• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.89-96
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• 2018

The object of this study was to evaluate the change of antibody titers on virus strains after inoculation with commercial killed equine influenza (EI) vaccines in horses. Serum antibodies of 20 Thoroughbred yearlings were detected using hemagglutination inhibition test for 41 weeks. Second vaccination is inoculated 4 weeks after the initial vaccination. Most of antibody titers were not increased until 4 weeks after first vaccination. The highest titers were detected 6-10 weeks after vaccination. The titers were decreased slowly and maintained for 16 weeks after inoculation. We could barely detect the antibody 41 weeks after vaccination in most cases. Vaccine anergia were appeared in 3 horses (15%) but it depended on virus strains. A/Equine/La Plata/93(H3N8) strain that induce high and durable antibody responses was the most effective among three strains. This study presents the first comprehensive data on the endurance of antibody titers against EI. Our data also suggests that yearlings should be inoculated three times in order to maintaining optimal antibody titers against EI. We speculate the causes of anergia were vaccine break down or individual specificity. Further research is needed to investigate immunological unresponsiveness. This was the first study on strain of equine vaccine in Korea.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1525-1531
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• 2015

Using next-generation sequencing, we conducted a genome-wide scan of selective sweeps associated with selection toward genetic improvement in Thoroughbreds. We investigated potential phenotypic consequence of putative candidate loci by candidate gene association mapping for the finishing time in 240 Thoroughbred horses. We found a significant association with the trait for Ral GApase alpha 2 (RALGAP2) that regulates a variety of cellular processes of signal trafficking. Neighboring genes around RALGAP2 included insulinoma-associated 1 (INSM1), pallid (PLDN), and Ras and Rab interactor 2 (RIN2) genes have similar roles in signal trafficking, suggesting that a co-evolving gene cluster located on the chromosome 22 is under strong artificial selection in racehorses.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.304-306
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• 2017

A 3-year-old Thoroughbred mare was referred to J&C Equine Hospital with gestation day 30 twin pregnancy. On transrectal ultrasonographic examination, two similar sized (28 mm) embryonic vesicles, unilaterally fixed in the uterine horn, were detected. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration (TUGA) was performed for reduction of one embryonic vesicle. Yolk sac and allantoic cavity fluids from one embryonic vesicle were aspirated by a needle guided by using transvaginal ultrasound. The mare continued normal singleton pregnancy after twin reduction and delivered a foal successfully. This is the first case described the clinical use of TUGA in Korea. Clinical use of TUGA in twin reduction after embryonic fixation is recommended for equine clinicians.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.292-295
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• 2019

A 2-year-old, 440 kg, thoroughbred gelding showed a lameness grade of 3 out of 5, as well as swelling and heating on the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ). Periarticular new bones due to the arthritis were observed on performing radiography and ultrasonography. PIPJ arthrodesis was performed under general anesthesia. With the PIPJ open, the articular cartilage was removed by using curette, chisel, and mallet. Arthrodesis was performed with a PIP plate and two additional transarticular cortex screws inserted in lag fashion. A cast was placed over the limb distal from the proximal metatarsal bone. At 6 months after surgery, complete union of the PIPJ was confirmed by radiography, and the incision site was well closed. Based on the outcome, a PIP plate with two additional transarticular cortex screws inserted in lag fashion is recommended as a method for treating osteoarthritis of the PIPJ in horses.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.1165-1176
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• 2019

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), produced by Clostridium botulinum, are the most toxic substances known. However, the number of currently approved medical countermeasures for these toxins is very limited. Therefore, studies on therapeutic antitoxins are essential to prepare for toxin-related emergencies. Currently, more than 10,000 Halla horses, a crossbreed between the native Jeju and Thoroughbred horses, are being raised in Jeju Island of Korea. They can be used for equine antitoxin experiments and production of hyperimmune serum against BoNT/A1. Instead of the inactivated BoNT/A1 toxoid, Halla horse was immunized with the receptor-binding domain present in the C-terminus of heavy chain of BoNT/A1 (BoNT/A1-HCR) expressed in Escherichia coli. The anti-BoNT/A1-HCR antibody titer increased rapidly by week 4, and this level was maintained for several weeks after boosting immunization. Notably, $20{\mu}l$ of the week-24 BoNT/A1-HCR(-immunized) equine serum showed an in vitro neutralizing activity of over 8 international units (IU) of a reference equine antitoxin. Furthermore, $20{\mu}l$ of equine serum and $100{\mu}g$ of purified equine $F(ab^{\prime})_2$ showed 100% neutralization of 10,000 $LD_{50}$ in vivo. The results of this study shall contribute towards optimizing antitoxin production for BoNT/A1, which is essential for emergency preparedness and response.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.111-116
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• 2010

