| Records |
| Author |
Johnston, C.; Holm, K.R.; Erichsen, C.; Eksell, P.; Drevemo, S. |
| Title |
Kinematic evaluation of the back in fully functioning riding horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume  |
36 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
495-498 |
| Keywords |
Age Factors; Animals; Back/*physiology; Back Pain/diagnosis/veterinary; Biomechanics; Exercise Test/*veterinary; Female; Gait/*physiology; Horse Diseases/diagnosis; Horses/*physiology; Male; Movement/physiology; Sex Factors |
| Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Clinical history and examination are important features in diagnosis of equine back dysfunction. However, interpretation is subjective and therefore may vary substantially. OBJECTIVES: To establish a clinical tool to objectively evaluate the function of the equine back, in the form of a database on the kinematics of the back at the walk and trot in fully functioning riding horses. METHODS: Thirty-three fully functioning riding horses walked and trotted on a treadmill. Morphometrics and kinematics were tested for correlations to age, height, weight and stride length, and differences between gender (geldings and mares) and use (dressage and showjumping). RESULTS: A database for range of movement and symmetry of movement for extension and flexion, lateral bending, lateral excursion and axial rotation was presented. Symmetry values were very high for all variables. Significant differences were observed in use and gender. Age was negatively correlated to extension and flexion of the thoracolumbar junction. CONCLUSIONS: Interrelationships between use, gender and age to conformation and movement were established. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The database provides a basis for objective reference for diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation of clinical cases of back dysfunction. |
| Address |
Departments of Anatomy and Histology, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden |
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English |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:15460073 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3716 |
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| Author |
Rollot, Y.; Lecuyer, E.; Chateau, H.; Crevier-Denoix, N. |
| Title |
Development of a 3D model of the equine distal forelimb and of a GRF shoe for noninvasive determination of in vivo tendon and ligament loads and strains |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
| Volume |
36 |
Issue |
8 |
Pages |
677-682 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Biomechanics; Floors and Floorcoverings; Forelimb/*physiology/ultrasonography; Gait/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods/*veterinary; Ligaments, Articular/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Models, Biological; Shoes; Tendons/*physiology; Toe Joint/physiology/ultrasonography |
| Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: As critical locomotion events (e.g. high-speed and impacts during racing, jump landing) may contribute to tendinopathies, in vivo recording of gaits kinematic and dynamic parameters is essential for 3D reconstruction and analysis. OBJECTIVE: To propose a 3D model of the forelimb and a ground reaction force recording shoe (GRF-S) for noninvasively quantifying tendon and ligament loads and strains. METHODS: Bony segments trajectories of forelimbs placed under a power press were recorded using triads of ultrasonic kinematic markers linked to the bones. Compression cycles (from 500-6000 N) were applied for different hoof orientations. Locations of tendon and ligament insertions were recorded with regard to the triads. The GRF-S recorded GRF over the hoof wall and used four 3-axis force sensors sandwiched between a support shoe and the shoe to be tested. RESULTS: Validation of the model by comparing calculated and measured superficial digital flexor tendon strains, and evaluation of the role of proximal interphalangeal joint in straight sesamoidean ligament and oblique sesamoidean ligament strains, were successfully achieved. Objective comparisons of the 3 components of GRF over the hoof for soft and hard grounds could be recorded, where the s.d. of GRF norm was more important on hard ground at walk and trot. CONCLUSIONS: Soft grounds (sand and rubber) dissipate energy by lowering GRF amplitude and diminish bounces and vibrations at impact. At comparable speed, stance phase was longer on soft sand ground. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The conjugate use of the GRF-S and the numerical model would help to quantify and analyse ground/shoe combination on comfort, propulsion efficiency or lameness recovery. |
| Address |
UMR INRA-ENVA de Biomecanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d'Alfort, 7, Avenue du General de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:15656495 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3769 |
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| Author |
Kasashima, Y.; Takahashi, T.; Smith, R.K.W.; Goodship, A.E.; Kuwano, A.; Ueno, T.; Hirano, S. |
