bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mechanics of equine locomotion: a review of progress in our understanding of the mechanical basis of locomotor performance and disease
Authors: Burn J F 
Published: June 2019

In this chapter we will review how the principles of mechanics can be used to address scientific questions relating to equine performance and disease.Performance can be defined in terms of fundamental qualities or at an applied level. Energetic efficiency, speed, acceleration, endurance capacity, stability, and manoeuvrability, are recognised as fundamental selection pressures in the evolution of terrestrial locomotion. These contribute individually or in combination to performance in a particular sport. Whereas the capacity to achieve the highest value of the outcome measure for a particular sport might be used as an overall measure of performance however, it is more useful for the purpose of scientific investigation to consider performance in terms of more fundamental quantities. The overall aim is generally to relate locomotor form (morphology), function (movement), and environmental factors to fundamental measures of performance.Size (indicated by body mass) has an important effect on the form of the locomotor systems of terrestrial animals.
The putative reward function of equine stereotypic behaviour
Authors: Hemmings A J , McBride S D , Smith N C 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA review of physiology and behaviour–based studies on the function of stereotypic behaviour indicates contradiction and inconsistency within the literature. By considering appropriate neurochemical data alongside an existing model of motivation (Hughes and Duncan, 1988), a greater understanding of the function of stereotypy may be gained. The Hughes and Duncan model (1988), described stereotypies as highly motivated appetitive behaviours performed repeatedly in an environment where consummatory goals are denied. Moreover, appetitive behaviours activate reward circuitry such as the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens and are thus considered to have a reward value associated with their performance (Carr, 2002; Jones et al., 1990). Stress induced sensitisation of reward circuitry may result in appetitive ‘stereotypies’ having increased reward value, perhaps becoming consummatory in their own right. In such a scenario, stereotypic behaviour could function as a coping tool, allowing the animal to counter the effects of an aversive environment.
Equine neutrophil elastase 2A concentrations in tracheal wash preparations and synovial fluid as a potential objective marker for inflammatory airway and joint diseases in horses
Authors: Dagleish M P 
Published: June 2019

Neutrophil elastase (NE), a powerful proteolytic enzyme found within the primary cytoplasmic granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), is capable of degrading almost any component of the extracellular pulmonary matrix and forms part of the cells’ armoury against invading microbes (Crystal, 1996; Haslett, Savill and Meagher, 1989). It is essential during inflammation for diapedesis and migration to extravascular compartments (Henson and Johnson, 1987), oxygen independent bactericidal activity and the remodelling of damaged tissues (Ganz, Metcalf, Gallin and Lehrer, 1987) and is crucial for health as an absence results in increased susceptibility to pyogenic infections which, if untreated, are eventually fatal. Mature PMN contain a finite amount of NE (Campbell, Silverman and Campbell, 1989) which can only be synthesized during development within the bone marrow, especially the pro–myelocyte stage (Fouret, duBois, Bernaudin, Takahashi, Ferrans and Crystal, 1989).PMN are often the first white blood cells to be attracted to an inflamed and/or infected area within the body and can persist there due to their role in remodelling damaged tissue.
Equine forages and grassland management
Authors: Bax J , Lane G P F 
Published: June 2019

