A world-first sperm extender is set to more than double the effectiveness of artificial insemination rates in horses and may also have implications for humans. University of Newcastle scientists, Dr Zamira Gibb and Dr Aleona Swegen, have developed a revolutionary nutrient-rich liquid that enables collected horse semen to live for two weeks outside the body without the need to be frozen.

Horses, like humans, dissipate most of their excess body heat through sweating. Horses can sweat as much as 2½ to 3 gallons – 10 to 12 liters – per hour. Depending on the environmental temperature and the animal’s workload, it is possible for a horse to become dehydrated in as little as two to three hours. Furthermore, horses may not drink enough, even when provided water.

There are physiological differences between humans and horses. For example, horses don’t produce high levels of ketones, even when starving. Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) are not at high risk for cardiovascular disease, the way humans are. They develop laminitis instead.

Beyond the easily searchable genetic tests offered, the VGL’s new website also features a genetics glossary, coat color resources, and educational materials like “pop-up” scrollable definitions of words throughout the site, as well as continually-updated activities and gameslike animal-related crossword puzzles and DIY at-home science projects.

“I’ve held each portion of the horse in my hand and turned it around to make it fit where it was supposed to go, then put it back together. So, I’ve literally taken everything apart and then put it back together piece by piece. As a future equine surgeon, it’s going to be priceless, truly. … It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Could biologic therapies be the future for treating joint disease? Ontario Veterinary College researcher, Dr. Mark Hurtig, and his team are investigating novel new methods to potentially repair tissue rather than just suppressing the signs of joint disease.

When you get a report from a diagnostic laboratory, you will see tests listed in a column on the left, followed by the test results (sometimes with an asterisk or a H = high, L = low mark) and a final column with the reference range. Some even call this a normal range, but it’s not.

In recent weeks, several figures have been circulated regarding the US horse population. The American Horse Council (AHC) wishes to clarify these statistics to avoid confusion and misunderstanding of the data.

Even with states gradually reopening, most sports activities for kids will take weeks or months to regroup and restart. Team sports are especially impacted, as traditional activities such as baseball, football, soccer and field hockey don’t allow for social distancing. Many summer season activities are already cancelled, and fall sports are questionable.

The research project, conducted by the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University, will focus on the horse human bond, and how EAAT affects both humans and horses during these types of therapy sessions. “It is important that we are not only able to fund the research that will be conducted, but also cover all costs associated with the veterans who will be volunteering their time for this important cause,” said Center Director Dr. Karyn Malinowski. “This will be the first time research conducted with EAAT will measure the same physiological markers of stress and well-being simultaneously in both the horses and veterans.”