infection of equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with EHV-1 using an available cytokine multiplex assay. Three viral strains representing ...
Allen WR, Wilsher S.Constant, self induced mobility throughout the uterine lumen between days 6 and 17 after ovulation, complete envelopment by a self-secreted glycoprotein capsule between days 7 and 30 and 'injection' of specialised, gonadotrophin-secreting trophoblast cells into the maternal endometrium at days 35-37 are three unusual aspects of equine embryogenesis. The outer trophoblast layer of the allantochorion finally establishes a stable, microvillous contact with the lumenal epithelium of the endometrium around days 40-42 and placentation commences thereafter. The allantochorion elongates steadily until...
Klohonatz KM, Hess AM, Hansen TR, Squires EL, Bouma GJ, Bruemmer JE.The mechanism for maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) in horses is unknown. To maintain a pregnancy, a mobile conceptus must be recognized by the uterus before d 14 postovulation (PO). This recognition prevents endometrial secretion of PGF2α on d14 through 16, which would otherwise initiate luteolysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate gene expression in the endometrium of pregnant and nonpregnant mares during and after MRP to identify possible genes involved during this time. Twelve normally cycling mares were used in a crossover design and randomly assigned to a specific colle...
