Non-surgical sterilisation methods may offer a sustainable solution to feral horse (Equus caballus) overpopulation.
Abstract: Feral horses are a significant pest species in many parts of the world, contributing to land erosion, weed dispersal and the loss of native flora and fauna. There is an urgent need to modify feral horse management strategies to achieve public acceptance and long-term population control. One way to achieve this is by using non-surgical methods of sterilisation, which are suitable in the context of this mobile and long-lived species. In this review we consider the benefits of implementing novel mechanisms designed to elicit a state of permanent sterility (including redox cycling to generate oxidative stress in the gonad, random peptide phage display to target non-renewable germ cells and the generation of autoantibodies against proteins essential for conception via covalent modification) compared with that of traditional immunocontraceptive approaches. The need for a better understanding of mare folliculogenesis and conception factors, including maternal recognition of pregnancy, is also reviewed because they hold considerable potential in providing a non-surgical mechanism for sterilisation. In conclusion, the authors contend that non-surgical measures that are single shot and irreversible may provide a sustainable and effective strategy for feral horse control.
Publication Date: 2016-10-05 PubMed ID: 27700983DOI: 10.1071/RD16200Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Review
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.
The research article seeks to propose non-surgical sterilisation methods as an effective, sustainable solution to controlling the overpopulation of feral horses that cause significant environmental damage.
Understanding the Problem
- The paper starts by stating the issue at hand – the overpopulation of feral horses which has led to various environmental problems such as land erosion, weed dispersal, and loss of native flora and fauna.
- It suggests the urgent need to modify existing feral horse management strategies to gain public support and implement long-term population control solutions.
Non-Surgical Sterilisation Methods
- One such solution proposed is the use of non-surgical methods of sterilisation, which are deemed suitable considering the mobile and long-lived nature of this species.
- The paper then proceeds to discuss the benefits of implementing new mechanisms designed to induce permanent sterility.
Innovative Sterilisation Mechanisms
- The mechanisms include inducing oxidative stress in the gonad through redox cycling, using random peptide phage display to target germ cells that are non-renewable, and producing autoantibodies against proteins essential for conception through covalent modification.
- These methods are compared to traditional immunocontraceptive methods, underlining the advantages of the proposed mechanisms.
Recognizing Key Factors in Sterilisation
- One key aspect identified in the study is a better understanding of mare folliculogenesis and conception factors, particularly maternal recognition of pregnancy.
- These are considered crucial in creating non-surgical sterilisation mechanisms.
Conclusion: Prospects for Feral Horse Control
- In conclusion, the authors assert that non-surgical measures are not only effective but also a single-shot and irreversible way to control feral horse populations.
- They argue that these can thus provide a sustainable strategy for feral horse control.
Cite This Article
APA
Hall SE, Nixon B, Aitken RJ.
(2016).
Non-surgical sterilisation methods may offer a sustainable solution to feral horse (Equus caballus) overpopulation.
Reprod Fertil Dev, 29(9), 1655-1666.
https://doi.org/10.1071/RD16200 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Wild
- Contraception, Immunologic / veterinary
- Female
- Horses
- Population Control / methods
- Sterilization
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- French H, Segabinazzi L, Middlebrooks B, Peterson E, Schulman M, Roth R, Crampton M, Conan A, Marchi S, Gilbert T, Knobel D, Bertschinger H. Efficacy and Safety of Native and Recombinant Zona Pellucida Immunocontraceptive Vaccines Formulated with Non-Freund's Adjuvants in Donkeys. Vaccines (Basel) 2022 Nov 24;10(12).
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
