Equine Genetics Webcast Series Continues With Free Webcast on Genetic Testing
10/6/09
Contact: Laura Probyn
517-432-1555, ext. 175
or
Christine Skelly
810-338-8200
or
Krishona Martinson
University of Minnesota
612-625-6776
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- SCID, HYPP, LWS, HERDA, GBED: the letters can be confusing and their descriptions frightening for horse owners and breeders. To learn more about these and other genetic disorders, including where they originate and tests available to detect them, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s My Horse University and the University of Minnesota are offering a free webcast on Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. EST.
“Applications for Equine Genetics” will be presented by Stephanie Valberg, professor and director of the University of Minnesota Equine Center. Participants may register online.
The webcast will also include information on genetic tests for stock breeds including quarter horses, appaloosas and paints, as well as strategies for incorporating genetic testing in breeding operations.
It will cover such topics as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), lethal white syndrome (LWS), Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA) and Glycogen branching enzyme deficiency (GBED).
Recent advances in genetic technology, starting with the sequencing of the human genome in 2001, have led to a much greater understanding of genetics. Scientists and physicians are recognizing the role of genetics not only in visible traits but more importantly, in invisible traits that have a great influence on health and disease.
The same techniques used to sequence the human genome are now being applied to domestic animal species, including the horse. The equine genome was completely sequenced in early 2007 and since then researchers have developed the genetic tools necessary to research both simple and complex genetic traits in horses.
“The University of Minnesota is glad to partner with My Horse University to bring online education opportunities on equine genetics to horse owners across the nation. We are also grateful to the National Research Institute for granting this research and extension (outreach) proposal,” says Krishona Martinson, an equine Extension specialist at the University of Minnesota.
To learn more about the “Applications for Equine Genetics” webcasts, visit http://myhorseuniversity.com/resources/webcasts/genetics_oct_09.
The webcast is part of a series titled, “Equine Genetics: A New Diagnostic Resource for Horse Owners,” and is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Research Initiative. Future programs will focus on managing equine metabolic syndrome and shivers, and advances in equine genetics.
The webcast series is one component of a larger outreach and Extension effort to provide research-based information on horse genetics to horse owners through online and in-person programs and printed materials.
My Horse University is a national online horse management program for horse enthusiasts. Founded by the MSU Department of Animal Science, MSU Extension and MSU Global, this program offers equine education courses and resources that can be tailored to achieve horse management goals. For more information, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com.
The University of Minnesota Extension Horse Program provides research-based information to adult horse owners to improve the quality of care for the animals and their facilities. The focus is on horse care, health and nutrition. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/horse.
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