Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
Topic:Molecular biology
Molecular biology in horses involves the study of molecular processes and genetic mechanisms that underpin equine physiology and health. This field encompasses the analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins, and other biomolecules to understand gene expression, genetic variation, and cellular functions in horses. Techniques such as genomic sequencing, gene expression profiling, and molecular diagnostics are employed to explore topics like hereditary diseases, performance traits, and immune responses in equines. This page assembles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that investigate the molecular biology of horses, focusing on genetic research, molecular techniques, and their applications in equine science.
Integrative Advances in Equine Genomics From Reference Assemblies to Evolutionary History and Key Traits. Horses are major domestic animals and cultural symbols that have accompanied humans for millennia. They underpin transport, agriculture, warfare and sport, and also provide a model for studying domestication, complex traits and adaptive evolution. Recent work in equine genomics has now generated a much richer picture of how these roles are grounded in the genome. This review brings together advances in several connected areas: the construction and refinement of reference assemblies; genomic reconstructions of origin, domestication and dispersal; global and regional patterns of genetic diversit...
Mitochondrial Adaptations to Exercise Training in Equine Skeletal Muscle: A Narrative Review. The horse represents one of the most physiologically specialized athletic mammals, capable of sustaining both high-intensity and prolonged exercise. Central to this remarkable performance capacity is the metabolic adaptability of skeletal muscle and its mitochondrial network. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence from equine, human, and rodent studies on exercise-induced mitochondrial remodeling in equine skeletal muscle. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using terms related to equine exercise physiology, mitochondrial biolog...
Development of a rapid and highly accurate diagnostic test for detecting Theileria equi in horses using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay. Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a protozoan disease in horses, mainly caused by Theileria equi, and is associated with non-specific signs such as fever, anemia, and edema. The lack of specific clinical signs, coupled with the high prevalence of carrier horses, highlights the critical need for a rapid and highly accurate diagnostic test for the detection of Theileria equi. Existing methods, including molecular, serological, and microscopic techniques, require specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and considerable time. The current study aims to develop a rapid and accurate assay for the detect...
Synovial transcriptomic biomarkers predict structural severity in equine osteochondral fragment-induced experimental osteoarthritis. Develop a global joint score (GJS) reflecting equine osteoarthritis (OA) structural severity and identify clinical or molecular parameters predicting disease severity. Unassigned: A retrospective analysis was performed using data from horses (n = 104; 58 females and 46 geldings; 2 to 5 years old) undergoing experimental OA induction via surgical osteochondral fragment creation in the middle carpal joint and high-speed treadmill exercise over 70 days. Longitudinal measures included subjective lameness examinations (lameness, effusion, and flexion), synovial fluid (SF) and serum glycosaminoglyca...
Prevalence, molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. in horses from diverse husbandry systems across four provinces of northern and eastern China. Cryptosporidium is an obligate intracellular zoonotic protozoan causing diarrheal disease in humans and animals globally. Horses have more frequent close contact with humans through equestrian sports, breeding, and cross-regional trade. However, comprehensive molecular epidemiological data on diverse equine husbandry systems in China are limited. We tested 412 fecal samples from horses across four Chinese provinces via small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). C. parvum and C. equi were subtyped using the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene, and C. andersoni ...
A Breed-Specific SNP Panel With Higher Theoretical Exclusion Power and Practical Equivalence to International Standards for Parentage Testing in Pura Raza Española Horses. Accurate parentage assignment is essential for managing livestock breeding and genetic improvement. This study evaluated a breed-specific SNP panel (375 SNPs) for the Pura Raza Española (PRE) horse, comparing its performance against the traditional STR reference panel (18 microsatellite) and the international ISAG SNP core panel (378 SNPs) across population scenarios differing in levels of inbreeding and kinship. The PRE-specific SNPs were selected from the Axiom EQUIGENE array based on high genotyping reliability (call-rate > 99%), Mendelian error minimization, Hardy-Weinberg equilibr...
Towards a Comprehensive Screening Approach for Detecting Gene Doping in Racehorses and Sport Horses by Targeting Common and Intrinsic Plasmid Sequences. The evolution of biotechnology and gene therapy has unfortunately facilitated the emergence of gene doping. Those misused applications are prohibited in equestrian sports (International Equestrian Federation (FEI)) and in horseracing (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities [IFHA]), reflecting major concerns regarding horse welfare and the integrity of competitions. Among the biotechnological tools that could be misused, eukaryotic expression plasmids represent a particular threat due to their ease of production, customisable design and ability to carry a wide range of performance ...
