Research Trends and Emerging Frontiers in Racehorse Genetics: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Overview

• This study analyzes the trends and future directions in racehorse genetics research using bibliometric methods, revealing a shift from single-gene studies to broader genomic and ethical considerations in horse breeding.

Introduction and Purpose

• The horse racing industry depends greatly on selective breeding to optimize athletic traits in racehorses.
• A deep molecular-level understanding of genetics is essential for improving breeding strategies and advancing the industry.
• This study aims to map the academic research landscape in equine genetics from 2011 to 2025, identifying key contributors, collaboration networks, and emerging research themes.

Methodology

• Data Source: 869 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection covering the period 2011-2025.
• Tools Used:
  • Bibliometrix – for quantitative analysis of bibliographic data.
  • VOSviewer – to visualize and explore networks of authors, institutions, and keyword co-occurrences.
  • CiteSpace – for identifying trends, bursts of activity, and collaboration patterns within the literature.

Key Findings

• Trends in Publication:
  • There has been a notable increase in the number of scientific publications on racehorse genetics since 2019, indicating growing research interest.
• Geographical Contributions:
  • The United States, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are the leading countries contributing most actively to academic output in this field.
• Institutional Networks:
  • The University of California, Davis, and University College Dublin have emerged as central hubs driving global research collaborations.
  • There is a highly structured and interconnected global network of institutions working collaboratively.
• Evolution of Research Themes:
  • Early research focused on single candidate genes related to performance traits, notably the MSTN gene, which is linked to muscle development and speed.
  • A shift to large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) enabled a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of athletic traits.
  • Most recent studies incorporate functional genomics—a branch looking at gene expression and protein function—and address ethical issues such as gene doping.
• Emerging Research Frontiers:
  • Topics such as “gene doping,” which involves illicit genetic enhancement of horses, highlight concerns about ethics and regulation in racing.
  • “Homozygosity” studies focus on genetic diversity and inbreeding risks within breeding populations, aiming at maintaining healthy genetic variation.
  • “Risk factors” pertain to understanding genetic predispositions to health problems, which may impact the wellbeing and career longevity of racehorses.
  • The field is moving from purely performance-oriented breeding toward a holistic framework that balances athletic excellence with health and genetic diversity considerations.

Implications and Applications

• The comprehensive bibliometric analysis provides researchers with a strategic overview of current trends and emerging priorities in equine genetics research.
• It guides researchers to focus on integrative approaches that combine phenotype data, genome-wide genetic information, and ethical considerations for sustainable breeding.
• By highlighting key countries and institutions, the study encourages enhanced international collaboration and resource sharing.
• Insights into gene doping and bioethics inform policymakers and regulatory bodies to anticipate challenges and implement oversight mechanisms in horse racing.
• The roadmap created can help streamline future studies aiming to optimize genomic selection techniques that improve racehorse performance while safeguarding health and genetic diversity.

Conclusion

• This bibliometric study reveals that racehorse genetics research is rapidly evolving.
• Transitioning from examining individual genes to embracing genome-wide analyses and ethical factors marks a paradigm shift in the field.
• These advances support a balanced approach to breeding that integrates performance traits, animal welfare, and genetic diversity.
• The detailed mapping of global research contributors and themes sets the stage for collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts to advance the science and application of equine genomics.