Jackass genomics: Did donkeys arise from an inverted chromosome?
Could a quirk of genetics known as inversion explain how donkeys diverged from horses on the evolutionary tree?
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Research
New donkey genome a key to understanding emergence of different equids
Blood from a donkey jack named Willy, who was born at the Copenhagen Zoo in 1997, was used for the genetic analysis.
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Mobility of wild animals, including zebra, reduced in human-modified landscapes, study finds
“It is important that animals move because in moving they carry out important ecological functions like transporting nutrients and seeds between different areas.”
Read moreMajor Thoroughbred study seeks to uncover true impact of leg issues seen in imaging
“This study is badly needed,” says one of the American researchers.
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Risk factors for racehorse fatalities identified in British study
Firmer going and increasing race distance among the factors found to increase the chances of death.
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Seasonal metabolic changes seen in racehorses, even when stabled
“The study shows Thoroughbred racehorses exhibited annual rhythms of body weight, suggesting they maintain a seasonal energy balance.”
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Updated horse genome: The next EquCab off the rank
The new assembly used cutting-edge technologies to improve the accuracy of what is described as a vital research resource.
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Three novel genetic mutations linked to dominant white colouring in horses
“It is highly likely that the newly identified variants cause the white patterning in the investigated individuals.”
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Droppings of wild zebras provide crucial insights into their wellbeing
“Using these indicators we can establish the health of both individuals and populations.”
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Two winning flavors emerge in taste test among breeds
Carrot and apple flavors proved to be firm favorites in a Polish study.
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Too heavy for your horse? There are consequences, pilot study finds
“The results do not mean that heavy riders should not ride, but suggest . . . they should ride a horse of appropriate size and fitness.”
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Rider-weight research may not ultimately deliver an ideal ratio, researcher says
“It depends on so many factors,” says Dr Sue Dyson, head of clinical orthopaedics at the Animal Health Trust’s Centre in England.
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Tighter whip controls in harness racing did not harm performances – study
Findings question the supposed need for whips to improve racing performance.
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Gene mutation linked to wasting disorder in Quarter horses
A mutation in the MYH1 gene is highly associated with susceptibility to a condition called immune mediated myositis.
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Frog support shoes help get laminitic ponies on the move – study
Researchers found that hoof support shoes helped obese ponies move better.
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Small strongyles would rather stick with horses, study shows
Researchers in the Czech Republic make an unsuccessful attempt to infect laboratory animals with small strongyles.
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The spread of Lyme disease in horses: Is it time for a vaccine?
Experts who produced a consensus statement on troublesome disease discuss the prospect of an equine vaccine.
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Are horse owners ready for climate change extremes?
An Australian survey suggests major weather events affect many horse owners, but fewer are making preparations for next time.
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Dramatic genetic findings reshape history of horse domestication
Credible evidence for horse domestication goes back 5500 years, but genetic testing reveals a remarkable twist to the story.
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Light cast on selective horse breeding from 2700 years ago
Iron Age Scythian breeders wanted a robust horse with good forelimbs, and a good udder on the mares.
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