Cracks in the ice: biological challenges and incremental progress in equine oocyte vitrification. Equine oocyte vitrification could enhance the flexibility of in vitro embryo production, yet developmental competence remains reduced. Only vitrification of oocytes matured in vivo yields foaling rates comparable to fresh oocytes. Recent advances in vitrification at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage, supported by systematic comparisons of cryoprotective agents and exposure times, has enabled consistent blastocyst production and birth of several foals. Comparative studies of GV and metaphase II (MII) stages suggest biological advantages of vitrification after in vitro maturation (IVM), warranting...
The “gait keeper” mutation does not influence gait scores in Pêga donkeys: a preliminary result. The DMRT3 "gait keeper" mutation is a major determinant of locomotor patterns in horses, but its role in donkeys remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between this polymorphism and gait performance in Pêga donkeys, a breed selected for gaited locomotion. A total of 260 animals were phenotyped for gait scores and genotyped by PCR-sequencing targeting exon 2 of DMRT3. All individuals were homozygous for the wild-type allele (CC), and the mutant A allele was not detected. The monomorphism precludes any association with gait scores, possibly indicating that this DMRT3 mutation has...
Machine learning-based gait classification and genome-wide association identify a QTL for gait type in Colombian paso horses. Coordinated mammalian locomotion relies on spinal circuits where regulates strides and alternative gaits. However, does not explain differences between the Colombian paso horse breed's specialized gaits, Colombian trocha and Colombian trot. We used inertial sensors and machine learning to develop accurate phenotyping ( = 225 horses), before performing genome-wide association analysis ( = 85 horses, 670K array). We identified a 2.43 Mb quantitative trait locus (QTL) on ECA16, where haplotypes featuring lead variants (rs1147402472, = 1.95 × 10; rs1136628503, = 8.52 × 10) explained 48.6% of...
Cytogenetic, genomic, and reproductive characterization of four pura Raza Española mares carrying a 64, X, del(X),t(X; Y) complex karyotype. Chromosomal abnormalities involving the sex chromosomes constitute critical genetic factors influencing fertility in horses. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of individuals carrying sex chromosomal abnormalities exhibit normal reproductive phenotypes, which complicates their identification until adulthood. Here, we present four mares carrying a complex deletion/translocation rearrangement with the karyotype formula 64, X, del(X)(p∼25),t(X; Y)(p∼25; q∼15). The cases analyzed belong to three unrelated families of Pura Raza Española (PRE), all presenting the same chromosomal abnormal...
Meat Quality Characteristics of Mongolian Horses in Inner Mongolia: Regional Superiority and Transcriptomic Insights into Tenderness Differences Between Muscular Locations. Horse meat is a high-quality protein source. A total of 50 two-year-old male horses with similar body weights (300 ± 50 kg) were used: 30 for regional comparison (10 each from Bulgan province region of Mongolia (BPM), Tuv province region of Mongolia (TPM), and Inner Mongolia region of China (IMC)) and an additional 20 from the IMC region for muscle-site analysis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying regional and muscle-site differences in the meat quality of Mongolian horses, with particular emphasis on tenderness, this study analyzed chemical composition, minerals, fatty acids, a...
Prevalence, genomic diversity and emerging antimicrobial resistance of Taylorella asinigenitalis in Grand Noir du Berry breeding donkeys. Taylorella asinigenitalis is a fastidious Gram-negative bacterium of the equine genital tract, found more commonly in donkeys than horses. Although considered non-pathogenic, it is closely related to Taylorella equigenitalis, the agent of contagious equine metritis, and has been linked to experimental and natural cases of endometritis. The SAFRAN project (French acronym for "Sauvegarde de la fertilité de l'âne", meaning "Preservation of donkey fertility"), launched in 2024 by the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) with support from the Centre-Val...
Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in an aborted equine fetus and serological evidence of infection in mares enrolled in embryo transfer programs in Brazil. Toxoplasma gondii infection is widely recognized as an important cause of reproductive losses in goats and sheep. However, the impact of this parasitic infection in mares remains poorly investigated, reflecting the neglect of this pathogen in equine production. The present study aimed to conduct a serological survey in 100 mares from farms enrolled in embryo transfer (ET) programs in Northeastern Brazil, report the first molecular detection of T. gondii in the placenta and aborted fetus of a mare in the country, and evaluate potential risk factors associated with infection. Anti-T. gondii IgG ...
