Souad Aiche , Mira Chikhaoui , Fadhèla Smail , Naceur Benamor , Ahmed Redha Benia
{"title":"Impact of exercise frequency, race distance, age, and pregnancy stage on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in purebred Arabian mares","authors":"Souad Aiche , Mira Chikhaoui , Fadhèla Smail , Naceur Benamor , Ahmed Redha Benia","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105751","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105751","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pregnancy causes increased oxidative stress in mares, possibly harming both the mare and the foal, whereas the effects of different exercise levels on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism during pregnancy remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aims/objectives</h3><div>For this reason, the aim of this research was to explore the impacts of different training intensities on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism during pregnancy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study comprised 22 clinically normal Purebred Arabian mares from Algeria, which were divided into three groups according to age and exercise frequency. Blood samples were collected during both early and mid-pregnancy stages to assess oxidative stress (ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, CHOL; triglycerides, TG).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in both FRAP and TBRAS levels during the first trimester of pregnancy in the oldest mares that did not participate in racing. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between FRAP levels and age, as well as between TBRAS levels and the stage of pregnancy. Conversely, FRAP levels were negatively correlated with racing frequency in the studied mares.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Oxidative stress levels in pregnant Purebred Arabian mares differed based on age and the level of exercise. Unexercised older mares exhibited increased oxidative stress markers, indicating they are more susceptible to oxidative imbalance during pregnancy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"156 ","pages":"Article 105751"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145701063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Phylogenetic analysis and diversity of the Colombian creole donkey from sequences of the mitochondrial DNA D-loop region","authors":"D․Y․ Hernández-Herrera , J․ Cordero-Cerón , S․ Martínez-Rodríguez , D․E Montes-Vergara , J․C․ Rincón","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105730","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105730","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>the Colombian Creole Donkey (CCD) is a valuable animal genetic resource with origins in Iberian and African donkeys. Its population has declined by ∼80 % in two decades, threatening the maternal genetic diversity accumulated after centuries of adaptation.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>to assess the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of CCD based on the sequence analysis of the <span>d</span>-loop region of mitochondrial DNA.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>fifty CCD samples from four subpopulations in Department of Sucre (Colombia) and another pooled as \"OTHER\" were analyzed. After amplification of a 383 bp fragment of the <span>d</span>-loop, 312 edited bp were obtained and diversity indices (Hd, π, θ), Tajima's D, FST and Nm were calculated. An NJ tree (HKY85 model) and a median-joining network including sequences from the Nubian and Somali lineages were constructed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>three haplotypes (H1, H2, H3) were identified with frequencies of 40 %, 22 % and 38 %. Haplotypic diversity was high (Hd= 0.760) and nucleotide diversity was moderate (π= 0.015). Tajima's D showed no significant deviations (<em>p</em> > 0.05). All of the individuals included in this study were found to be part of the Nubian donkey lineage (Clade 1). Population differentiation was low (<em>F<sub>ST</sub></em> = 0.0419) and gene flow was moderate (Nm ≈ 7.1). The phylogenetic tree revealed two monophyletic subclades within Clade 1.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>the CCD maintains a high mitochondrial variability, despite its numerical decline, and lacks Somali contribution. These results support the urgent implementation of breeding plans and germplasm banks to protect/preserve a local genetic resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"156 ","pages":"Article 105730"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145541057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Detection and phylogenetic relationship of Neorickettsia risticii in horses from Southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil","authors":"J.G. Silva , K.R. Martins , N.M. Rahal , L.F.D. Schuch , R.C. Cunha , M.C.A. Meireles","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105749","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105749","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Neorickettsia risticii</em>, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is the causative agent of Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) — a systemic, acute, and potentially fatal diarrheal disease. This pathogen is an endosymbiont of digenetic trematodes, with freshwater snails playing a role in its biological cycle. The disease exhibits endemic and seasonal patterns, primarily affecting horses in wetlands during warmer months, and has been documented in the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America. Previous studies confirmed the pathogen’s presence in herds from southern Brazil via serology and PCR; however, its genetic sequencing and phylogenetic classification remained unresolved.