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Keller GA, Nielsen BD, Vergara-Hernandez FB, Robison CI. Tracking the Impact of Weather on Equine Activity While Pastured. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 116:104052. [PMID: 35752430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Keeping horses outdoors on pasture full-time with free access to shelter holds numerous advantages over housing in stalls, promoting both better mental and physical health. One reason for these benefits is the potential for increased physical activity in horses outdoors on pasture versus those confined to stalls. However, it is not guaranteed the horse will take advantage of this opportunity for greater movement. For this reason, it is important to understand the various reasons why horse activity patterns change. The objective of this study was to investigate how various weather factors - including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed - directly affect equine movement. To achieve this, horses on two similarly-managed farms were equipped with triaxial accelerometers during five independent time periods from January to August. These devices tracked number of steps, standing time, time lying down, and number of lying bouts. The movement data were then compared to the corresponding weather conditions. No strong correlations were found between the recorded movement of the horses and any of the environmental conditions. However, differences in average number of steps and average time lying down were observed between farms and across testing periods, suggesting other influences such as ground conditions and the use of blankets. Further studies are needed to determine the best management practices to encourage pasture activity and support optimal equine physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretel A Keller
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Brian D Nielsen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | | | - Cara I Robison
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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2
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Urschel KL, McKenzie EC. Nutritional Influences on Skeletal Muscle and Muscular Disease. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2021; 37:139-175. [PMID: 33820605 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle comprises 40% to 55% of mature body weight in horses, and its mass is determined largely by rates of muscle protein synthesis. In order to support exercise, appropriate energy sources are essential: glucose can support both anaerobic and aerobic exercise, whereas fat can only be metabolized aerobically. Following exercise, ingestion of nonfiber carbohydrates and protein can aid muscle growth and recovery. Muscle glycogen replenishment is slow in horses, regardless of dietary interventions. Several heritable muscle disorders, including type 1 and 2 polysaccharide storage myopathy and recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis, can be managed in part by restricting dietary nonstructural carbohydrate intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine L Urschel
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, 612 W.P. Garrigus Building, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Erica C McKenzie
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, 227 Magruder Hall, 700 Southwest 30th Street, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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3
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Zsoldos RR, Khayatzadeh N, Soelkner J, Schroeder U, Hahn C, Licka TF. Comparison of gluteus medius muscle activity in Haflinger and Noriker horses with polysaccharide storage myopathy. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 105:549-557. [PMID: 33609063 PMCID: PMC9291294 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 polysaccharide storage myopathy caused by genetic mutation in the glycogen synthase 1 gene is present in many breeds including the Noriker and Haflinger horses. In humans, EMG has already been used to document changes in the muscle activity patterns of patients affected by human glycogen storage disorders. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe gluteus muscle activity with surface electromyography (sEMG) in Haflinger and Noriker horses with known GYS1 mutation status during walk and trot. Thirty‐two horses (11 Haflinger and 21 Noriker horses) with homozygous non‐affected (GG), heterozygous affected (GA) and homozygous affected (AA) status of GYS1 mutation without overt clinical signs of any myopathy were selected for the current study. Using surface electromyography gluteus medius muscle activity at walk and at trot was measured, and muscle activity was described in relation to the maximum observed value at the same sensor and the same gait. In order to further describe the signals in detail comprising both frequencies and amplitudes, the crossings through the baseline and the 25, 50 and 75 percentile lines were determined. The result of the relative muscle activity did not show a consistent difference between affected and non‐affected horses. Genetically affected (GA and AA) horses showed significantly less density of muscle activity for both gaits and horse breeds except for the crossings per second at the baseline and 75 percentile at walk in the Haflinger horses and 75 percentile at trot in the Noriker horses. The medians of all calculated density values were significantly lower in the GA Haflingers compared to the GG Haflingers (p = 0.012) and also in the AA Norikers compared to the GG Norikers (p = 0.011). Results indicate that the GYS1 mutation reduces the number of functional muscle fibres detected by sEMG measurements even in the absence of overt clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeka Roza Zsoldos
- Division Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld, Australia
| | - Negar Khayatzadeh
- Division Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann Soelkner
- Division Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Schroeder
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Hahn
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Theresia Franziska Licka
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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Longué CM, Dagleish MP, McGovern G, Brownlow AC, Baily JL. Intrasarcoplasmic Polyglucosan Inclusions in Heart and Skeletal Muscles of Long-Finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala melas) may be Age-Related. J Comp Pathol 2020; 181:18-25. [PMID: 33288146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Polysaccharide storage myopathies have been described in several animal species and are characterized by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive, diastase-resistant intrasarcoplasmic inclusions in myocytes. Skeletal and cardiac muscle samples from a subset of a single pod of stranded long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) were evaluated by light and transmission electron microscopy. Twelve individuals demonstrated sporadic basophilic packets of PAS-positive, diastase-resistant complex polysaccharide material, either centrally or peripherally, in skeletal and cardiac myocytes. Few microscopic myopathic changes were found but included focal inflammation and internalized nuclei. Ultrastructurally, the inclusions consisted of loosely arranged, tangled filaments and were not membrane-bound, which is consistent with polyglucosan inclusions. Within skeletal muscle, the number of inclusions had a marginal statistically significant (P = 0.0536) correlation with length, as a proxy for age, suggesting that such inclusions in skeletal muscles may be age-related, although the cause remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille M Longué
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Scotland, UK
| | - Mark P Dagleish
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, Scotland, UK.
