Estrus Suppression in Performance Horses

No effective single-dose medications are commercially available to suppress estrus for a prolonged period of time (ie, months) in mares. Cattle implants containing small amounts of progesterone and depot injections of synthetic progestins are not effective. The only method of estrus suppression currently approved for use in the horse is Regumate, which must be administered once daily.     

Developing a checkoff program to benefit the U. S. horse industry

Financial resources are inadequate for the research, educational and promotional need of the horse industry. As a major component of American agriculture and as one of the nation's foremost recreational and entertainment industries, the horse industry generates widespread benefits to the U.S. economy. Public relations and promotional efforts are needed to foster the long-term viability and growth of the industry, to increase consumer demand for horses and horse industry products, and to increase spectator attendance at equine-related events. Research efforts are needed to reduce losses incurred by producers from equine health problems and suboptimal performance. Educational efforts are needed to disseminate research-based information on management techniques that enhance the value and productivity of horses. A proposed solution is to develop and enact a checkoff program to support promotion, research and educational needs of the horse industry. A program uniquely tailored to the industry utilizing a three-tiered approach addressing horse owners, horse industry sports participants, and equine event spectators has the potential to generate $10 to $15 million annually.     

Non-genomic actions of progesterone and estrogens in regulating reproductive events in domestic animals

It has been established that nuclear receptors mediate the action of estrogens and progestins in regulating gene expression in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-gonadal axis of domestic animals during various reproductive states. Results of recent in vitro studies suggest that estradiol-17beta and progesterone can act non-genomically to affect signal transduction responses in target cells by binding to receptors in the plasma membrane. The genomic action of steroids is generally detectable in hours to days whereas non-genomic responses of cells occur in seconds to minutes. The nature of the plasma membrane receptors for estrogens and progesterone has been explored but has not been conclusively established for all cell types studied. In the ewe, estradiol-17beta or estradiol-bovine serum albumin conjugate has been shown by in vitro and in vivo approaches to act non-genomically to suppress luteinizing hormone secretion by gonadotropes and stimulate production of nitric oxide by uterine arterial endothelial cells. Progesterone has been shown to inhibit oxytocin (OT) binding to its receptor in isolated ovine endometrial plasma membranes. This non-genomic action of progesterone blocks OT activation of the phosphoinositide cascade and production of prostaglandin F(2alpha) by ovine and bovine endometrium. The acrosome reaction of caprine and porcine spermatozoa is activated by the non-genomic action of progesterone. Further research is required to define the biological significances of the non-genomic actions of estrogens and progestins.     

马产业及其转型优势

随着社会经济的发展,马业已从传统马业转变成集赛马、休闲骑乘、马术等于一体的第三产业.发达国家已基本完成马产业的转型,我国还处于转型初期.马匹质量差、育种水平低、资金不足、关注度不够成为阻碍我国马业发展的主要因素.充分利用我国马业优势,积极借鉴发达国家经验,发展具有中国特色的马产业,是我国马业由传统马业转变成现代马业的重中之重.     

The horse–saddle–rider interaction

Common causes of poor performance in horses include factors related to the horse, the rider and/or the saddle, and their interrelationships remain challenging to determine. Horse-related factors (such as thoracolumbar region pain and/or lameness), rider-related factors (such as crookedness, inability to ride in rhythm with the horse, inability to work the horse in a correct frame to improve core strength and muscular support of the thoracolumbar spine of the horse), and saddle-related factors (such as poor fit causing focal areas of increased pressure) may all contribute to poor performance to varying degrees.Knowledge of the horse–saddle–rider interaction is limited. Traditionally, saddle fit has been evaluated in standing horses, but it is now possible to measure the force and pressure at the interface between the saddle and the horse dynamically. The purpose of this review is critically to discuss available evidence of the interaction between the horse, the rider and the saddle, highlighting not only what is known, but also what is not known.     

