genome

Scientists have recently identified genetic variants that are responsible for determining whether a horse trots or paces. An algorithm has been created that is 99.4 percent accurate at determining which way a horse will move. Prior to this discovery, it was known that a “gait-keeper gene” existed; mutations on the DMTR3 gene resulted in a […]

Research led by scientists at the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky has produced a more complete picture of the domestic horse reference genome, a map researchers will use to determine the role inherited genes and other regions of DNA play in many horse diseases and traits important in equine science and management. […]

A study published last week suggests that ancient people purpose-bred horses for specific traits, such as speed, endurance and strength, according to Forbes. According tot he study, horses were first domesticated by the Botai culture 5500 years ago. Evidence suggests that nomadic Scynthians (groups of unrelated people who share the same language, lifestyles and cultural […]

In a recent study of Standardbred racehorses, it was discovered that two regions on chromosome 14 have been linked to osteochondrosis, a debilitating condition of the hock that originated in fetal development. Presenting as abnormal cartilage within a joint, it can be soft, collapsed, thickened or separated entirely from the bone, which is called osteochondrosis […]