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| RESEARCH |
| Equine Consulting Services is actively involved in research in Australia. Some of our projects include: |
| NUTRITIONAL CAUSES OF OCD IN GROWING FOALS |
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In 2008 we were part of a group that received a major grant from the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) to study the role of insulin and glucose in Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) in Thoroughbred foals. Several studies have identified nutritional factors which influence the incidence and/or severity of OCD. These include mineral deficiencies, excesses and imbalances (e.g. inadequate levels of phosphorus, calcium, zinc and copper in the diet to support the rate of growth); rapid growth and excessive weight-bearing and other biomechanical stresses on bones and joints; and feeding diets excessive in energy and protein. More recent work has implicated insulin in the disease due to its role in chondrocyte maturation but studies are scarce. Furthermore, few studies have evaluated the contribution of the mare's ration to the incidence of skeletal disease in growing foals and little is known about the metabolic changes that occur during pregnancy and how this may play a role in the prevalence of OCD. Most of the current research has been conducted overseas, so this is a great opportunity for us to obtain some real Australian data of particular relevance to our breeders. We are doing this work in collaboration with the University of Queensland and have a PhD student on board who has spent a great deal of time over the last year running around the Hunter Valley taking blood samples from mares and foals. A number of farms are participating in this research and preliminary results are looking very encouraging. |
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| TYING-UP |
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Tying-Up is a common problem in racing stables and we have been working with several trainers to develop feeding programs to reduce the incidence and severity of the condition. We are working on a new project at present to try and identify causative nutritional factors and methods for treatment. This work is on-going. |
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| EQUINE GASTRIC ULCER SYNDROME |
We are currently involved in a project with Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga to study the effect of nutritional supplements on gastric ulceration in horses. Initial work with one of the supplements has shown that the product may be associated with improved appetite, body condition score and faecal softening in affected horses. All the products being tested are in accordance with regulations in horse sports and racing codes. Improved treatment options, especially options which do not involve the administration of a prohibitive substance, are likely to result in more effective management of this condition and hence improved welfare of performance horses. This work is in progress and due for completion in 2010.
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| PROTEIN AND INSULIN RESISTANCE |
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Recent human studies suggest that the protein and amino acid composition of diets is an important factor in modulating the glucose/insulin axis. This aspect of insulin sensitivity has not been examined in horses. It would appear relevant as most equine diets contain an excess of dietary protein. We are involved in a project being conducted at the School of Animal Studies, University of Queensland to examine the influence of dietary protein level on the glucose/insulin axis in the horse in response to feeding of diets low in non-structural carbohydrates. This work is in progress and due for completion in 2010. |
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| JOCKEY HEALTH AND SAFETY PROJECT |
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Equine Consulting Services is also involved in a national review of jockey health and safety, a collaborative effort between Racing NSW, Racing Victoria Limited and Racing and Wagering Western Australia. The work involves the review and analysis of stewards' reports and insurance claim data for over a twelve year period as part of several projects which examined the significance of injuries to jockeys in Australia and the effectiveness of currently available and alternative protective equipment for riders. The work is part of a comprehensive project which will review all aspects of jockey health and safety including jockey nutrition, riding techniques and track facilities. It is envisaged the work will result in several publications in international scientific journals. |
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| PREVIOUS RESEARCH WORK: EQUINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE |
Epidemiological studies of Equine Herpesviruses 1 and 4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4) and antibody responses to a subunit vaccine (Department of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney). Research included an epidemiological analysis of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in the Hunter Valley and investigation of the efficacy of the currently available vaccine by examining the antibody response to vaccination in mares and foals.
Evaluating equine immune responses to new Equine Herpesvirus 1 vaccine candidates (Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University). Research included the evaluation of the efficacy of a new vaccine against EHV-1 in mares and very young foals. The above projects were both funded by RIRDC.
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