Equine Gene

Interesting discussion. What are your thoughts?

🐴 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗖 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 (𝗔𝗥𝗧) 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

A new study led by VGL Director, Dr. Rebecca Bellone, examines how modern breeding practices, such as artificial insemination and in vitro embryo production are influencing genetic diversity in domestic horses.

Focusing on the American Quarter Horse, the researchers found a 1.38% decline in genetic diversity over a single generation (2012 vs 2022). The study also found that foals produced through various assisted reproductive technologies showed lower genetic diversity than those produced by live cover, and this is likely attributed to less diversity among the mares being utilized by these strategies.

The study provides valuable insights for breeders, breed associations, and scientists working to preserve genetic diversity while advancing breeding programs.

Read the news story at https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/news/vgl-researchers-explore-genetic-diversity-american-quarter-horse.

New World Screwworm Control Starts with Prevention! 🐴🐶🐄

In both large animal and small animals screwworm flies are attracted to open wounds, cuts, scrapes and surgery sights. Unlike common fly larvae that may infect a wound with dead tissue the screwworm larvae invade and consume living flesh, turning even small wounds into a large problem.

🐶 For Dogs and Cats:
We use and recommend Simparica monthly flea tick preventative or the yearly injectable Bravecto Quantum flea tick preventative product because medications in this class have been proven to kill the larvae before they can become a problem.

We use and recommend Revolution plus for monthly flea and tick control in cats. The ingredients in Revolution plus will also kill the larvae, but prompt veterinary care, wound management, and physical removal of maggots remain essential. If you notice any suspicious wound or maggot infestation, contact your veterinarian immediately.

🐴🐄 For Horses and Cattle:
✅ Check animals daily for cuts, scrapes, surgical sites, or any draining wounds.
✅ Treat wounds promptly.
✅ Catron® IV spray Wound Dressing, can help protect wounds from flies and is approved for use inside the wound.
✅ For cattle, Exzolt is a longer lasting approved insecticidal treatment available through your veterinarian.

🚨 Watch for signs of screwworm infestation:
• A wound that suddenly gets larger
• Foul odor or unusual discharge
• Excessive licking, biting, or irritation
• Visible maggots in a wound

At Southwest Texas Veterinary Medical Center, we're closely monitoring the situation and are here to help protect your pets and livestock. Prevention, daily observation, and prompt wound care remain our best defenses against screwworm.

📞 Have questions about wound care products or parasite prevention? Give us a call!

Love seeing collaborations and women supporting one another!

Foal season is in full swing, and we want to celebrate those future champions with you!

One lucky winner will receive ONE FREE FOAL NOMINATION to the NRCHA Cow Horse Incentive presented by Markel Horse (2026 foals only).

To enter:
✅ Comment a photo of your foal
✅ Tell us which Incentive-subscribed stallion they're by
✅ Fill out this form: www.nrcha.com/foal-contest
✅ Tag 3 friends

This is your sign to get those babies nominated and on the path to competing for some of the biggest payouts in reined cow horse!🏆

Contest ends June 11. Good luck!