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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.