草业科学在现代马业发展中的研究现状

马是人类社会发展的重要组成部分,人类种草养马历史悠久,但人们对马用饲草的认识和研究还不足,致使现代马业和草业科学发展存在严重脱节现象,影响了两者的可持续发展。因此,结合现代马业发展趋势及其对饲草的利用特点,综述了草地放牧、青干草、青贮及半干青贮饲草等在现代马业发展中的研究与实践现状,并提出了现代马业发展中草业科学存在的问题及建议,以期为保障现代马业的可持续发展提供理论指导,为拓展我国现代草业科学与技术发展空间提供参考。     

马科学研究动态和马业发展

马业是历史悠久的产业．分布于世界各地，世界马业的发展方向是现代马业，以赛马为代表。综述了马的遗传改良、营养研究、繁殖技术、疾病控制等方面的研究动态．对马业的发展趋势，以及马匹的调教、管理等方面作了综合的阐述。     

Review of two viral agents of economic importance to the equine industry (equine herpesvirus-1, and equine arteritis virus)

Equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1) and equine arteritis virus (EAV) are infectious agents that cause serious health risks to horse populations and are disbursed worldwide, which can lead to significant financial losses. In addition to being responsible for abortion and neonatal death, these viruses are associated with respiratory illness. Although previous research and reviews have been written on these viruses, both viruses still affect horse populations around the world and the vaccines currently available are not completely protective, especially against EHV-1 and equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Moreover, EAV is considered a threat to the $102 billion equine industry in the United States. As a result, these viruses represent a huge threat to the horse industry and efforts geared towards preventing the outbreak of the disease are strongly encouraged. For this reason, updates about these viruses are necessary and require more and more discussion on the nature and characteristics of these viruses to know how to overcome them. Prevention and control of abortion and neonatal foal death caused by each of the two viruses depend on appropriate management strategies coupled with prophylactic vaccination. This review presents the latest detailed information on EHV-1 and EAV from several aspects such as transmission, clinical signs, pathogenesis, latest developments on the treatment of the diseases, vaccination, and finally challenges and future perspectives. The information presented herein will be useful in understanding EHV-1 and EAV and formulating policies that can help to limit the spread of these viruses within horse populations.     

The Role of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin in the Stimulation of Luteal Steroidogenesis in Mares Carrying Horse or Mule Pregnancies

The stimulatory role of equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) in the production of steroid hormones was evaluated during the first 4 months of pregnancy in mares impregnated by either stallions or jack donkeys. Twenty mares were divided in two groups: Mares in the first group were inseminated with stallion semen (horse pregnancies), and those in the second group were inseminated with donkey semen (mule pregnancies). Blood samples were collected twice weekly from day 30 to day 120 of pregnancy to determine the concentrations of eCG, progesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone. Analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to compare the concentrations of each hormone between groups. Linear regression models that considered the linear and quadratic effects of week of gestation as well as the linear and quadratic effects of the concentrations of eCG on the production of each steroid hormone were carried out. Concentrations of eCG, progesterone, and androstenedione were higher in horse than in mule pregnancies (P < .01 for eCG and P < .05 for progesterone and androstenedione). Testosterone concentrations were also higher in horse pregnancies than in mule pregnancies at weeks 7, 9, and 10 (P < .05). Regression analysis indicated that eCG had considerable stimulatory effects on the secretion of progesterone and androstenedione and weaker effects on the secretion of testosterone. The results suggest that eCG stimulates luteal production of progesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone in horse and mule pregnancies, these effects being more evident in horse pregnancies than in mule pregnancies due to the higher concentrations of eCG in horse pregnancies.     

Equine clinical genomics: A clinician's primer

The objective of this review is to introduce equine clinicians to the rapidly evolving field of clinical genomics with a vision of improving the health and welfare of the domestic horse. For 15 years a consortium of veterinary geneticists and clinicians has worked together under the umbrella of The Horse Genome Project. This group, encompassing 22 laboratories in 12 countries, has made rapid progress, developing several iterations of linkage, physical and comparative gene maps of the horse with increasing levels of detail. In early 2006, the research was greatly facilitated when the US National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health added the horse to the list of mammalian species scheduled for whole genome sequencing. The genome of the domestic horse has now been sequenced and is available to researchers worldwide in publicly accessible databases. This achievement creates the potential for transformative change within the horse industry, particularly in the fields of internal medicine, sports medicine and reproduction. The genome sequence has enabled the development of new genome‐wide tools and resources for studying inherited diseases of the horse. To date, researchers have identified 11 mutations causing 10 clinical syndromes in the horse. Testing is commercially available for all but one of these diseases. Future research will probably identify the genetic bases for other equine diseases, produce new diagnostic tests and generate novel therapeutics for some of these conditions. This will enable equine clinicians to play a critical role in ensuring the thoughtful and appropriate application of this knowledge as they assist clients with breeding and clinical decision‐making.     