| Title |
Prevalence of superficial digital flexor tendonitis and suspensory desmitis in Japanese Thoroughbred flat racehorses in 1999 |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
| Volume |
36 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
346-350 |
| Keywords |
Age Factors; Animals; Female; Forelimb; Hindlimb; Horse Diseases/*epidemiology/etiology; Horses; Inflammation/epidemiology/etiology/*veterinary; Japan/epidemiology; Ligaments/injuries/*pathology; Male; Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology/etiology/veterinary; *Physical Conditioning, Animal; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Sports; Tendinopathy/epidemiology/etiology/*veterinary; Tendon Injuries/epidemiology/etiology/*veterinary |
| Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Overstrain injuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament (SI) are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries which contribute to the considerable wastage of racing Thoroughbreds. Many epidemiological studies have demonstrated the prevalence of and risk factors for tendon injury when racing but have not included those injuries sustained during training. However, since tendon injury during training is seen commonly in clinical practice, it is appropriate to determine the overall prevalence of tendon injury sustained during both training and racing. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of overstrain injury to the SDFT and SL during training and racing among Thoroughbred flat racehorses in Japan in 1999. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using a sample population of 10,262 Thoroughbred racehorses. The medical information database of Thoroughbred racehorses registered by the Japan Racing Association (JRA) in 1999 was analysed for SDFT and SL overstrain injury diagnosed by a veterinarian employed by JRA during training and racing. Jump racehorses were excluded from this study. RESULTS: The prevalence of forelimb SDFT tendonitis and SL desmitis was 11.1% (1130 cases) and 3.61% (370 cases) of the population, respectively. In the hindlimb, there were 0.06% (6 cases) and 0.14% (14 cases), respectively. Risks of SDF tendonitis in the forelimb in 3-year-olds or older horses were significantly higher than in 2-year-olds. In contrast, the risk of SL desmitis in the forelimb at age 3 and 4 years was 2.23 and 2.11 times higher, respectively, than in 2-year-olds, but this increased to 5.07 times in those age > or = 5 years. Entire males were at greater risk in comparison to females and geldings. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the prevalence of SDF tendonitis and SL desmitis in the forelimb was associated with the horse's age and sex. The prevalence of SL desmitis increased further with age compared with SDF tendonitis, possibly reflecting a more rapid accumulation of degeneration in this structure. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The age-related risk demonstrated in this study provides further support that overstrain injuries are associated with accumulated degeneration. These data provide a valuable resource for further research into the aetiology of tendon injury in the racehorse. |
| Address |
Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 321-4, Tokami-cho, Utsunomiya-shi, Tochigi, 320-0856, Japan |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:15163043 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3775 |
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| Author |
Fruehwirth, B.; Peham, C.; Scheidl, M.; Schobesberger, H. |
| Title |
Evaluation of pressure distribution under an English saddle at walk, trot and canter |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
| Volume |
36 |
Issue |
8 |
Pages |
754-757 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Back/*physiology; Biomechanics; Body Weight/physiology; Exercise Test/veterinary; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Humans; Locomotion/*physiology; Pressure |
| Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Basic information about the influence of a rider on the equine back is currently lacking. HYPOTHESIS: That pressure distribution under a saddle is different between the walk, trot and canter. METHODS: Twelve horses without clinical signs of back pain were ridden. At least 6 motion cycles at walk, trot and canter were measured kinematically. Using a saddle pad, the pressure distribution was recorded. The maximum overall force (MOF) and centre of pressure (COP) were calculated. The range of back movement was determined from a marker placed on the withers. RESULTS: MOF and COP showed a consistent time pattern in each gait. MOF was 12.1 +/- 1.2 and 243 +/- 4.6 N/kg at walk and trot, respectively, in the ridden horse. In the unridden horse MOF was 172.7 +/- 11.8 N (walk) and 302.4 +/- 33.9 N (trot). At ridden canter, MOF was 27.2 +/- 4.4 N/kg. The range of motion of the back of the ridden horse was significantly lower compared to the unridden, saddled horse. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Analyses may help quantitative and objective evaluation of the interaction between rider and horse as mediated through the saddle. The information presented is therefore of importance to riders, saddlers and equine clinicians. With the technique used in this study, style, skill and training level of different riders can be quantified, which would give the opportunity to detect potentially harmful influences and create opportunities for improvement. |
