http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/horses/ Equine News. All about horses including the latest in horse cloning, race horse physiology and horse health. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:05:01 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/horses/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143708.htm Scientists have decoded the genome of the domestic horse, revealing a genome structure with remarkable similarities to humans and more than one million genetic differences across a variety of horse breeds. In addition to shedding light on a key part of the mammalian branch of the evolutionary tree, the work also provides a critical starting point for mapping disease genes in horses. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101043.htm A drug commonly used to treat cattle and sometimes dogs for a blood parasite can, at a relatively high dose, completely eliminate the parasite Babesia caballi from horses, scientists have discovered. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608125103.htm Rushing to salvage fossils from the Panama Canal earthworks, a paleontology intern unearthed a set of fossil teeth. Experts identified the fossil as Anchitherium clarencei, a three-toed browsing horse. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608125103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423142541.htm Wild horses were domesticated in the Ponto-Caspian steppe region (today Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Romania) in the 3rd millennium B.C. Despite the pivotal role horses have played in the history of human societies, the process of their domestication is not well understood. In a new study, scientists have unraveled the mystery of the domestication of the horse. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423142541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415102213.htm Scientists have made a breakthrough in better understanding how Hendra virus spreads from infected horses to other horses and humans. Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415102213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330200716.htm Global warming could have chilling consequences for European livestock, warned an expert. Since 1998, rising temperatures have led to outbreaks of bluetongue across most of Europe, which have killed over two million ruminants. Related viruses, such as African horse sickness virus, with a fatality rate of more than 95 percent and sharing the same insect vectors as bluetongue, could also be introduced. Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330200716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305141627.htm Archaeologists have uncovered the earliest known evidence of horses being domesticated by humans. The discovery suggests that horses were both ridden and milked. The findings could point to the very beginnings of horse domestication and the origins of the horse breeds we know today. Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305141627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090122080933.htm Biologists are working to conserve and restore endangered horse mussel reefs in Strangford Lough. Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090122080933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081026100516.htm Needles are often equated with pain and discomfort; however, for a horse named Gypsy the tiny sharp objects brought about much needed relief as a professor administered acupuncture therapy. Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081026100516.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021094010.htm In a potential breakthrough for the performance horse industry (such as racing and polo), scientists are aiming to harness stem cells to repair tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone damage in horses. Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021094010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080925072438.htm A team of researchers has been working to unlock the secrets of equines. Their findings may lead to better muscular horse health and a new approach to breathing devices for people. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080925072438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080912091721.htm A PhD thesis analyzes the nutritional state of the larvae of anchovy, sardine and horse-mackerel, as well as their growth strategy. Its conclusions point to the Bay of Biscay being a good feeding ground for these species. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080912091721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820081203.htm When the horses and competitors go through their paces at the Summer Olympics in Hong Kong in 2008, it will be very hot and very humid -- just as it is every summer there. Three special blankets will offer the Swiss teams' tournament horses some respite from the elements. When the animals move from their air-conditioned stables to the tournament venue, they will be protected from the brilliant sunshine by cooling covers. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820081203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080815170625.htm Young horses may be easier to train if they temporarily lay off the sweets, says a Montana State University study. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080815170625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720150203.htm White horses are colored horses that turn grey, then white, at a very young age. The white horse is an icon for dignity which has had a huge impact on human culture across the world. Scientists have now identified the mutation causing this spectacular trait and show that it can be traced back to an ancestor that lived thousands of years ago. The study is interesting for medical research since this mutation also increases the risk of melanoma. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720150203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707100208.htm Scientists have carried out studies both into the advantages of different rider techniques in reducing injury risk to horses, and into the benefits of a method of equine rehabilitation. By using computer modelling and specialist horseshoes to measure acceleration, these investigations suggest that aqua-training rehabilitation methods are beneficial whereas rising trot may not be as advantageous as previously thought. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707100208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616160142.htm Veterinarians at the Smithsonian's National Zoo performed the first successful reverse vasectomy on a Przewalski's horse. Przewalksi's horses are a horse species native to China and Mongolia that was declared extinct in the wild in 1970. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616160142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080318124104.htm The canine influenza virus, first identified in 2004, had been circulating in the greyhound population for at least five years prior to its discovery and may have been responsible for numerous outbreaks of respiratory disease among dogs at racing tracks during that period, according to new research. Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080318124104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213104634.htm One professor of pathology and genetics has spent more than 30 years working to make sure certain living pieces of history -- some dating to the 15th century -- don't become extinct. His brand of living history comes in the form of various rare strains of livestock, which were involved in events like Christopher Columbus' discovery of the Caribbean Islands and the Spanish conquest of the Americas. Sun, 17 Feb 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213104634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071123202701.htm Invasive plants are rapidly becoming a threat to wildlands. One of the ways these aliens are dispersed is through large mammals that forage and excrete seeds in new locations. A new study has found horses to be a source of dispersal along recreational trails in Colorado. Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071123202701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071109091104.htm Microbiologists show that change in just one amino acid in a horse herpes virus can make all the difference between triggering a cold or a life-threatening neurological disorder. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071109091104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071105144759.htm Equine muscle glycogen stores require sufficient time for post-exercise repletion. Repletion cannot be hastened in any way other than rest. If the diet is normal and the horse consumes the feed provided, neither extra carbohydrate nor extra fat will enhance the repletion of muscle glycogen stores. Dietary supplements may actually inhibit repletion, according to the researcher. Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071105144759.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070709091803.htm Horses face serious health risks because of obesity, according to recent research. Fifty-one percent of the horses evaluated during the pioneering research were determined to be overweight or obese -- and may be subject to serious health problems like laminitis and hyperinsulinemia. And just like people, it appears as though the culprits are over-eating and lack of exercise. Tue, 10 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070709091803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070611134032.htm Scientists are researching what made the undefeated 18th Century horse, Eclipse, such a great champion. The genetics research is giving insights into the origins of the world's thoroughbred racing stock, including the sensational 1867 Derby winner, Hermit. Thu, 14 Jun 2007 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070611134032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070611122243.htm While much of the Midwest has recovered from the drought that parched the area last year, horses are continuing to experience effects from the hot dry summer of 2006. Due to a bad hay crop, University of Missouri-Columbia veterinarians are reporting an increased number of horses with chronic selenosis and vitamin E deficiency, problems that can be fatal. Wed, 13 Jun 2007 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070611122243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070424121744.htm Horses are inheritably couch potatoes. An overeating, slothful horse leads to an obese horse. Unlike humans, however, horse owners often don't see the dangers of an obese horse. Caretakers may see no harm in giving their horses rich foods, but obesity in horses is just as unhealthy as obesity in humans and can lead to fatal diseases. Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070424121744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070207101856.htm The first draft of the horse genome sequence has been deposited in public databases and is freely available for use by biomedical and veterinary researchers around the globe, leaders of the international Horse Genome Sequencing Project announced today. Wed, 07 Feb 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070207101856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070205193746.htm As anyone who's ever injured a knee or elbow will tell you, recovery can be a long and painful process. Cartilage is an exceptionally slow-healing tissue, and, until now, the missing or damaged tissue is often irreplaceable. Researchers at the University of Guelph are hoping stem cells might provide the needed tissue replacements. Tue, 06 Feb 2007 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070205193746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061023192518.htm Soil from a Copper Age site in northern Kazakhstan has yielded new evidence for domesticated horses up to 5,600 years ago. The discovery, consisting of phosphorus-enriched soils inside what appear to be the remains of horse corrals, matches what would be expected from Earth once enriched by horse manure. The Krasnyi Yar site was inhabited by people of the Botai culture of the Eurasian steppe, who relied heavily on horses for food, tools and transport. Fri, 03 Nov 2006 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061023192518.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061012092302.htm The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, making its way from the U.S. House to the Senate, could leave thousands of horses with no final resting ground. Composting may be an environmentally friendly option that fits in the 'circle of life' frame of mind and may be less emotional, two area researchers said. Thu, 12 Oct 2006 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061012092302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060915203515.htm Biomedical researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have taken an important early step toward developing effective drug therapies against Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus, a potential bioterrorist weapon. Their achievement: Determining the precise structure of a protein that the virus requires for replication. Sun, 24 Sep 2006 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060915203515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060623093754.htm A new study by veterinary researchers at Oregon State University has linked a major epidemic of abortion a few years ago in Kentucky Thoroughbred mares to infection with vesivirus, the first time the virus has been suggested to cause this type of problem in horses. The findings add another concern to the health issues associated with this virus, which is a part of the Caliciviridae viral family that can infect and cause health problems in many animal species, including humans. Fri, 23 Jun 2006 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060623093754.