The Kentucky Horse Park is taking part in a pioneering research project that uses genetics to study the immune system of horses. The project will ultimately improve the health and welfare of countless horses, says KHP executive director John Nicholson.
Dr. Ernest Bailey, professor of veterinary science at the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky, recently organised a workshop to make a "gene map" for the horse. Medical researchers are already using the human gene map and DNA sequencing to develop diagnostic tests and therapies in people.
Dr. Bailey invited the Kentucky Horse Park to participate in the research - which required only the drawing blood samples. "This project is improving horse research and our overall understanding of horses. Currently we are measuring the extent of genetic variation among all horse breeds from the Icelandic pony to the Akhal-Teke to the Mongolian horse," Dr Bailey said.
"I invited the Kentucky Horse Park to participate because there are more breeds of horses in residence there than any other place in the world. As we begin to understand the differences among horses, we can best benefit their health and welfare. The Horse Park is remarkable in its capacity to educate the public and in its collection of horses of diverse breeds. I was thrilled with their enthusiastic response and support, and I hope this is the beginning of a long and productive collaboration to educate, discover and benefit the horse and the people who care about them."
According to an article in Business Lexington, which first reported this project, "In July, 2006, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) added the horse to the list of mammals for DNA sequencing, a project that has a strong Kentucky connection. The sequencing will occur at the Broad Institute of MIT in Boston, with a final assembly expected to be available by the end of 2006.
"Support [for this project] was provided by the Jockey Club, American Quarter Horse Association, Morris Animal Foundation, Dorothy Russell Havemeyer Foundation, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Foundation, Haras Nationaux (France), Horseracing Betting Levy Board (United Kingdom) and German Equestrian Foundation."
Dr. Bailey and other researchers who are involved in this project are studying how horse genes influence responses to infectious diseases, designing new experiments to investigate gene expression in diseases of the musculoskeletal system and especially osteoarthritis, studying contracted foal syndrome and other congenital diseases of foals and using genomics to enhance our understanding of laminitis in horses.
He also stated, "This work is likely to become a common tool, used by horse owners, breeders and veterinarians, just as they currently use nutritional supplements, radiographs and pedigree charts. Genomics will not change the way that we practice horsemanship; it will make us more effective at achieving our goals."
John Nicholson said that the project could potentially make life better for thousands of horses, including those who live, visit and compete at the park. "If horses stay healthy longer, their careers can be extended, thereby diminishing the number of unwanted horses. What wonderful results those will be!"
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