Study involving P.A. area horses examines PTSD treatment for emergency responders

Mar 16, 2023

A research study is being done in the Prince Albert area trying to determine whether or not horses can help emergency responders managing PTSD.

Cartier Farms has partnered with McMaster University to see if Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) could be a viable treatment to help with symptoms and improve functionality.

The goal is to get 80 participants split into four different rounds. They will then be split again with one half getting to experience EAL treatment, while the other half does not.

“We’ll figure out if there are differences in those two groups that would suggest that the EAL helped or didn’t help,” said Ashley Williams, postdoctoral fellow with McMaster University’s trauma and recovery unit.

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Video: Genetics Behind Swine Resilience - Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, explains how genetics can improve disease resilience in pigs. She explores how resilience differs from resistance, the role of genetic variation, and how breeding strategies can enhance health and performance under disease pressure. Dr. Dunkelberger also covers practical applications and future implications for swine production. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Controlled experimental trials confirm that differences in mortality and performance under disease pressure are linked to genetic background, even when environmental conditions remain consistent."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger / jenelle-dunkelberger-9200ab86 is a geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, where she leads the Global Health and Behavior Research Platform. She earned her PhD from Iowa State University, focusing on host genetics and disease response in pigs. Her work centers on improving swine health and performance through genetic selection for resilience and behavior traits.