Progesterone and equine chorionic gonadotropin concentrations around the time of pregnancy loss in mares impregnated by donkeys or stallions

The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of pregnancy loss of mares carrying a mule embryo with that of mares carrying a horse embryo. The possible causes of such mortality were evaluated through serial ultrasonographic evaluations and hormonal monitoring, paying special attention to the role of premature regression of the endometrial cups and its relation to inadequate luteal function.

Twenty-eight mares impregnated by stallions and 19 mares impregnated with donkey semen were evaluated ultrasonographically every week from day 20 to day 150 of pregnancy. The viability of the product was assessed each time, and the diameter of the embryonic vesicle was measured from day 25 to day 60. Blood samples for progesterone and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) determination were taken every week.

Both progesterone and eCG concentrations during normal pregnancies wegre significantly lower in the mares inseminated with donkey semen than in the mares impregnated by stallions (P<.05). In 7 of the mares carrying mule conceptuses to term, the concentrations of eCG remained basal throughout the study. In the other animals from this group, the levels of this hormone did increase but returned to baseline much earlier (on day 77 of pregnancy) than in the mares served by stallions (on day 126 day of pregnancy). There was no significant difference between the growth rate of embryonic vesicles of mares carrying mule embryos and that of mares carrying horse embryos (P>.05).

The incidence of pregnancy loss was significantly higher (P<.05) in mares carrying a mule embryo (36.8 %) than in mares carrying a horse embryo (21.4%); it occurred on average on day 93 of pregnancy in mares carrying mule embryos and on day 43 on mares carrying horse embryos. There was only 1 case in which pregnancy loss was associated with concentrations of both eCG and progesterone that were much lower than the average for the normal pregnancies of the same group, and this was in a mare carrying a horse embryo. The most frequent cause of pregnancy loss was premature luteal regression due to primary luteolysis, as evaluated via peripheral progesterone concentrations. This occurred in 2 mares carrying horse embryos and in 4 mares carrying mule embryos. Three mares carrying mule embryos and 1 carrying a horse embryo had abortions that were not preceded or accompanied by any alteration in progesterone or eCG levels and were thus classified as fetal deaths of non-endocrine origin.

It is concluded that the incidence of pregnancy loss is higher in mares carrying a mule embryo than in mares carrying a horse embryo. However, this is not due to the low progesterone concentrations associated with the premature regression of the endometrial cups that occurs in mares with interspecific pregnancy.     

基于目标规划的马饲料配方研究

中国马业正处在由传统向现代转型的初级阶段,科学的饲料配方对现代马业发展具有重要意义。作者通过对马每日的营养需求和饲料配方模型要素的分析和研究,构建了基于目标规划的马饲料配方模型。该配方模型对马需要的各项营养物质,包括干物质、消化能、粗蛋白质、钙、磷等进行优化,保证马每日对营养物质的数量、质量及其相互比例的需要,同时兼顾饲料成本;作者以速度赛用马和休闲骑乘马两种类型马为例说明基于不同饲养标准的马饲料配方的设计过程,进一步验证了该饲料配方模型的有效性。本研究对马饲料配方模型的研究具有一定的参考价值。     

Study on the Horse Feed Formulation Based on Goal Programming

Chinese horse industry is in the early stage of transition from traditional horse industry to modern horse industry. Scientific feed formula is of great practical significance to the development of modern horse industry. In this paper, the horse feed formula model based on the goal programming was constructed by analyzing and researching the horse's daily nutrition demand and the component elements of feed formula model. The formula optimized the horse's various nutrients, including dry matter, digestible energy, crude protein, calcium and phosphorus, ensured that the number of nutrients, quality and the proportion of their daily needs, and took into account the cost of feed also. Two different types of horses, race horse and riding horse were used to describe the design process for horse feed formulations based on different feed standards, and the effectiveness of the feed formula model was verified at the same time. The study would provide some reference value for the study of horse feed formula model.     

