Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Faecal analysis can predict racehorse success, study finds
Antibiotic usage in foals also impacted their future performance.
Racehorses with more bacterial diversity were more successful.

A new study has proven an association between the results of a racehorse’s faecal analysis and its future success on the race track.

Racehorses that had been discovered to have higher bacterial gut diversity at one month old appeared to have more successful racing careers. Meanwhile, foals which had lower bacterial diversity in the first month of their life had a much higher risk of developing a respiratory disease later in life.

The study, conducted by the University of Surrey, saw researchers analyse 438 faecal samples from 52 foals. They also tracked the respiratory, gastrointestinal, orthopaedic and soft tissue health conditions that were diagnosed from birth to age three.

Alongside this, researchers recorded information on the horses’ finishing positions, official ratings and total prize money earnings to ascertain their athletic performance.

The results suggested a positive association between the athletic performance of a horse and its faecal bacteria diversity at one month old. High levels of the bacteria Anaeroplasmataceae was linked to a higher official rating, while Bacillaceae was linked to higher race placings.

The study also assessed the long-term impact of antibiotics on a foal’s future racing outcomes.

Foals which had been treated with antibiotics during the first month of their life were found to have significantly lower faecal bacterial diversity at 28 days old than those that did not. These foals also won lower prize money awards, and had a much higher rate of developing a respiratory disease.

Researchers also found that a lower gut bacterial diversity in early life was linked to foals developing soft tissue and orthopaedic issues in future. This is believed to be due to bacterial diversity being linked with immunological priming.

Chris Proudman, a professor of veterinary clinical science at the University of Surrey, said:  "Minimising the risk of disease and injury is important for the welfare of racehorses, and maximising their athletic potential is important for their owners.

“We have found that gut health, in particular the health of gut bacterial communities very early in life, exerts a profound and enduring impact on racehorse health and performance." 

Roberto La Ragione, a co-investigator from the School of Bioscience at the University of Surrey, said: "Antibiotics are vital in treating infections and protecting the long-term health of foals; they do, however, need to be used responsibly. Our study demonstrates that treatment with antibiotics can disrupt the healthy gut microbiome with long-term impacts on health and performance.

“The next part of our study will examine how we can minimise disruption of gut bacteria when antibiotics have to be used to treat infections." 

The full study can be found in the journal Scientific Reports.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.