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060517082254.htm It will be nature vs. nurture when the University of Idaho's two mule clones Idaho Gem and Idaho Star take to the racetrack at Winnemucca, Nev., June 3 and 4 for the first leg of mule racing's triple crown. The mules will become the first cloned athletes to participate in any sport. Wed, 17 May 2006 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060517082254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060505084954.htm New research shows that pre-historic horses in Alaska may have been hunted into extinction by man, rather than by climate change as previously thought. The discovery by Andrew Solow of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, US, David Roberts of the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew and Karen Robbirt of the University of East Anglia (UEA) is published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Fri, 05 May 2006 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060505084954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060501232456.htm When the elite horses of the Kentucky Derby jump from the gate on May 6, will the physiologists who study them be able to predict the likely winner? Exercise physiologists have used horses for research for hundreds of years because the equine athlete's blood vessels are large, they love to exercise, and they are domesticated, noted Eric K. Birks, assistant professor of exercise physiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Tue, 02 May 2006 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060501232456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060412091247.htm David Berlinsky, an associate professor of zoology at the University of New Hampshire, is studying what triggers sex reversal in black sea bass -- and how to prevent it. The sought-after fish is a good candidate for aquaculture on the east coast, except for its unpredictable tendency to change sex in captivity. Wed, 12 Apr 2006 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060412091247.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060409153126.htm A horse's saddle and the weight of its rider can cause spinal abnormalities horses. Patricia de Cocq, from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, will present novel data showing that when a horse bears the weight of a rider it adjusts the position of its back and alters its limb movements, which makes it prone to back-pain. "The goal of this study is to advise horse trainers and saddle fitters on how to prevent injuries," explains de Cocq. Sun, 09 Apr 2006 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060409153126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/03/060330084126.htm Antibodies against the bird flu virus H5N1, derived from horses, prevent mice infected with H5N1 from dying from the virus. A study published in the open access journal Respiratory Research reveals that a dose of 100 µg of horse anti-serum effectively protects infected mice. Thu, 30 Mar 2006 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/03/060330084126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/02/060215225826.htm The University of Liverpool is offering a new form of equine cataract removal surgery on a routine basis, which could save the sight of thousands of horses. Professor Derek Knottenbelt from the University's Division of Equine Studies and Professor David Wong from the Ophthalmology Research Unit, have developed a unique approach to cataract removal operations combining techniques used on humans and animals. The new surgery is proving consistently successful in restoring complete sight to patients without post-operative symptoms. Wed, 15 Feb 2006 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/02/060215225826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/01/060117084039.htm Successful births and vigorous offspring are the rule for equine clones, University of Idaho veterinary scientist Dirk Vanderwall said Jan. 10, but pregnancies still are challenging to establish. Smithsonian National Zoological Park researcher Budhan S. Pukazhenthi and Vanderwall were invited to address advances in biotechnology and species conservation during the annual conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society in Orlando, Fla. Wed, 18 Jan 2006 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/01/060117084039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/09/050928074749.htm A Cornell University virologist has isolated a highly contagious equine flu virus that is spreading a sometimes-fatal respiratory flu among dogs, and is responsible for a major dog-flu outbreak in New York state. There is no evidence that the virus could infect people. This is the first time an equine flu virus has been found to jump species. Wed, 28 Sep 2005 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/09/050928074749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/09/050915004402.htm A respiratory disorder that causes thoroughbred racehorses to hemorrhage during competition may seriously hamper some horses' chances of winning a race. A new study in Australia found that horses with more severe forms of this disorder, called exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) trailed the winner by an average of 14 feet (4.36 meters). EIPH causes blood to leak from the pulmonary artery into the bronchial tubes and windpipe during intense exercise, making it harder for an animal to breathe. Thu, 15 Sep 2005 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/09/050915004402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/05/050523092236.htm Oklahoma State physiologists may have found a common link to problems suffered by athletes, horses and cold-air workers that could lead to progress in understanding development of asthma and explain why winter is "flu season." Specifically, their "data are the first to provide a specific mechanism for the exercise-induced open-window effect as a local pulmonary phenomenon." The research involved horses exercising while breathing below-freezing air. Results provide direction toward equine "heaves" progress. Mon, 23 May 2005 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/05/050523092236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050321083507.htm The old gray mare, she ain’t what she used to be, says a University of Florida researcher whose findings show that the evolution of horses had more twists and turns than previously thought. Mon, 21 Mar 2005 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050321083507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041116231740.htm Around 80 per cent of modern thoroughbred racehorses have in their pedigree the 18th century horse Eclipse, which went its entire racing career unbeaten. Two hundred years later the question of what makes a fast racehorse still perplexes trainers and racing fans but researchers at The Royal Veterinary College may have found the answer to this and other questions on animal locomotion. Thu, 18 Nov 2004 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041116231740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/09/040921073859.htm More than 2,400 years after Hippocrates first described the symptoms of glanders, scientists have deciphered the genetic code of the ancient pathogen that causes the horse disease: Burkholderia mallei. Wed, 22 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/09/040921073859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/07/040726090604.htm Antibiotics can save lives. But the increasing occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria presents a number of challenges for researchers in medicine. Wed, 28 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/07/040726090604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/04/040429055247.htm In what is believed to be the first scientific report of equine influenza virus jumping the species barrier, University of Florida veterinary researchers say the virus is the likely cause of a respiratory disease outbreak that killed eight racing greyhounds from kennels in Jacksonville in January. Thu, 29 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/04/040429055247.htm