from the Rutgers Equine Science Center

New Brunswick, NJ — The Equine Science Center at Rutgers University partnered with the University of Minnesota in procuring blood samples from more than 700 Standardbred horses in New Jersey and New York for a new group of studies aimed at identifying genetic factors underlying musculoskeletal diseases in horses. The studies will also look at performance traits, such as gait and speed, and how a horse’s genetic makeup affects these traits.

Broken into four distinct studies, the researchers will examine the genetic risk factors for recurring exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) and osteochondritis dissecans (OC/OCD), and will investigate modifying loci associated with trotting and pacing and those affecting performance in Standardbred horses.

“Identifying the genetics contributing to OCD and RER will allow us to design better treatments and management recommendations for these horses,” said Dr. Molly E. McCue, Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota. “In addition, we hope that identifying the genetics that contribute to traits such as gait, speed, and elite performance will allow trainers, breeders, and owners of Standardbred horses to breed for desirable traits, select the best racing prospects, and train these horses to their fullest genetic potential.”

The sampling done in New Jersey took place at Gaitway Farm in Manalapan Township, Joie de Vie Farms in Jobstown, Winner’s International Farm in Chesterfield, and White Birch Farm in Allentown. Sampling was also done in New York at Split Brook Farm in Hurleyville and at Ray Schnittker Racing Stable in Goshen.

After receiving the consent of either the owner or trainer, a 10 ml blood sample (two purple top vacutainer tubes) was collected from each horse for the purpose of DNA isolation. A single sample can be used for any or all of the studies. Information collected at the time of sampling minimally included the registered name and/or tattoo number of the horse, gender, and age. Phenotype for RER and OC (affected/unaffected) and gait (pacer/trotter) was noted based on client consent.

“The Equine Science Center was proud to be able to show our colleagues from Minnesota some of the best Standardbred horses in the country,” said Dr. Karyn Malinowski, Professor of Animal Sciences and Director of the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University. “To be able to get blood samples from these top-tier competitors will not only help to diversify the genetic studies taking place, but will also provide great performance data to be used by the trainers of these horses. My heartfelt thanks goes out to the over 20 trainers who participated in the data collection.”

Sampling in New Jersey and New York took place from Sept. 10-13 and will be added to a larger sampling conducted by the University of Minnesota team. Because of the overwhelmingly enthusiastic support for the project by harness racing trainers in the area, the team will make a return trip in early 2016 to continue sampling. The first results of these studies should be available in a 12-18 month timeframe.