| Address |
Movement Science Group, Department V, Clinic of Orthopaedics in Ungulates, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:15656510 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4041 |
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| Author |
Cassiat, G.; Pourcelot, P.; Tavernier, L.; Geiger, D.; Denoix, J.M.; Degueurce, D. |
| Title |
Influence of individual competition level on back kinematics of horses jumping a vertical fence |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
| Volume |
36 |
Issue |
8 |
Pages |
748-753 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Back/*physiology; Biomechanics; Female; Forelimb/*physiology; Gait/*physiology; Hindlimb/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/veterinary; Locomotion/physiology; Male; Video Recording |
| Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The costs and investments required for the purchase and training of showjumpers justify the need to find selection means for jumping horses. Use of objective kinematic criteria correlated to jumping ability could be helpful for this assessment. OBJECTIVES: To compare back kinematics between 2 groups of horses of different competition levels (Group 1, competing at high level; Group 2 competing at low level) while free jumping over a 1 m vertical fence. METHODS: Three-dimensional recordings were performed using 2 panning cameras. Kinematic parameters of the withers and tuber sacrale (vertical displacement, vertical and horizontal velocities), backline inclination and flexion-extension motion of the 3 main dorsal segments (thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral) were analysed. RESULTS: Group 2 horses had a lower displacement of their withers and tuber sacrale from the end of the last approach stride until the first departure stride (P<0.05). As a result, they increased the flexion of their thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions during the hindlimb swing phase before take-off (P<0.05). However, withers and tuber sacrale velocities were slightly modified. Group 1 horses pitched their backline less forward during the forelimb stance phase before take-off and straightened it more after landing (P<0.05), probably indicating a more efficient strutting action of their forelimbs. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Because significant differences in back motion were found between good and poor jumpers when jumping a 1 m high fence, criteria based on certain back kinematics can be developed that may help in the selection of talented showjumpers. |
| Address |
UMR INRA-ENVA de Biomecanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d'Alfort, Avenue du General de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons Alfort, France |
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English |
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0425-1644 |
ISBN |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:15656509 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4042 |
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| Author |
Stull, C.L.; Spier, S.J.; Aldridge, B.M.; Blanchard, M.; Stott, J.L. |
| Title |
Immunological response to long-term transport stress in mature horses and effects of adaptogenic dietary supplementation as an immunomodulator |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
36 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
583-589 |
| Keywords |
horse; transportation; Cd+; lymphocytes; stress; cortisol; adaptogens |
| Abstract |
Reasons for performing study: Little information exists on the immunological effects of transport or the use of supplements to minimise transport stress. Objectives: To establish baseline ranges and evaluate immunophenotypic and functional changes associated with transport and a nutritional ‘adaptogen’ supplement. Methods: Horses received either supplement (n = 10) or placebos (n = 9) during the 30 day study. After 28 days in stalls, 12 horses (6 supplement; 6 placebo) were transported for 24 h, then unloaded and recovered. Venous blood samples were collected on Days 1, 14 and 28 to establish baselines, and on Days 28, 29 and 30 to examine changes during transport and recovery. Results: Transport prompted elevations (P<0.05) in cortisol concentration, neutrophil count and white blood cell counts, while lymphocyte subpopulation counts (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD21+) decreased (P<0.05). Normal phenotypic lymphocyte profiles returned within 24 h of recovery. Supplement effects on immunophenotype (CD21+ and CD8+) were observed in stabled horses (P<0.05), but not in transported horses. Conclusions: These results provide insights into the immunological mechanisms associated with long-term transport. Potential relevance: The existence of a small window of immunological uncertainty follows long-term transportation, enhancing the potential risk of infectious disease in susceptible individuals. |
