A 207-page report in Animal Genetics showcases the most recent advances in equine genetics, with contributions from some of the most distinguished geneticists in medicine.
"Since 1995, the Dorothy Russell Havemeyer Foundation (DRHF) has supported research in equine genetics and has hosted regular workshops worldwide in an attempt to encourage scientists to share ideas and resources," said Ernest Bailey, PhD, of the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center. Bailey, who specializes in immunogenetics and genomics, contributed to research relayed in the journal supplement and authored the foreword.
The DRHF funded the preparation and publication of the journal supplement. Because scientists were publishing results in many different journals, the point of the special issue was to encourage more rapid publication and to collect all of the publications into one issue to highlight the scientists' accomplishments.
Bailey said, "This journal supplement includes articles describing newly discovered genes, hereditary conditions that affect horses, and how genes are expressed in connection with exercise and laminitis."
As scientists become more familiar with using genomic information new discoveries will ensue, new tests will be developed, novel therapeutic products will be produced, and improved management strategies will be devised to improve the overall health and well-being of horses, Bailey explained.
"Genetic research will have far reaching effects on the health of horses worldwide and should be remembered as a legacy from the Dorothy Russell Havemeyer Foundation," he emphasized.
The supplement titled "Horse genomics and the Dorothy Russell Havemeyer Foundation" was posted online Nov. 15, 2010, and is available for free.
A series of articles highlighting some of the publications included in the special supplement of Animal Genetics will be posted on TheHorse.com.
Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.