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Inbreeding leads to thoroughbred pregnancy loss, study finds
Inbreeding is commonly used in the breeding of livestock.

It contributed to mid and late-term pregnancy loss, but not early loss.

A new study has revealed that genomic inbreeding contributes to mid and late-term pregnancy loss (MLPL) in thoroughbred horses.

However the research, conducted by Royal Veterinary College (RVC), found that it had no contribution to early pregnancy loss (EPL).

The study saw researchers from RVC, in collaboration with Cornell University, analyse DNA samples from 189 horses, including a control group. The scientists studied the metrics of thoroughbred pregnancies that were lost in early, mid and late gestation.

Findings revealed thoroughbred pregnancies that were lost in mid and late gestation had significantly higher inbreeding metrics than in UK thoroughbred adults. In contrast, pregnancies which were lost early in gestation had no significant difference in inbreeding metrics to thoroughbred adults.

Inbreeding is commonly used in the breeding of livestock, to ensure that newborns carry desirable traits.

However, excessive inbreeding can increase the likelihood of uncovering homozygous recessive genotypes, which can be associated with a higher risk of retained placenta and lower semen quality in horses.

Five to 10 per cent of equine pregnancies result in pregnancy loss in the early stage of gestation. A further seven per cent are lost between Day 70 of gestation and 24 hours post parturition.

The findings of this study, which is the first to explore the effects of genomic inbreeding levels on late term pregnancy loss in horses. The researchers say that this highlights the importance of informed equine mating decisions to minimise the risk of miscarriages in thoroughbreds.

Dr Jessica Lawson, Alborada Trust Research Fellow at the RVC, said: “The take home from our work should be to carefully consider breeding choices that involve mating of highly related individuals as, ultimately, this may increase the chance of the foal inheriting mutations which may not be compatible with life.

“We are already working on the next step, looking to identify these changes so more specific advice can be provided in the future.”

The full study can be found in the Equine Veterinary Journal.

Image © Shutterstock

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.