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Blackwell Publishing Ltd |
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2042-3306 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5845 |
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| Author |
Mellor, P.S.; Hamblin, C. |
| Title |
African horse sickness |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Veterinary Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet Res |
| Volume |
35 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
445-466 |
| Keywords |
African Horse Sickness/epidemiology/*prevention & control/*transmission/virology; African horse sickness virus/pathogenicity; Animals; Culicidae; Europe/epidemiology; Horses; Insect Vectors |
| Abstract |
African horse sickness virus (AHSV) causes a non-contagious, infectious insect-borne disease of equids and is endemic in many areas of sub-Saharan Africa and possibly Yemen in the Arabian Peninsula. However, periodically the virus makes excursions beyond its endemic areas and has at times extended as far as India and Pakistan in the east and Spain and Portugal in the west. The vectors are certain species of Culicoides biting midge the most important of which is the Afro-Asiatic species C. imicola. This paper describes the effects that AHSV has on its equid hosts, aspects of its epidemiology, and present and future prospects for control. The distribution of AHSV seems to be governed by a number of factors including the efficiency of control measures, the presence or absence of a long term vertebrate reservoir and, most importantly, the prevalence and seasonal incidence of the major vector which is controlled by climate. However, with the advent of climate-change the major vector, C. imicola, has now significantly extended its range northwards to include much of Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece and has even been recorded from southern Switzerland. Furthermore, in many of these new locations the insect is present and active throughout the entire year. With the related bluetongue virus, which utilises the same vector species of Culicoides this has, since 1998, precipitated the worst outbreaks of bluetongue disease ever recorded with the virus extending further north in Europe than ever before and apparently becoming endemic in that continent. The prospects for similar changes in the epidemiology and distribution of AHSV are discussed. |
| Address |
Institute for Animal Health, Department of Arbovirology, Pirbright Laboratory, Ash Rd., Pirbright, Woking, Surrey, GU24 0NF, United Kingdom. philip.mellor@bbsrc.ac.uk |
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English |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0928-4249 |
ISBN |
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| Notes |
PMID:15236676 |
Approved |
no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
2358 |
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| Author |
Dukas, R. |
| Title |
Evolutionary Biology Of Animal Cognition |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
35 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
347-374 |
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| Abstract |
This review focuses on five key evolutionary issues pertaining to animal cognition, defined as the neuronal processes concerned with the acquisition, retention, and use of information. Whereas the use of information, or decision making, has been relatively well examined by students of behavior, evolutionary aspects of other cognitive traits that affect behavior, including perception, learning, memory, and attention, are less well understood. First, there is ample evidence for genetically based individual variation in cognitive traits, although much of the information for some traits comes from humans. Second, several studies documented positive association between cognitive abilities and performance measures linked to fitness. Third, information on the evolution of cognitive traits is available primarily for color vision and decision making. Fourth, much of the data on plasticity of cognitive traits appears to reflect nonadaptive phenotypic plasticity, perhaps because few evolutionary analyses of cognitive plasticity have been carried out. Nonetheless, several studies suggest that cognitive traits show adaptive plasticity, and at least one study documented genetically based individual variation in plasticity. Fifth, whereas assertions that cognition has played a central role in animal evolution are not supported by currently available data, theoretical considerations indicate that cognition may either increase or decrease the rate of evolutionary change. |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
2970 |
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Aberle, K.S.; Hamann, H.; Drögemüller, C.; Distl, O. |
| Title |