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to perform molecular diagnosis, genetic sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of <em>N. risticii</em> in naturally infected symptomatic horses, as well as to screen clinically healthy animals and <em>Heleobia</em> spp. snails from endemic farms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The agent’s DNA was investigated in blood and snail samples using nested PCR.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Symptomatic animals yielded a 529-bp product (consistent with <em>N. risticii</em>), whereas clinically healthy horses and snails showed no amplification. We report the first genetic sequences of <em>N. risticii</em> from southern Brazil, along with a phylogenetic study of the pathogen.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis revealed high similarity among the obtained samples and other sequences from South America. Our findings confirm the agent’s circulation in the region and, by enriching the genetic database, encourage further studies to elucidate the etiological agent’s epidemiology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"156 ","pages":"Article 105749"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145723857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Parker, H. Arnade, J.L. Parker, J. Gordon, J.F. Peroni
{"title":"Equine platelet lysate exhibits bacteriostatic effects against gram-negative clinical bacterial isolates","authors":"M. Parker, H. Arnade, J.L. Parker, J. Gordon, J.F. Peroni","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105753","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105753","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Investigation of alternative antibiotic therapies is critical for the future of medicine. Platelet lysate (PL) is a blood product that has shown antibiotic potential, which could be used to augment or replace current antibiotics.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To compare the effects of equine PL versus antibiotics on growth of clinically isolated antibiotic resistant bacteria. We hypothesized that PL would exert an antimicrobial effect on equine bacterial isolates resistant to antibiotics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><em>In vitro</em> experimental study. Platelets were collected via apheresis from nine donor horses and underwent two freeze-thaw cycles. PL was pooled from three different equine donors to create three unique batches. Growth curve and time kill assays were performed on three clinical Enterobacteriaceae-family isolates using 40 % v/v PL treatment, PBS control, or antibiotics as a comparison. Assay results were analyzed statistically across treatments.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Bacteria dosed with PL demonstrated a significantly reduced growth rate (mOD/min) over 16-hours compared to control and antibiotics (<em>E. cloacae</em> complex: PL 0.93-1.72; PBS 5.50; ceftiofur 5.84. <em>E. hormachei</em>: PL 0.92-1.58; PBS 5.27; gentamicin 5.13. <em>M. morganii</em>: PL 1.94-2.39; PBS 3.96; TMS 4.04). A mild bactericidal effect (log fold change from 0 hours) was observed after 1 hour (<em>ECC</em>: PL -0.28 – -079; PBS 0.42; ceftiofur 0.1. <em>E. hormachei</em>: PL -0.18 – -0.36; PBS 0.61; gentamicin 0.46. <em>M. morganii</em>: PL -0.09– -0.26; PBS 0.36; TMS 0.11).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>PL (40 % v/v) exhibited a bacteriostatic effect on clinical bacterial isolates. PL significantly reduced the number of viable organisms when compared to treatment with antibiotics to which the isolates were resistant.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"156 ","pages":"Article 105753"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145781353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mirela Alexandra Tripon , Dan Manolăchescu , Ionel Papuc , Zsofia Daradics , Cristian Mihăiță Crecan