There are about 900,000 horses kept in the UK for leisure and a further 65,000 kept professionally (British Horse Society, 2003). Altogether about 800,000 ha are utilised for grazing and feeding horses, making the equine industry the second largest in the UK land based sector, after agriculture. The purpose of this paper is to review the present information on the management of grassland for horse grazing and for conserved forage, to identify some current issues and to postulate some areas for future research and development.Maximizing the contribution made by grazing to the nutrition of the horse is a reasonable goal if economy is the main priority. Even if this is not the case, horses have a need to satisfy their natural instinct to graze. The deterioration of poorly managed grassland associated with equine enterprises is well documented (Odberg and Francis–Smith, 1976, and Judd et al., 2001). Horse grazing differs from grazing by cattle and sheep, in particular in the way that they select species and in the spatial pattern of their grazing.
The challenge of attracting and retaining sponsorship in eventing
Authors: Bowden L , Walsh R 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEventing is a very expensive sport to organise and run and relies heavily upon sponsorship funding to enable it to remain financially viable. This research is concerned with the challenges that events face in attracting and retaining sponsorship and what can be done to address these problems, resulting in a clearer understanding of what makes a successful sponsorship. Fourteen interviews were conducted with both event organisers and sponsoring companies, as well four people who are considered to be knowledgeable about sponsorship within the equine industry, to ensure that a balanced view of the issues was gained. The research found that the industry suffers from a culture of patronage with some companies sponsoring eventing for altruistic reasons. They see sponsorship as a way of raising public awareness and of building goodwill with their customers by being seen to put something back into a sport that their customers care about. Sponsors commented that sponsorship impresses people and gives them an idea about the values of the company and where it is positioned within the industry. They saw the sponsored event as an opportunity for them to entertain clients, customers, press and other business professionals, often in very beautiful surroundings. As eventing attracts more AB and C1 competitors and spectators than any other sport, it can offer sponsors an opportunity for highly targeted marketing to a sector of the population who are acknowledged to be difficult to reach via traditional advertising. Sponsors are interested in getting value for money from their sponsorship, and they expect to be dealt with in a professional manner. Event organisers need to demonstrate clearly how the sponsorship will benefit the company and ensure that they meet all of the sponsors’ business objectives. Sponsors expect to have name and brand awareness delivered to their target audience at the event, thus organisers must ensure that this happens by providing good branding opportunities. In order to gain the maximum benefit from the sponsorship, the sponsoring company needs to promote and publicise the sponsorship as much as possible by integrating it across their whole marketing strategy. This can be a great advantage to the event organiser as it raises the profile of the event. Events at the top end of the sport were found to have good sponsorship deals in place and the organisers said that they did not need sponsorship to make their events viable. However, the smaller events at grassroots level are only viable if sufficient sponsorship can be found. One interviewee suggested that these small events need to target smaller local companies who could benefit from raising their public profile in the local area. The event organisers interviewed feel undervalued by British Eventing, the sport’s governing body, and think that British Eventing could do more to support event organisers in attracting and retaining sponsorship. This is particularly crucial at grassroots level, because without sponsorship these events are not financially viable.
Meal frequency and stereotypic behaviour in stabled horses
Authors: Cooper J J , Johnson S , McCall N , Davidson N 
Published: June 2019

Locomotor stereotypies such as weaving and nodding are commonly observed as pre–feeding activity in stabled horses (Cooper, McDonald and Mills, 2001), whilst oral activities such as crib–biting and woodchewing may be associated with the post–feeding period (McGreevy and Nicol, 1998) particularly in horses fed a low–fibre concentrate (Nicolet al., 2002). In this study, we investigated the effect of increasing the number of meals of concentrate whilst maintaining the same daily concentrate intake, on the behaviour of stabled horses with particular reference to stereotypic activities such as weaving and crib–biting. The study was carried out on a working equestrian yard with stables for up to 50 horses.A pilot study was used to record incidence of stereotypic behaviour and to select subjects for the main study. In this, the behaviour of 30 warm–blooded horses was recorded during their morning (0830h) and afternoon (1630h) concentrate meals. Each meal consisted of 0.5kg of a commercial feed, mixed with 1kg of soaked sugar beet pulp and 0.5kg of chopped hay and straw mixed in a bucket.
The effect of odour on the autonomic status of the horse
Authors: Boyle N , Clarke L , Geering R 
Published: June 2019

It is well established that the equid olfactory system is highly sensitive. It has been suggested that there is an intimate link between the sense of smell in the horse (Williams, 1995) and the fight and flight response, which is mediated by the autonomic nervous system (Marlin and Nankervis, 2002), thus affecting the heart. In humans, it has been demonstrated that lavender can have a pronounced impact on heart rate variability (Saeki, 2000) but it is not yet know whether the autonomic nervous system of the horse can be influenced by odour. It is the aim of the study to determine the effect of odour on the autonomic status of the horses.Eight geldings were used in the study and the electrical activity of their heart was assessed using the “Polar S810” telemetric system before and during the presentation of either pig faeces or lavender to the horses’ nostrils. The experiment was conducted over a two–day period so that their response to both odours could be determined.
Gender differences in equine visuo–spatial ability
Authors: Murphy J , Waldmann T , Arkins S 
Published: June 2019

Visuo–spatial ability has been defined as the mechanism that allows individuals to keep track of their changing spatial relationships as they move through their environment (Farrell and Robertson, 2000). In many species, moderate to large differences in visuo–spatial ability have been reported between genders, with superior visuo–spatial ability being reported in males of all species investigated to date (Masters and Sanders, 1993). There is an acknowledged preference among trainers and owners toward male horses in several disciplines of equitation. While this preference for male horses may be partially explained by physical differences, visuo–spatial ability is important in many aspects of equitation. The objective of this study was to determine if visuo–spatial ability differed between male and female horses.Visuo–spatial ability was investigated in a sample of 62 horses (males* = 34 and females = 28) at two equestrian centres using a novel test and test apparatus. The apparatus and test procedures required the horses to use elements of spatial awareness and the ability to differentiate elements of distance and depth perception to complete a series of six tests.
Effects of dietary lipids on the erythrocyte morphology of ponies
Authors: Horne C , Clark L , Geering R 
Published: June 2019