Genetic diversity in German draught horse breeds compared with a group of primitive, riding and wild horses by means of microsatellite DNA markers |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Animal Genetics |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anim. Gen. |
| Volume |
35 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
270-277 |
| Keywords |
diversity; endangered breeds; genetic variation; horse; microsatellite |
| Abstract |
Summary We compared the genetic diversity and distance among six German draught horse breeds to wild (Przewalski's Horse), primitive (Icelandic Horse, Sorraia Horse, Exmoor Pony) or riding horse breeds (Hanoverian Warmblood, Arabian) by means of genotypic information from 30 microsatellite loci. The draught horse breeds included the South German Coldblood, Rhenish German Draught Horse, Mecklenburg Coldblood, Saxon Thuringa Coldblood, Black Forest Horse and Schleswig Draught Horse. Despite large differences in population sizes, the average observed heterozygosity (Ho) differed little among the heavy horse breeds (0.64�0.71), but was considerably lower than in the Hanoverian Warmblood or Icelandic Horse population. The mean number of alleles (NA) decreased more markedly with declining population sizes of German draught horse breeds (5.2�6.3) but did not reach the values of Hanoverian Warmblood (NA = 6.7). The coefficient of differentiation among the heavy horse breeds showed 11.6% of the diversity between the heavy horse breeds, as opposed to 21.2% between the other horse populations. The differentiation test revealed highly significant genetic differences among all draught horse breeds except the Mecklenburg and Saxon Thuringa Coldbloods. The Schleswig Draught Horse was the most distinct draught horse breed. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a clear distinction among the German draught horse breeds and even among breeds with a very short history of divergence like Rhenish German Draught Horse and its East German subpopulations Mecklenburg and Saxon Thuringa Coldblood. |
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Blackwell Science Ltd |
Place of Publication |
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Edition |
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1365-2052 |
ISBN |
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Approved |
no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5184 |
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De Stoppelaire, G.H.; Gillespie, T.W.; Brock, J.C.; Tobin, G.A. |
| Title |
Use of remote sensing techniques to determine the effects of grazing on vegetation cover and dune elevation at Assateague Island National Seashore: impact of horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Environmental Management |
Abbreviated Journal |
Environ Manage |
| Volume |
34 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
642-649 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Animals, Wild; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; *Feeding Behavior; *Horses; Maryland; Plants/*growth & development; Population Dynamics; Silicon Dioxide; *Soil |
| Abstract |
The effects of grazing by feral horses on vegetation and dune topography at Assateague Island National Seashore were investigated using color-infrared imagery, lidar surveys, and field measurements. Five pairs of fenced and unfenced plots (300 m2) established in 1993 on sand flats and small dunes with similar elevation, topography, and vegetation cover were used for this study. Color-infrared imagery from 1998 and field measurements from 2001 indicated that there was a significant difference in vegetation cover between the fenced and unfenced plot-pairs over the study period. Fenced plots contained a higher percentage of vegetation cover that was dominated by American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata). Lidar surveys from 1997, 1999, and 2000 showed that there were significant differences in elevation and topography between fenced and unfenced plot-pairs. Fenced plots were, on average, 0.63 m higher than unfenced plots, whereas unfenced plots had generally decreased in elevation after establishment in 1993. Results demonstrate that feral horse grazing has had a significant impact on dune formation and has contributed to the erosion of dunes at Assateague Island. The findings suggest that unless the size of the feral horse population is reduced, grazing will continue to foster unnaturally high rates of dune erosion into the future. In order to maintain the natural processes that historically occurred on barrier islands, much larger fenced exclosures would be required to prevent horse grazing. |
| Address |
US Geological Survey, Center for Coastal and Watershed Studies, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, USA. georgia.destoppelaire@my.FWC.com |
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English |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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0364-152X |
ISBN |
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| Notes |
PMID:15633024 |
Approved |
no |
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Serial |
1896 |
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