A BRIEF REVIEW OF CURRENT AND FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF NUTRIGENOMICS IN THE HORSE

摘要

With the completion of the equine genome sequence state of the art genetic tools are now available for a wide variety of applications in the horse. Similar to many livestock species, maintaining healthy animals through a proper diet is a key concern for most horse owners. Some genetic traits have already been identified that can impact the nutritional management of the horse.HYPP, or hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, is a serious condition found primarily in the American Quarter Horse and related breeds(Finno et al., 2009). Affected animals are stricken with muscle twitching, weakness and potential collapse soon after work orstress. HYPP attacks can be fatal if the paralysis extends to the respiratory system. Dietary management can reduce the frequency and severity of HYPP. The available genetic test for HYPP conclusively identifies affected individuals the disease and indicates if they are homozygous (and therefore likely to be more severely affected.) This information aids horse owners in making appropriate feeding and management decisions. Dietary prevention includes avoiding high potassium feeds like alfalfa and molasses, feeding several small meals throughout the day, and preventing dehydration. Approximately 56% of halter-bred Quarter horses are affected by HYPP(Tryon et al., 2009). More information, as well as the genetic test, is available from the VGL at UC Davis