{"title":"Measuring emotional contagion in Horse–Human interactions: A systematic scoping review of methods and outcomes","authors":"Mirela Alexandra Tripon , Dan Manolăchescu , Ionel Papuc , Zsofia Daradics , Cristian Mihăiță Crecan","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105754","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105754","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Emotional contagion between horses and humans is a key aspect of their interaction, influencing welfare, training, and therapy, yet current methods for measuring this phenomenon lack standardization and consistency.</div></div><div><h3>Aims/Objectives</h3><div>The aim of this study was to verify what methods are used to assess emotional contagion in horse–human interactions, and what outcomes have been reported.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic search of Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct was conducted up to March 2024. Peer-reviewed studies assessing emotional transfer through behavioral and/or physiological measures were included; studies outside this scope were excluded. From <em>n</em> <em>=</em> <em>486</em> records screened, <em>n</em> <em>=</em> <em>104</em> met inclusion criteria. Behavioral indicators included body language, facial expressions, and vocalizations. Physiological indicators included heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and cortisol concentrations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Behavioral measures, particularly body language (73.1 %), were most frequently applied. Heart rate (49 %) and HRV (30.8 %) dominated physiological assessments, while cortisol was less often used. Studies combining behavioral and physiological methods, especially body language with heart rate or variability, provided more robust insights into emotional contagion. However, methodological inconsistencies and lack of standardized frameworks limited comparability across studies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Combining behavioral and physiological measures offers a more comprehensive assessment of emotional contagion in horse–human interactions. To advance this field, standardized frameworks, interdisciplinary collaboration, and integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and wearable devices are needed. These improvements could enhance reliability, enable real-time monitoring, and support evidence-based practices that benefit both horse welfare and human–horse interactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"156 ","pages":"Article 105754"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145781348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
P. Warren , D. Mc Crudden , S. O’Reilly , C. Mc Eleney
{"title":"A review of current and potential applications of macroalgae to equine veterinary science","authors":"P. Warren , D. Mc Crudden , S. O’Reilly , C. Mc Eleney","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105709","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105709","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Macroalgae have been used in supplements and feedstuffs for equines and other animals for many years. Health-related attributes of macroalgal bioactive compounds, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic effects, have been largely reported in non-equine species to date. Given the prevalence of resistance to antimicrobial and anthelmintic drugs, sourcing naturally occurring alternatives is of high priority in the current One Health strategy.</div><div>Nutritionally, seaweed contains a broad range of macro and micro nutrients. These nutrients, combined with the bioactive compounds such as alginates and fucoidans, can favour a healthy gut biome and act as a mucosal protectant to promote gastrointestinal health and equine welfare.</div><div>Perusal of the literature indicates the many potential applications of the constituent compounds in macroalgae to the veterinary sector, and further research may indeed evince support for the multifarious animal health benefit claims made by seaweed supplement manufacturers, and to quantify the amounts required. Oversight or regulation is necessary to maintain biosafety for humans and other animals alike.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"156 ","pages":"Article 105709"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145421857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An in vitro investigation into the effects of postbiotic supplementation on stabilising equine hindgut pH","authors":"L. Sheridan , P. Hutton , G. Noble , B. Nobari","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105746","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105746","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Background:</em> Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome is a precursor to hindgut acidosis. As microbial diversity and fermentation are influenced by diet, including a postbiotic could help maintain healthy gastrointestinal microbes and reduce acidosis risk. <em>Aims/objectives:</em> It was hypothesised that including a postbiotic in batch culture would reduce the degree of pH decline and lactate accumulation during fermentation. <em>Methods: In vitro</em> batch cultures with faecal inoculant were prepared with either low starch (LS) or high glucose (G) substrate to represent normal and acidic fermentation. <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em> derived postbiotic was added at 280 μg (T1), corresponding to the recommended daily feeding rate for a 500 kg horse adjusted to the dry matter of the incubated substrate, and 560 μg (T2), representing twice this rate, and incubated for 48 h to assess effects on pH, gas, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), ammonia (NH₃), and <span>d</span>-lactate production. <em>Results:</em> Substrate G showed a faster decline in pH (<em>P</em> < 0.001) than LS at 6 and 12 h post incubation. Postbiotic concentration had a positive linear relationship with pH in G and observed higher (<em>P</em> < 0.001) pH for T1 at 6 h, and T2 at 6 and 12 h. Production of propionic, and acetic acids was increased (<em>P</em> < 0.001) with postbiotic at 12 h and 36 h, and butyric acid at 36 h (<em>P</em> = 0.05). <span>d</span>-lactate production was greater in G than LS (<em>P</em> < 0.001) at 12 h and lower at 36 h (<em>P</em> < 0.001). Postbiotics reduced lactate at 12 and 36 h (<em>P</em> < 0.001) in LS. <em>Conclusion:</em> The addition of postbiotic could reduce the severity of pH decline in high non-structural carbohydrate rations and increase VFAs, however acidosis was not prevented.