Genetic diversity of horses of the Sargarinsko-Alexeevskaya and Irmen cultures of the Ob-Irtysh region of Western Siberia and their genetic proximity to modern horses of indigenous breeds. Genetic diversity of horses of the Sargarinsko-Alexeevskaya and Irmen cultures of the Ob-Irtysh region of Western Siberia and their genetic proximity to modern horses of indigenous breeds. Генетическое разнообразие лошадей саргаринско-алексеевской и ирменской культур Западной Сибири и их генетическое родство с современными лошадьми аборигенных пород.
Comparative metagenomic analysis of gut microbiomes in Yunnan ponies and Dutch warmblood horses. The Yunnan pony is an officially protected pony breed in China. However, its gut microbiome characteristics remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to compare the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) profiles between Yunnan ponies and Dutch warmblood horses. Unassigned: A total of 14 fresh fecal samples were collected from Yunnan ponies and Dutch warmblood horses. Metagenomic sequencing was employed to comprehensively analyze and compare the gut microbial composition, function, and ARGs profiles between the two breeds. Unassigned: The results showed no significant differen...
First molecular detection of Theileria haneyi infection in horses in Southern Spain. Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease of equids caused by the hemoparasites , and . , a close relative of that causes mild clinical signs under experimental conditions, has been reported in several countries, adding complexity to EP ecology, diagnosis, and treatment. However, its presence in Spain remains unknown, which is concerning given the country's importance in equine genetics and international trade. Hereby, we investigated the presence of in blood samples from equids in Spain. Unassigned: Blood samples from 222 equids (218 horses, two donkeys, two mules) suspected of EP a...
Molecular and parasitological evidence of Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis infection in a horse from Brazil. Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis is an emerging human pathogen with increasing reports of infection in domestic animals. This study describes a naturally infected mare from Brazil with no history of international travel, presenting with persistent nodular cutaneous lesions and cervical lymph node enlargement, without evidence of systemic involvement. Considering the endemicity of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in the study area, as well as previous reports of equine leishmaniasis, infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum was initially suspected. Anti-L. (L.) infantum antibodies ...
Molecular prevalence of equine herpesvirus type 1 and equine herpesvirus type 4 in thoroughbred and Arabian horse facilities in Türkiye. Equine herpesvirus-1 and -4 are contagious viruses causing respiratory disease and reproductive losses in horses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in eight Turkish stud farms using RT-PCR analysis of nasal secretions, uterine fluids and aborted foal tissues. Deep nasal swabs were collected from 443 horses showing acute-onset fever and/or clinical signs of respiratory disease. Additionally, uterine swabs and tissue samples (lung, liver, spleen, thymus, kidney, heart) were obtained from 152 abortion cases. Among symptomatic horses, EHV-1 DNA was found in 2 cases (0...
Genetic variability and associations of Trakehner and other horse populations in Lithuania. To obtain genetic parameters relevant for the management of animal genetic resources, this study provides a comparative characterization of the Trakehner (TRAK) horse population in relation to four other horse populations maintained in Lithuania - Arabian (ARAB), Baltic Warmblood (BW), Lithuanian Warmblood (LW), and Zemaitukai (ZEM). These populations represent diverse histories, selection goals, and breeding practices. Pedigree data ( 22 666) and parentage verification genetic data based on blood group markers ( 1293) were used to evaluate genetic diversity, population structure, and inter-...
Evaluation of two point-of-care molecular diagnostic platforms for rapid detection of equine Hendra virus. Hendra virus (HeV) is a lethal zoonotic pathogen endemic to eastern Australia, posing significant risks to equine and human health. Rapid field detection of HeV enables timely intervention and outbreak management. This study evaluated candidate point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostic platforms for HeV detection in equine samples: including a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (DARQ RT-LAMP) assay and real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Comparative analytical evaluation demonstrated that RT-qPCR exhibited superior analytical sensitivity relativ...
Herd-level occurrence and spread of Theileria equi and its associated ticks on an Austrian horse farm. Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by the blood parasites Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi, and Babesia caballi transmitted primarily by hard ticks (Ixodidae). The clinical courses of EP range from asymptomatic to severe, and chronic infections for several years support the transmission among hosts. Methods: Over a period of two years, blood and fecal samples were taken from horses (n = 18) on a single farm in eastern Austria, starting with the first confirmed case of T. equi infection. Hard ticks (n = 1525 of Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis ...