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different feeding levels on the number of fecal lactic acid-producing bacteria and fecal pH in horses. In Exp. 1, 6 female cross-bred horses ($332.4{\pm}50.4\;kg$, 5 year old) were fed 2% hay or 2% concentrates of BW for 30 d, and the number of fecal Lactobacilli and Streptococci was measured. For Exp. 2, 5 castrated Thoroughbred ($474.5{\pm}64.6kg$, 4 year old) and 5 female cross-bred horses ($343.6{\pm}56.3\;kg$, 5 year old) were allotted to high- or low-concentrates diets (5 levels) for 30 d in a $5{\times}5$ Latin square design, and the fecal pH was assessed. In Exp. 3, 3 castrated Thoroughbred ($482.6{\pm}53.3\;kg$, 4 year old) were fed high- or low-alfalfa hay diets (3 levels) for 30 d in a $3{\times}3$ Latin square design, and the fecal pH was measured. Feeding high-concentrates diets increased (P<0.05) the number of fecal lactic acid-producing bacteria (Lactobacilli and Streptococci) and decreased (P<0.01) the fecal pH. Feeding alfalfa hay with high-concentrates diet (2% alfalfa hay + 1% concentrates of BW) decreased (P<0.01) the fecal pH. These results showed that feeding high-concentrates diets increased lactic acid-producing bacteria in the large intestine and decreased the intestinal or fecal pH causing colic or laminitis, indicating that the proper fiber/concentrates (1:1) should be maintained in horses.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.62-67
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• 2019

This study was performed to apply the measurement of heart rate and velocity in training horses for assessing race performance. Additionally, we aimed to identify parameters that can be used to evaluate the training level and exercise capacity. Eleven healthy 2- to 6-year-old Thoroughbreds were trained by the standard training program and heart rate and velocity were measured by using heart monitoring system and GPS. Regression analysis in heart rate and velocity data was performed to calculate velocity parameters. The mean maximal heart rate in gallop was $214{\pm}11bpm$. The mean $V_{140}$, $V_{180}$, $V_{200}$ and $VHR_{max}$ were $13.8{\pm}4.3km/h$, $37.5{\pm}3.8km/h$, $49.3{\pm}4.3km/h$ and $57.4{\pm}7.1km/h$ respectively. The mean $V_{140}$ of high performance racehorses was significantly higher than that of low performance racehorses (P < 0.05). Moreover, analyzing the correlation between velocity parameters and racing ability-related categories showed that $V_{140}$ was positively correlated with rating (P < 0.05), $V_{180}$ and $VHR_{max}$ were positively correlated with prize money per race (P < 0.05). Also, $V_{140}$ was significantly correlated with G1F (P < 0.05). The results of this study have shown that the measurement of heart rate and velocity during training could be useful methods to assess fitness for races or performance potential. Especially, $V_{140}$ is a good parameter to evaluate a performance of racehorses in Korea.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.123-128
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• 2007

