targetsmom
Well-Known Member
I just signed up our insulin resistant mare Princess and was told they want to get the word out so I offered to post on here. Below is the press release they sent for that purpose. Let me add that this sounds like very worthwhile research and there seems to be wealth of useful info on their website. For example they tell you how to estimate your horse's weight using a tape measure and some simple math, and even how to tell if a horse or pony is overweight or has a "cresty" neck. The initial survey is very quick and they got back to me within 24 hours to say Princess was accepted.
The Equine Genetics research group at the University of Minnesota-College of Veterinary Medicine is collaborating with Drs. Ray Geor (Michigan State) and Nicholas Frank (University of Tennessee) to investigate the occurrence and genetics of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). EMS is a condition characterized by obesity and/or regional adiposity (cresty neck), elevation of blood insulin levels, and increased risk for laminitis development. Certain horses seem to be predisposed to EMS, and are often referred to as "easy keepers.” These horses are very efficient at utilizing calories and often require a lower plane of nutrition to maintain body weight than other horses. This difference in EMS susceptibility among horses managed under similar conditions is likely the result of a genetic predisposition.
The goal of this investigation is to better understand the role of breed, gender, age, environment (diet and exercise) and genetics in EMS. The success of the study depends on the collection of data from as many horses with EMS as possible; therefore, assistance of horse owners and their veterinarians is critical. We have been fortunate to have received help from over 500 horse owners who have taken the time to provide us with information about their horses that has already proven to be helpful in increasing our understanding of EMS and laminitis. However, in order to meet all of our research goals, the help of many more horse owners is needed. We aim to identify genetic markers that will predict a horse’s risk level for developing EMS and laminitis before they have clinical signs, allowing management practices to be initiated that better protect them from developing disease.
Participation in the study involves 3 steps:
1. The first step is to fill out a brief, 10 question survey located at http://www.cvm.umn.edu/equinegenetics/ems/survey/index.htm.
2. If the horse is selected as a potential candidate, the owner will be sent a link to a second online survey requesting additional information regarding diet and exercise, a few simple body measurements, and photos of the horse suspected of EMS, in addition to another horse on the property not suspected of having EMS to serve as a “control.”
3. Owners of horses selected for inclusion in the genetic study will be asked to work with their veterinarian to provide a blood sample that will be analyzed free of charge and include testing for insulin, glucose, ACTH, and lipids; along with submission of feed, hay, and pasture samples that will also be analyzed free of charge (both owner and veterinarian will receive notification of the results). A portion of the blood sample will be used for DNA isolation and stored for genetic research.
Horse owners assisting in the project will be providing information essential to further understanding EMS and ultimately determining ways to better manage and treat horses suffering from EMS. To learn more about the equine metabolic research project and how you can help make a difference in the welfare of many horses, please visit: www.cvm.umn.edu./equinegenetics/EMS/home.html
Horses needed for metabolic syndrome and laminitis research
The Equine Genetics research group at the University of Minnesota-College of Veterinary Medicine is collaborating with Drs. Ray Geor (Michigan State) and Nicholas Frank (University of Tennessee) to investigate the occurrence and genetics of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). EMS is a condition characterized by obesity and/or regional adiposity (cresty neck), elevation of blood insulin levels, and increased risk for laminitis development. Certain horses seem to be predisposed to EMS, and are often referred to as "easy keepers.” These horses are very efficient at utilizing calories and often require a lower plane of nutrition to maintain body weight than other horses. This difference in EMS susceptibility among horses managed under similar conditions is likely the result of a genetic predisposition.
The goal of this investigation is to better understand the role of breed, gender, age, environment (diet and exercise) and genetics in EMS. The success of the study depends on the collection of data from as many horses with EMS as possible; therefore, assistance of horse owners and their veterinarians is critical. We have been fortunate to have received help from over 500 horse owners who have taken the time to provide us with information about their horses that has already proven to be helpful in increasing our understanding of EMS and laminitis. However, in order to meet all of our research goals, the help of many more horse owners is needed. We aim to identify genetic markers that will predict a horse’s risk level for developing EMS and laminitis before they have clinical signs, allowing management practices to be initiated that better protect them from developing disease.
Participation in the study involves 3 steps:
1. The first step is to fill out a brief, 10 question survey located at http://www.cvm.umn.edu/equinegenetics/ems/survey/index.htm.
2. If the horse is selected as a potential candidate, the owner will be sent a link to a second online survey requesting additional information regarding diet and exercise, a few simple body measurements, and photos of the horse suspected of EMS, in addition to another horse on the property not suspected of having EMS to serve as a “control.”
3. Owners of horses selected for inclusion in the genetic study will be asked to work with their veterinarian to provide a blood sample that will be analyzed free of charge and include testing for insulin, glucose, ACTH, and lipids; along with submission of feed, hay, and pasture samples that will also be analyzed free of charge (both owner and veterinarian will receive notification of the results). A portion of the blood sample will be used for DNA isolation and stored for genetic research.
Horse owners assisting in the project will be providing information essential to further understanding EMS and ultimately determining ways to better manage and treat horses suffering from EMS. To learn more about the equine metabolic research project and how you can help make a difference in the welfare of many horses, please visit: www.cvm.umn.edu./equinegenetics/EMS/home.html
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