By
Eileen Gianiodis
EAST LANSING, Mich.—The words “middle-aged, overweight and sedentary” do not describe a healthy horse.
They do, however, describe a growing number of horses.
As the obesity epidemic spreads to the equine population, researchers are learning more about its association with metabolic disorders.
A free, live webcast will be offered by My Horse University and the University of Minnesota Horse Extension Program at 7 p.m., EDT, Thursday, Oct. 28.
The webcast will share recent advances in genetic research related to Equine Metabolic Syndrome and offer practical strategies for helping your horse maintain a healthy bodyweight.
Presented by Dr. Raymond Geor, professor and chair of the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, “Equine Metabolic Syndrome” will feature a discussion of the signs, diagnosis and treatment of EMS, and dietary and exercise measures for mitigating the risk of laminitis in affected horses.
Participants can register online for the presentation and ask questions on this important topic.
The same techniques used to sequence the human genome are now being applied to domestic animal species, including horses. The equine genome was completely sequenced in early 2007. Since then researchers have developed the genetic tools necessary to research both simple and complex genetic traits in horses.
“The University of Minnesota is glad to partner with My Horse University to bring online education opportunities on equine genetics to horse owners across the nation,” says Krishona Martinson, an equine Extension specialist at the University of Minnesota.
The webcast is the fourth in a series titled, “Equine Genetics: A New Diagnostic Resource for Horse Owners,” and is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Research Initiative. The webcast series is one component of a larger outreach and Extension effort to provide research-based information on horse genetics to horse owners through online and in-person programs and printed materials.
My Horse University is a national online horse management program for horse enthusiasts. Founded by the MSU Department of Animal Science, MSU Extension and MSU Global, this program offers equine education courses and resources that can be tailored to achieve horse management goals. For more information, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com.
The University of Minnesota Extension Horse Program provides research-based information to adult horse owners to improve the quality of care for the animals and their facilities. The focus is on horse care, health and nutrition. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/horse.
Source: Michigan State University