| | - Gillian McGovern
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, Scotland, UK
| | - Andrew C Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Northern Faculty, Inverness Campus, Inverness, Scotland, UK
| | - Johanna L Baily
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, Scotland, UK; Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK
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Abstract
There are 5 single-gene mutations that are known to cause muscle disease in horses. These mutations alter the amino acid sequence of proteins involved in cell membrane electrical conduction, muscle energy metabolism, muscle contraction, and immunogenicity. The clinical signs depend on the pathway affected. The likelihood that an animal with a mutation will exhibit clinical signs depends on the mode of inheritance, environmental influences, and interactions with other genes. Selection of a genetic test for use in diagnostic or breeding decisions requires a knowledge of clinical signs, mode of inheritance, breeds affected, and proper scientific test validation.
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Detilleux JC. Bayesian Networks in Equine Genetic Counseling. J Equine Vet Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Williams ZJ, Bertels M, Valberg SJ. Muscle glycogen concentrations and response to diet and exercise regimes in Warmblood horses with type 2 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203467. [PMID: 30183782 PMCID: PMC6124783 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM1) is a glycogen storage disorder of known cause whereas the basis for type 2 PSSM (PSSM2) is unknown. The same diet and exercise regime prescribed for PSSM1 is recommended for PSSM2; however, the benefit of these recommendations for PSSM2 is undocumented. The objectives of this study were to determine traits of PSSM2 Warmblood horses (WB), determine the changes in exercise responses that occur with a recommended low-starch/fat-supplemented diet and exercise regime, and determine if glycogen concentrations correspond to the severity of signs. Owners of PSSM2 WB (2008-2016), completed a retrospective questionnaire regarding their horse. Glycogen concentrations were analyzed in skeletal muscle of PSSM2 WB (n = 36) obtained prior to recommendations and in control WB with no evident myopathy (n = 23). Chi-square, Fisher's exact, McNemar's tests with Bonferroni correction and Mann Whitney testing were utilized. Abnormal exercise responses reported by owners, began at approximately 6 years of age and included a decline in performance, a reluctance to collect and reluctance to go forward in over 50% of horses. With the recommended diet and exercise regime, 80% of PSSM2 WB owners reported an overall improvement with significant decreases in the proportion of horses showing a decline in performance and rhabdomyolysis. However, 53% of PSSM2 WB were still not advancing as expected with reluctance to go forward and collect persisting in approximately one third of horses. Median muscle glycogen concentrations did not differ between PSSM2 WB and WB with no evident myopathy. PSSM2 WB with the highest glycogen concentrations were significantly more likely to show a decline in performance than those with lower glycogen concentrations. In conclusion, diet and exercise recommendations ideal for PSSM1 improve but do not eliminate the decline in performance and reluctance to go forward under saddle characteristic of PSSM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë J. Williams
- McPhail Equine Performance Center, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Megan Bertels
- McPhail Equine Performance Center, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Stephanie J. Valberg
- McPhail Equine Performance Center, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
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McKenzie E. Current status of myopathies affecting athletic horses. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.3920/cep170005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Muscular disorders rank among the most prevalent problems of horses competing in a broad variety of athletic disciplines, including track racing, dressage, endurance racing and Western riding disciplines. As described in this review, active scientific investigation is continuing to elucidate the different mechanisms underlying specific muscular disorders in horses, and is discovering and defining new disorders, and new methods of diagnosis, treatment and management. The flourishing field of equine rehabilitation and regenerative medicine is also driving the progressive application of a variety of modalities to the treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions in horses. However, it is essential that this be accompanied by appropriate scientific investigation to verify the efficacy of recommended modalities and treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. McKenzie
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, 227 Magruder Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Druml T, Grilz-Seger G, Brem G. Effect of the glycogen synthase 1 (<i>GYS1)</i> mutation on performance traits in 169 Noriker draft horse stallions – a retrospective study. Arch Anim Breed 2016. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-59-453-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1) mutation on performance traits in Noriker draft horse stallions. Individual scores of 32 performance traits and the final performance score were obtained from 169 stallions that took part in the standardized stationary 30-day performance test throughout the years 2002 to 2014. In 2014 the stallions have been genotyped for the GYS1 mutation resulting in 105 non-mutation-carriers, 57 heterozygous, and 7 homozygous animals. The mean frequency of animals carrying the mutation was 38 % (64 of 169). The final performance score and 32 single performance traits were analyzed using a linear model including the GYS1 mutation genotype, the testing year and age as fixed effects. For the final performance score no effect of the GYS1 mutation was found. In three single traits – driving ability, drafting manner, and kindness in the discipline heavy-load lodging – significantly lower scores for heterozygous horses than for non-carrier animals were obtained. Homozygous animals did not differ significantly from both groups. Our results from this retrospective study suggest no effect of the GYS1 mutation on performance traits and on the final performance score.
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Schröder U, Licka TF, Zsoldos R, Hahn CN, MacIntyre N, Schwendenwein I, Schwarz B, Van Den Hoven R. Effect of Diet on Haflinger Horses With GYS1 Mutation (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Type 1). J Equine Vet Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.03.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- R. J. Naylor
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory; Veterinary Clinical Sciences; The Royal Veterinary College; London UK
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