Needs Assessment: What Are the Barriers to Use of Equine Genetic Testing?
Abstract: Genetic testing offers precise and accurate data to horse owners concerning their horse's health and offers potential economic value increases of foal crops via genome-assisted selection. Despite availability of at least 96 commercially available markers, fewer than 20 are commonly used. This project seeks to identify the barriers to the incorporation of genomic tools in diverse equine operations. Based on studies examining public opinion of human medical testing, we expected that lack of genetic education and few industry requirements for testing may contribute to neutral or negative opinions regarding genomic tools for horses. We developed a 20 total question survey to capture demographic information such as facility size, type, and primary breed, as well as horse owner familiarity, use, and outlook regarding equine genetic testing. Question types included multiple choice, Likert-type scale, and open-ended response. Recruitment through county extension agents and breed organizations supplied a broad sampling of the Florida horse industry. Responses were collected from February through May 2019. Data showed that 25% of horse owners had genetically tested their horses (n = 60). Of these consumers, 80% rated the quality of their experience as "excellent" or "good" (n = 15). There was a significant positive association between genetic education and likelihood to genetically test. Most respondents (65%) were interested in receiving information regarding genetic testing. Study participants preferred to find materials on genetic testing through Web-based articles and veterinarians. Results of this study will provide researchers with critical knowledge of their audience's needs and a roadmap to tailor future educational resources.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2019-12-04 PubMed ID: 31952642DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102876Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article discusses an assessment of the challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of genetic testing tools within the horse industry, despite the known benefits they offer.
Understanding the Research
The researchers mention that while there are as many as 96 commercially available genomic tools that can enhance value and improve health outcomes in equine populations, only a handful of them are actually used. Their aim is to identify the factors that might be causing the hesitancy in incorporating these tests into diverse horse care and breeding practices.
- The study was based on the hypothesis that lack of genetic education and minimum industry requirements for testing may be generating neutral to negative opinions among horse owners regarding genomic tools for equines.
- The researchers developed a 20-question survey to gather demographic data and understand horse owners’ familiarity, usage, and viewpoint about equine genetic testing. The questionnaire was a mix of multiple-choice, Likert-type scale, and open-ended response questions.
- They reached out to a wide sampling group across the Florida horse industry via county extension agents and breed organizations.
- Data was collected over a span of three months from February to May 2019.
Research Findings
- The data revealed that only 25% of horse owners had had their horses genetically tested.
- However, among those who did opt for genetic testing, 80% rated their experience as “excellent” or “good”.
- A significant positive correlation was found between genetic education and the likelihood of opting for genetic testing.
- Most (65%) respondents showed interest in learning more about genetic testing.
- Participants preferred getting this information via web-based articles and veterinarians.
Study Implications
These findings will help provide a deeper understanding of the needs of the audience. It can enable researchers to tailor more effective educational materials and strategies to increase the uptake of genetic testing in horse management and breeding. This would ultimately lead to health and economic benefits in the equine industry.
Cite This Article
APA
Hammons V, Brooks SA, Wickens C.
(2019).
Needs Assessment: What Are the Barriers to Use of Equine Genetic Testing?
J Equine Vet Sci, 85, 102876.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102876 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
- Department of Animal Sciences, UF Genetics Institute/University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Electronic address: Samantha.brooks@ufl.edu.
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Florida
- Genetic Testing / veterinary
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Horse Diseases
- Horses
- Humans
- Surveys and Questionnaires
Citations
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