Many dietary oils have used in equine feeds primarily to improve joints and coat. Studies in rats have demonstrated the importance of dietary lipids in maintaining the normal discoid shape of the erythrocyte (Escadero et al., 1998). It is not yet known whether the addition of lipids to the diet can change the physiology of equine erythrocytes. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of sunflower oil (SF), green–lipped mussel oil (GLM), linseed oil (LN) and soya oil (SY) on erythrocyte shape and tendency to form rouleauxs in the horse.Two New Forest ponies of similar age and weight and on clinical screening were used in the study. They were fed either the control diet (C) of silage ad libithum or the control diet plus 50ml of either SF, GLM, LN or SY. Bloods were taken prior to the start of dietary manipulation and at the end of the two–week experimental period.
Inhibition of equine cyathostomes to glucosinolate hydrolysis products
Authors: Brett L , Rossiter J , Clarke L , Geering R 
Published: June 2019

Cyathostome nematodes have become the central focus of concerns related to internal parasites of horses due to their pathological and persistent effects on the growing and mature horse (Murphy and Love, 1997). Current anthelmintic treatments have, however, led to resistance and alternative control measures are required. Glucosinolate hydrolysis derivatives have a wide range of biological activities, and have previously been shown to inhibit root nematodes (Brown and Morra, 1997). The aim of the study was to examine whether cyathostome nematode eggs could be inhibited by glucosinolate hydrolysis products.An in vitro egg hatch assay was set up using eggs extracted from the faeces of naturally infected horses (Kassai, 1999). The egg suspension (containing approximately 100 eggs) were incubated with nine different concentrations (range: 20-10,000 ppm) of the glucosinolate hydrolysis products (allyl isothiocyanate (C), allyl nitrile (N) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (P). A control was set up in which water replaced the hydrolysis product. The number of eggs and larvae were counted using an inverted microscope. Statistical differences between treatments were assessed using General Linear Model, ANOVA.
Relationship between crude protein intake and water intake in forage based equine diets
Authors: Hyslop J J 
Published: June 2019

