A Comparative Study on Colic and Hoof Health in Domestically Bred Horses and Formerly Free Range Mustangs
Loading...
Authors
Tekorius, Morgan
Date of Issue
2025-04-25
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
This research is designed to see if there are any similarities or differences in common diseases and genetic disorders such as, colic, cushings, hoof health, and more between mustangs and domestically bred horses. This will be accomplished by micro-flora testing to see if mustangs have differing micro-flora content and numbers to better digest weeds and less nutrient dense plants that their natural habitat provides as opposed to their domestically bred equine counterparts. Along with the micro-flora testing, DNA testing would also be done through hair pulls to determine the mustangs genetic breed background and to help us better understand if or what genetic disorders they might develop due to their genetic breed makeup. The DNA testing will be reserved for the mustang study group and select horses will be used for the microflora testing from both the domestic and mustang group.
This research will hopefully be used to aid veterinarians in their treatment and prevention plans, as well as owners to be more educated on their equine partners' health. This research will include the use of DNA testing and microbiome testing which are both non-invasive and have minimal impact on the horses. The DNA testing is completed through a simple hair pull and the microbiome testing is taken through a manure sample, both will be sent to labs and there they will be tested and organized and comprehensive results will be received for this study.