内蒙古地区马业发展趋向

内蒙古自治区马产业曾一度陷入低谷,马匹数量日益减少,质量出现严重退化。针对这些变化,深入探讨如何在保存传统马业的同时合理利用地区优势促进内蒙古自治区现代马产业发展。     

Needs Assessment: What Are the Barriers to Use of Equine Genetic Testing?

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.     

天祝县岔口驿马产业发展现状及潜力

本文针对天祝县岔口驿马产业发展的现状,分析了岔口驿马产业发展的潜在优势,通过政府扶持和政策引导,为岔口驿马产业的健康、快速发展提供了依据。     

Horse Racing and Veterinary Practices in New Jersey

The New Jersey horse racing industry has declined over the last 5 years as indicated by decreases in the number of racing days, stallions standing, mares bred, and foals registered. These changes were hypothesized to have potential negative consequences for veterinary practices. The objective of the survey was to investigate changes in veterinary practice revenue and staff over a five-year period. Members of the New Jersey Association of Equine Practitioners completed a survey detailing their involvement in the horse racing industry and breeding of racehorses. A response rate of 49% was achieved with 45% of respondents indicating they were involved in the horse racing industry as a veterinarian. Respondents indicated they decreased (44%), did not change (17%), or increased (39%) their number of staff because of changes in the horse racing industry over the past 5 years. In a similar manner, veterinarians reported decreases (48%), no change (22%), or increases (30%) in revenue. Practice revenue from the breeding of racehorses and its associated components either decreased (91%) or did not change (9%) over the past 5 years because of changes in the horse racing industry. Results indicate declines in the horse racing industry had minimal impact on veterinary practices involved in this sector of the industry. Veterinarians and practices involved in racehorse breeding and its associated components, in contrast, were negatively impacted by changes in the horse racing industry.     

Short‐ and long‐term results following standing fracture repair in 34 horses

Reasons for performing study: Standing fracture repair in the horse is a recently described surgical procedure and currently there are few follow‐up data. This case series contains 2 novel aspects in the standing horse: repair of incomplete sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx and medial condylar repair from a lateral aspect. Objectives: To describe outcome in a case series of horses that had lower limb fractures repaired under standing sedation at Rossdales Equine Hospital. Method: Case records for all horses that had a fracture surgically repaired, by one surgeon at Rossdales Equine Hospital, under standing sedation and local anaesthesia up until June 2011, were retrieved. Hospital records, owner/trainer telephone questionnaire and the Racing Post website were used to evaluate follow‐up. Results: Thirty‐four horses satisfied the inclusion criteria. Fracture sites included the proximal phalanx (incomplete sagittal fracture, n = 14); the third metacarpal bone (lateral condyle, n = 12, and medial condyle, n = 7); and the third metatarsal bone (lateral condyle, n = 1). One horse required euthanasia due to caecal rupture 10 days post operatively. Twenty horses (66.7% of those with available follow‐up) have returned to racing. Where available, mean time from operation to return to racing was 226 days (range 143–433 days). Conclusions: Standing fracture repair produced similar results to fracture repair under general anaesthesia in terms of both the number of horses that returned to racing and the time between surgery and race. Potential relevance: Repair of lower limb fracture in the horse under standing sedation is a procedure that has the potential for tangible benefits, including avoidance of the inherent risks of general anaesthesia. The preliminary findings in this series of horses are encouraging and informative when discussing options available prior to fracture repair.     

Biphasic change in correlation between ovarian lipid peroxides and progestational activity during pseudopregnancy induced in immature rats.

We measured ovarian lipid peroxide (LP) levels and plasma progestins, progesterone (P4) and 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone, throughout pseudopregnancy in gonadotropin-primed immature rats. Plasma P4 fluctuated, with two peaks on days 5 (PSP5) and 8 of pseudopregnancy, and then declined to the basal level by PSP12. Ovarian LP increased from PSP1 to PSP4, decreased temporarily until PSP8, and then rose gradually until PSP14. From PSP1 through PSP7, ovarian LP was positively correlated with total progestins according to the Spearman ranked correlation coefficient (r=+0.829, p<0.05). In contrast, a negative correlation between ovarian LP and plasma P4 was apparent (r=-0.816, p<0.05) from PSP8 to PSP14. These results show the biphasic correlation of LP with luteal progestational activity depending on the luteal stage.