As a result of the need to excrete the waste products of protein catabolism in urine, increases in protein intake have been associated with increases in water intake in poultry (Bailey, 1990), in pigs (Brooks and Carpenter, 1990) and in ruminants (Agricultural Research Council, 1980). Whilst there is only very limited data available to support a similar relationship in horses (Meyer, 1987) it is believed that increases in protein intake in equines also result in greater water consumption when high protein diets are fed (Lawrence, 1998). The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between crude protein intake and water consumption when forage based diets were offered ad libitum to individually fed ponies. Six mature Welsh–cross pony geldings with a mean liveweight (LW) of 281 kg (s.e.d. 0.89) were individually housed in pens bedded with wood shavings and used in a changeover design experiment consisting of two 21-day periods.Six mature Welsh-cross pony geldings with a mean liveweight (LW) of 281 kg (s.e.d. 0.89) were individually housed in pens bedded with wood shavings and used in a changeover design experiment consisting of two 21-day periods.
Genetic variation within and among animal populations
Authors: Hill W.G. , Zhang X.-S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractFactors that influence variability between and within populations at levels ranging from the molecular to quantitative traits are reviewed. For quantitative traits, models of how levels of variation are determined and how they change have to be based on simplifying assumptions. At its simplest, variation is maintained by a balance between gain by mutation and loss by sampling due to finite population size. Rates of response in commercial breeding programmes and long-term selection experiments are reviewed. It is seen that rates of progress continue to be high in farmed livestock, but not in race horses, and that continuing responses have been maintained for 100 generations in laboratory experiments. Hence variability can be maintained over long periods despite intense selection in populations of limited size. The potential role of conserved populations is reviewed, and it is suggested that their role is unlikely to be as a useful source of variation in commercial populations but mainly to preserve our culture and to fill particular niches.
Managing genetic resources in selected and conserved populations
Authors: Villanueva B. , Pong-Wong R. , Woolliams J.A. , Avendaño S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractManaging the rate of inbreeding (ΔF) provides a general framework for managing genetic resources in farmed breeding populations. Methods for managing ΔF have been developed over the last five years and they allow the attainment of the greatest expected genetic progress while restricting at the same time the increase in inbreeding. This is achieved by optimising the contribution that each candidate for selection must have to produce the next generation. The methods take into account all available performance and pedigree information and use Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) estimates as a predictor of merit. Importantly, these tools give at least equal, but more often more gain than traditional selection based on truncation of BLUP estimated breeding values when compared at the same ΔF. Deterministic predictions for the expected gain obtained with optimised selection with ΔF restricted are now available. The optimisation tool can be also applied in a conservation context to minimise ΔF with restrictions to avoid loss in performance in valuable traits. Information on known quantitative trait loci or on markers linked to them can be incorporated into the optimisation process to further increase selection response. Molecular genetic information can also be incorporated into these tools to increase the precision of genetic relationships between individuals and to manage ΔF at specific positions or genome regions.
The value of genome mapping for the genetic conservation of cattle
Authors: Williams J.L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMolecular markers can be used to explore the diversity present in livestock populations. In cattle the diversity among breeds, revealed using molecular markers, is greater than the within breed diversity. Therefore both at the phenotypic and genetic level breeds form discrete populations, which could be used to conserve maximum diversity in the species. The best way to conserve breeds is to ensure their commercial utility; therefore selection of breeds for commercially advantageous phenotypes should be encouraged. Gene mapping studies suggest that, even for complex traits, there may be very few genes involved in controlling variation in the phenotype. Therefore selection for a particular trait does not necessarily affect the genetic base of the population, other than at the genes under selection. This seems to be the situation in the Hereford breed, where the phenotype has changed considerably over the past 50 years, while blood group data suggests that the genetic base of the population has not been greatly affected. Genome mapping approaches allow first the chromosomal location and ultimately the genes controlling traits to be identified. This information provides DNA markers for favourable alleles at trait genes that can be used in selective breeding programmes to improve breeds for a range of traits. Work on double muscling in Belgian Blue cattle has shown that a single gene, myostatin, can be responsible for an extreme phenotype, so selection for double muscling potentially only affects diversity around this gene. However, the examination of the phenotypes associated with this gene in other breeds suggests that genes in addition to myostatin are involved in the development of the extreme phenotype. Thus information on single genes is too narrow to be of value in making conservation decisions. With the current state of knowledge genetic information can aid the choice of individuals to use for breeding and for conservation of diversity, but the information should be used with caution and in conjunction with additional information, such as pedigree, phenotype or function data.
The integration of cloning by nuclear transfer in the conservation of animal genetic resources
Authors: Wells D.N. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractCloning mammals from somatic cells by nuclear transfer has the potential to assist with the preservation of genetic diversity. An increasing number of species have been successfully cloned by this approach; however, present methods are inefficient with few cloned embryos resulting in healthy offspring. In those livestock species that have already been cloned, it is clearly feasible to use cloning to preserve endangered breeds (e.g. the last surviving Enderby Island cow). The opportunity exists to recover oocytes from these cloned heifers and use frozen Enderby Island sperm from deceased bulls for in vitro fertilisation and thus, expand the genetic diversity of this breed. Where there exists an adequate understanding of the reproductive biology and embryology of the species concerned and adequate sources of females to supply both recipient oocytes and surrogates to gestate the pregnancies, intra-specific nuclear transfer and embryo transfer can be utilised. However, when these requirements cannot be met, as is common for most endangered species, cloning technology invariably involves the use of inter-species nuclear transfer and embryo transfer. Even in intra-specific cloning the source of oocyte for nuclear transfer is an important consideration. Typically, cloned animals are only genomic copies of the founder if they possess mitochondrial DNA which differs from the original animal. Different maternal lineages of oocytes both within and between breeds significantly affect cloning efficiency and livestock production characteristics. Cloning should not distract conservation efforts from encouraging the use of indigenous livestock breeds with traits of adaptation to local environments, the preservation of wildlife habitats or the use of other forms of assisted reproduction. Whilst it is often difficult to justify cloning in animal conservation at present, the appropriate cryo-preservation of tissues and cells from a wide selection of biodiversity is of paramount importance. This provides an insurance against further losses of genetic variation from dwindling populations, disease epidemics or even possible extinction. It would also complement the gene banking of gametes or embryos and can be performed more easily and cheaply. Future cloning from preserved somatic cells can reintroduce lost genes back into the breeding pool. With greater appreciation of the heritable attributes of traditional livestock breeds there is the desire to identify superior animals within these local populations and the genetic loci involved. Through clonal family performance testing, nuclear transfer can aid the selection of desirable genotypes and then the production of larger numbers of embryos or animals for natural breeding to more widely disseminate the desirable traits. With the identification of alleles conferring desirable attributes, transgenesis could be utilised to both improve traditional and industrial livestock breeds. This further emphasizes the importance of preserving global farm animal genetic resources.