Recent Advances in Natural Products for Colitis: Mechanisms and Translational Perspectives. Colitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder characterized by persistent mucosal inflammation, epithelial barrier disruption, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and gut microbiota imbalance. Although current therapies have improved disease management, their long-term use is still limited by incomplete response, relapse, adverse effects, and high cost. Natural products have attracted increasing attention as promising candidates for colitis intervention because of their structural diversity, broad bioactivity, and multitarget regulatory potential. In veterinary medicine, colitis and...
Whole Genome Data Uncover the Complex Origins of Polish Konik Horses. Polish Konik is a native horse breed from Poland often regarded as living descendants of the extinct Tarpan, which has been crucial to the breed's conservation status and cultural importance. To evaluate Polish Konik origins, we sequenced 12 whole genomes and compared them with 148 horse genomes, including those of modern breeds, ancient Polish horses, Przewalski horses, and the Tarpan. The ADMIXTURE results showed that Polish Konik is dominated by a single ancestral component, which is also common among ancient Polish samples and several primitive breeds. The PCA places Polish Konik in a comp...
Comparative analysis of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from ovarian follicular aspirates of young and aged mares. Mesenchymal stromal cells from equine ovarian follicular aspirates represent a promising source for cell-based therapies. However, the age of the donor mare may alter their biological properties and therapeutic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of age on MSCs from ovarian follicular aspirates of young (< 10 years, n = 5) and aged (≥ 18 years, n = 5) mares. MSCs were isolated, expanded, cryopreserved at passage 3, and subsequently thawed to evaluate proliferation, immunophenotype, differentiation capacity, and gene expression profiles. Proliferation rates, total cel...
Water and cryoprotectant permeability of mature equine oocytes: experimental measurements and in silico predictions. Vitrification of equine oocytes is an essential practice for advancing assisted reproductive technologies however, its efficiency remains limited due to the lack of stage and species-specific information on membrane permeability parameters. In this study, water (L) and CPA permeability (P) for dimethyl sulfoxide (Me₂SO) and ethylene glycol (EG) were measured in in vitro matured (MII) equine oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes were obtained from abattoir ovaries or by ovum pick-up and matured in vitro for 30 h at 6% CO. Oocytes followed ideal osmometer behavior principles, with an osmotically ...
Extinct Dalian horse as a genetic bridge between Late Pleistocene North American and Eurasian equids. Pleistocene caballine horses exhibited considerable genetic diversity and maintained broad population connectivity across their range. The extinct Dalian horse (Equus dalianensis) from northeastern China likely contributed to this network. Here, we sequenced 20 complete mitochondrial and two nuclear genomes, establishing the Dalian horse as a distinct genetic clade within Northeast Eurasian caballines and extending its known geographic distribution. Ancestry component analyses revealed a distinctive component of Eastern Beringian (E-EBer), i.e. American ancestry in Dalian horses, absent from o...
Isolation and Identification of Emerging Equine Encephalosis Virus Serotype 6 in Israel, 2023. Equine encephalosis (EE) is an arthropod-borne viral disease resembling a mild form of African horse sickness disease, which affects all species of equids. Previously, only EEV serotype 4 (EEV-4) caused sporadic outbreaks of the disease in Israel. In the summer of 2023, EE was clinically diagnosed in horses and donkeys in Israel. For laboratory confirmation, tissue cultures were inoculated with whole-blood samples obtained from sick animals. Five EEV isolates were successfully recovered in tissue and confirmed by conventional RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing of several viral genes. BLAST analysis ...
Derivation of Equine Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells via the Neural Crest Pathway and Characterisation by Immunophenotype and Tri-Lineage Differentiation. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) hold promise for treating different equine conditions but enter senescence during culture. Using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to derive MSC-like cells (iMSCs) can increase cell availability and diminish the need for invasive and repeated tissue harvesting. While human iMSCs are intensively studied, research on equine iMSCs (eqiMSCs) is very limited and has focused on strategies for spontaneous differentiation to obtain these cells. The aim of this study was to obtain MSC-like cells from equine iPSCs (eqiPSCs) by directing their differentiation vi...
Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Genetic Loci Associated with Body Measurement Traits in Yanqi Horses. Body measurement traits are a direct production indicator reflecting growth status and guiding genetic selection. Identifying molecular markers associated with body measurement traits could accelerate animal breeding programs. The Yanqi horse, an important indigenous breed in Xinjiang, is primarily distributed in the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. However, molecular markers linked to body measurement traits in Yanqi horses remain uncharacterized. In the present study, whole-genome resequencing was performed on 183 Yanqi horses, yielding 13,366,672 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP...