A study was conducted over two years to determine the temperate mixtures of grasses for grazing horses in Jeju, Korea. The experiment field located at 450 m altitude (Jeju Horse Training Center of Korea Racing Association) was divided into 3 different mixtures plots (3 replications) without a fence between treatments, and sown by three main grasses (orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass and timothy). Seven castrated adult horses were kept on pasture from the middle of April to the end of November without supplementary concentrates. The dry matter yield, percentage of grasses intake and botanical composition were determined during the grazing period. Nutrients in grasses and soils were analyzed. The dry matter yield during two-year experimental period was not different among mixtures (11,000-12,000 kg/ha/year). In botanical composition, perennial ryegrass was dominant in all mixtures during spring through early summer season, but faded away during hot summer season. Timothy seemed to be more resistant against a hot or dry weather than other grasses. The percentage of grasses intakes was higher in the mixture of timothy than those in other mixtures. The contents of NDF (neutral detergent fiber) and ADF (acid detergent fiber) were not different among different mixtures. These results indicate that the mixture of timothy, orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass and white clover (20, 5, 5, 2 kg/ha as a seeding rate) can be used for gazing pasture of horses in the high altitude of Jeju.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.99-105
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• 2021

In horse management, the alarm system with sensors in the foaling period enables the breeder can appropriately prepare the time of the parturition. It is important to prevent losses by unpredictable parturition because there are several high risks such as dystocia and the death of foals and mares during foaling. However, unlike analysis in the alarm system that detects specific motions has been widely performed, analysis of classification following specific behavior patterns or number needs to be more organized. Thus, the objective of this study is to classify signs of the specific behaviors of the mares for the prediction of pre-foaling behaviors. Five Thoroughbred mares (9-20 yrs) were randomly selected for observation of the pre-foaling behaviors. The behaviors were monitored for 90 min that was divided into three different periods as 1) from -90 to -60 min, 2) from -60 to -30 min, 3) from -30 min to the time for the discharge of the amniotic fluid, respectively. The behaviors were divided into two different categories as state and frequent behaviors and each specific behavioral pattern for classification was individually described. In the state behaviors, the number of mares in the standing of the foaling group (3.17 ± 0.18^b) at period 3 was significantly higher than the control group (1.67 ± 0.46^a). In contrast, the number of the mares in the eating of the foaling group (1.17 ± 0.34^b) at period 3 was significantly lower than the control group (3.33 ± 0.46^a). In the frequent behaviors, the weaving of the foaling group was significantly higher than the control group, and looking at the belly of the foaling group was significantly lower than the control group. In period 2, defecation, weaving, and lowering the head of the foaling group were significantly higher than the control group, respectively. In period 3, sitting down and standing up, pawing, weaving, and lowering the head in the foaling group were also significantly higher than the control group. In conclusion, the behavior is significantly different in foaling periods, and the prediction of foaling may be feasible by the detection of the pre-foaling behaviors in the mares.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.421-427
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• 1992

The study was basically carried out to establish the appropriate condition for applying the Westergren method for erythrocyte sedimentation rate(W-ESR) in Throughbred racehorses at recess. To do this, we examined the correlationship among some factors including the kind of anticoagulants, optimal ambient temperature and reading time for W-ESR in healthy racehorses. The difference between the blood samples treated with only 3.8% solution of sodium citrate(SC) and both EDTA and SC as a coagulant, there was not recognized any significant difference(p<0.05) in the levels of W-ESR irrespective of the ambient temperature of $20^{\circ}C$ or $30^{\circ}C$. The best optimal ambient temperature for W-ESR in horses was proved at $30^{\circ}C$ resulting from the tendency of the most reduced dispersion in mean values analyaed from repeatly 4 times to the same blood samles compared with those of $10^{\circ}C$ and $20^{\circ}C$. The optimal reading time was determined as 60 minutes(Y=237.2~4.1X, $r^2=0.998$) and 70 minutes(Y=247.8~4.2X, $r^2=0.999$) under the same temperature of $30^{\circ}C$; the latter showed the better result on the basis of the correlation of packed cell volume(PCV) and ESR values. About 13 healthy racehorses, we compared the real values of W-ESR respectively obtained at 60 minutes and 70 minutes at $30^{\circ}C$ with the anticipated values of PCV by means of the analysis of linear regression equitation. As the result of this, the strong correlation between both of them was confirmed. For practical use of W-ESR in Thoroughbred racehorese, we can recommend the condition of 60 or 70 minutes for the optimal reading time as well as $30^{\circ}C$ for the best ambient temperature.