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"156 ","pages":"Article 105746"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145668203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maren Hellige, Caroline Schröder, Frauke Seehusen, Karl Rohn, Florian Geburek
{"title":"Computed tomographic myelography of the cranial cervical vertebral column in unaffected Warmblood horses – comparison of transverse vertebral ratios in the flexed and neutral cranial cervical vertebral column","authors":"Maren Hellige, Caroline Schröder, Frauke Seehusen, Karl Rohn, Florian Geburek","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105735","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105735","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Computed tomographic myelography (CTM) is diagnostic for extradural spinal cord compression but knowledge about vertebral ratios from transverse images in flexion and normal position of unaffected horses is lacking.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To compare the ratios of the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the spinal cord, the vertebral canal and of the contrast enhanced dural tube on transverse CTM images at C3-C4 in neutral and flexed positions in unaffected Warmbloods.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>CTM was performed in 13 neurologically unaffected Warmbloods in neutral and flexed cervical vertebral column positions. Ratios were calculated at intervertebral (inter1-3) and intravertebral (cranial, middle, caudal) sites. The cord canal area ratio (CCAR = CSA spinal cord / CSA vertebral canal), the dural canal area ratios (DCAR = CSA contrast enhanced dural tube / CSA vertebral canal) and the cord dural area ratios (CDAR = CSA spinal cord / CSA contrast enhanced dural tube) were calculated and compared between different cervical positions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>DCAR decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the flexed compared to the neutral position. Reductions were intravertebral at the cranial and caudal sites of C3 and C4. At the intervertebral sites, there was a significant decrease at inter1 and inter2. CDAR increased significantly (p < 0.05) at all intervertebral locations (inter 1-3) in the flexed cervical vertebral column compared to the neutral position.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Flexion of the cervical vertebral column led to a decrease of the DCAR and an increase of the CDAR at the intervertebral sites in unaffected Warmbloods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"156 ","pages":"Article 105735"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145582219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Soledad Martin-Pelaez , Morgan Orsolini , Margo Verstraete , Alejandro de la Fuente , Kazuki Takahashi , Stuart Meyers , Pouya Dini
{"title":"From clinic to lab: Sperm parameters for equine in vitro embryo production","authors":"Soledad Martin-Pelaez , Morgan Orsolini , Margo Verstraete , Alejandro de la Fuente , Kazuki Takahashi , Stuart Meyers , Pouya Dini","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105738","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105738","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Equine i<em>n vitro</em> embryo production (IVP) offers a valuable opportunity to enhance the efficient utilization of genetically and economically valuable horses. In cases of subfertility, sudden death, emergency euthanasia, or limited sperm availability, IVP becomes the only viable option to produce offspring. Due to steadily improving success rates, IVP has become one of the most sought-after assisted reproductive techniques. The rising global demand has created a clear need for veterinarians and stallion owners to provide IVP-suitable sperm, where the selection of intact sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or conventional <em>in vitro</em> fertilization (IVF) is critical for fertilization and optimal embryo development. Achieving this demand requires careful consideration of animal selection, sperm processing, and sperm selection techniques, linking the day-to-day clinical practice with laboratory requirements. In this review, we summarize research on stallion and sperm parameters relevant to IVP, aiming to provide practical guidance for improving <em>in vitro</em> reproductive outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"156 ","pages":"Article 105738"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145582250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}