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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anim Breed Genet / Is There a Genetic Link Between Resting Infrared Thermograph...
Journal of animal breeding and genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zuchtungsbiologie2025; doi: 10.1111/jbg.70038

Is There a Genetic Link Between Resting Infrared Thermography in Young Horses and Longevity in Jumping Competition?

Abstract: The objective was to evaluate the genetic relationship between the surface temperature of regions of interest, measured using infrared images of young horses and functional longevity in jumping. This relationship was assessed by comparing the temperatures measured in the offspring of two groups of sires, one favourable and one unfavourable, to longevity. The study used a specific data collection protocol on a sample of 921 young progeny, before they began competing, of 141 extreme stallions, comprising 61 favourable and 80 unfavourable sires. These stallions had been selected based on estimated breeding values for functional longevity derived from official competition data of 202,320 horses. Infrared imaging provided 49 temperature variables, including average and maximum values for regions of interest such as temperature differences from the body for eyes, hocks, fetlocks, feet, carpi and back. It also included differentials between these regions, asymmetry between right and left sides and variability within each area. Heritability was estimated using a mixed model with fixed effects, of age, sex, coat colour, weight and visit, along with random genetic effects (considering a pedigree of 8002 horses). The effect of temperature on the group of sires was assessed using multivariate partial least squares logistic regression, adjusting temperature for fixed effects. Results indicated high heritability for the temperature of regions of interest: body (0.53 ± 0.14), carpi (0.55 ± 0.19), fetlocks (0.47 ± 0.12), feet (0.46 ± 0.12 and 0.38 ± 0.12). Lower heritability was observed for differences between regions (around 0.20) and even lower for asymmetry and variability. Lower average and maximum eye temperatures, lateral asymmetry in hind feet temperature and temperature variability in the back were associated with a higher probability of belonging to the favourable group of sires for functional longevity. Infrared imaging may be a tool for identifying easily measurable selection criteria associated with longevity. Given the limited number of horses, the limited number of significant variables associated with the group of sires and the specificity of the protocol, verification and validation studies are necessary before its use.
© 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2025-12-09 PubMed ID: 41363171DOI: 10.1111/jbg.70038Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study investigates the genetic link between resting surface temperature patterns, measured via infrared thermography in young horses, and their potential for long-term success in jumping competitions.
  • The research compares temperature measurements in offspring from sires known to have either favorable or unfavorable genetic traits for functional longevity in jumping.

Research Objectives

  • Evaluate whether the surface temperature of specific body regions in young horses correlates genetically with their functional longevity in jumping sport.
  • Compare temperature traits between offspring of sires with high versus low estimated breeding values for longevity.
  • Determine if infrared thermography can serve as a tool for early selection of horses with better longevity potential.

Study Design and Methods

  • Subjects:
    • 921 young horses, offspring of 141 stallions.
    • Stallions categorized into two groups based on functional longevity estimated breeding values (EBVs): 61 favorable sires and 80 unfavorable sires.
    • EBVs were derived from competition data on 202,320 horses, ensuring robust genetic background information.
  • Data Collection:
    • Infrared images were taken from the horses before they began competing.
    • Regions of interest (ROIs) included eyes, hocks, fetlocks, feet, carpi, and back.
    • 49 temperature variables recorded, including:
      • Average and maximum temperatures per ROI.
      • Temperature differences from the body baseline.
      • Temperature differentials between paired regions (right vs. left asymmetry).
      • Temperature variability within regions.
  • Statistical Analysis:
    • Heritability estimates calculated using a mixed-effects model that included:
      • Fixed effects: age, sex, coat color, weight, and visit.
      • Random genetic effects based on pedigree data of 8002 horses.
    • Differences in temperature variables between offspring of favorable and unfavorable sires were assessed using multivariate partial least squares logistic regression.
    • Temperature data adjusted for fixed effects before modeling.

Key Findings

  • Heritability estimates were relatively high for temperature measures in specific regions:
    • Body: 0.53 ± 0.14
    • Carpi: 0.55 ± 0.19
    • Fetlocks: 0.47 ± 0.12
    • Feet: 0.46 ± 0.12 and 0.38 ± 0.12 for different measurements
  • Heritability was lower for temperature differences between regions (~0.20) and even lower for asymmetry and variability within regions.
  • Horses with certain thermal traits were more likely to descend from sires with favorable functional longevity:
    • Lower average and maximum eye temperatures.
    • Lateral asymmetry in hind feet temperature.
    • Temperature variability in the back region.
  • These traits may serve as easily measurable markers for longevity potential in jumpers.

Implications and Recommendations

  • Infrared thermography shows promise as a non-invasive, early indicator of genetic longevity potential in jumping horses.
  • The high heritability of temperature measures in certain regions suggests a meaningful genetic component amenable to selection.
  • However, the relatively small number of significant temperature variables related to longevity and the specificity of the protocol warrant caution.
  • Further verification and validation studies are necessary before thermography measures can be widely applied in breeding and selection programs.
  • Future research should include:
    • Larger sample sizes to confirm findings.
    • Standardization of infrared imaging protocols.
    • Exploration of the biological mechanisms linking surface temperature to functional longevity.

Cite This Article

APA
Ricard A, Deretz S, Menard C, Priest BDS. (2025). Is There a Genetic Link Between Resting Infrared Thermography in Young Horses and Longevity in Jumping Competition? J Anim Breed Genet. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbg.70038

Publication

Journal of animal breeding and genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zuchtungsbiologie
ISSN: 1439-0388
NlmUniqueID: 100955807
Country: Germany
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Ricard, Anne
  • Pole Développement Innovation et Recherche, IFCE, Gouffern en Auge, France.
  • Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
Deretz, Séverine
  • Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
Menard, Cathy
  • Pole Développement Innovation et Recherche, IFCE, Gouffern en Auge, France.
Priest, Bernard Dumont Saint
  • Pole Développement Innovation et Recherche, IFCE, Gouffern en Auge, France.

Grant Funding

  • Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement
  • IFCE
  • Fonds Eperon

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