• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.286-291
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• 2022

The effect of root-zone local cooling on seedling growth of tomato was investigated. Lower pipe cooling was used for local cooling of the root zone, and the root zone temperature was set at 20 and 25℃. There was no difference in plant height, root length, and leaf number according to local cooling temperature. Leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight, and chlorophyll content of the shoot and root was higher in the 25℃ than those of 20℃ at 28 DAS. These results showed that cooling for seedling growth of tomato 25℃ is sufficient considering energy efficiency. This study will be helpful in the development of local cooling technology that can reduce the energy required for cooling during the production of tomato seedlings in the high temperature season.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.9
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• pp.1460-1465
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• 2021

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the diversity of donkey populations by comparing with the diversity of Thoroughbred and Jeju Halla horses; identified breeding backgrounds can contribute to management and conservation of donkeys in South Korea. Methods: A total of 100 horse (50 Thoroughbreds and 50 Jeju Halla horses) and 79 donkeys samples were genotyped with 15 microsatellite markers (AHT4, AHT5, ASB2, ASB17, ASB23, CA425, HMS1, HMS2, HMS3, HMS6, HMS7, HTG4, HTG10, LEX3, and VHL20), to identify genetic diversity and relationships among horses and donkeys. Results: The observed number of alleles per locus ranged from 1 (ASB17, HMS1) to 14 (AHT5), with a mean value of 4.87, 8.00, and 5.87 in Thoroughbreds, Jeju Halla horses, and donkeys, respectively. Of the 15 markers, AHT4, AHT5, ASB23, CA425, HMS2, HMS3, HTG4, HTG10, and LEX3 loci had relatively high polymorphism information content (PIC) values (PIC>0.5) in these three populations. Mean levels of genetic variation were H_E = 0.6721 and H_O = 0.6600 in Thoroughbreds, H_E = 0.7898 and H_O = 0.7100 in Jeju Halla horses, and H_E = 0.5635 and H_O = 0.4861 in donkeys. Of the 15 loci in donkeys, three loci had negative inbreeding coefficients (FIS), with a moderate mean FIS (0.138). The FIS estimate for the HTG4 marker was highest (0.531) and HMS6 marker was lowest (-0.001). The total probability of exclusion value of 15 microsatellite loci was 0.9996 in donkeys. Conclusion: Genetic cluster analysis showed that the genetic relationship among 79 donkeys was generally consistent with pedigree records. Among the three breeds, donkeys and Thoroughbred horses formed clearly different groups, but the group of Jeju Halla horses overlapped with that of Thoroughbred horses, suggesting that the loci would be suitable for donkey parentage testing. Therefore, the results of this study are a valid tool for genetic study and conservation of donkeys.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.82.1-82.10
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• 2020

Background: The clinical presentation of horses with back pain (BP) vary considerably with most horse's willingness to take part in athletic or riding purpose becoming impossible. However, there are some clinical features that are directly responsible for the loss or failure of performance. Objectives: To investigate the clinical features of the thoracolumbar region associated with BP in horses and to use some of the clinical features to classify equine BP. Methods: Twenty-four horses comprised of 14 with BP and 10 apparently healthy horses were assessed for clinical abnormality that best differentiate BP from normal horses. The horses were then graded (0-5) using the degree of pain response, muscular hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness and overall physical dysfunction of the horse. Results: The common clinical features that significantly differentiate horses with BP from non-BP were longissimus dorsi spasm at palpation (78.6%), paravertebral muscle stiffness (64.3%), resist lateral bending (64.3%), and poor hindlimb impulsion (85.7%). There were significantly (p < 0.05) higher scores for pain response to palpation, muscular hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness and physical dysfunction among horses with BP in relation to non-BP. A significant relationship exists between all the graded abnormalities. Based on the cumulative score, horses with BP were categorized into mild, mild-moderate, moderate and severe cases. Conclusions: BP in horse can be differentiated by severity of pain response to back palpation, back muscle hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness, physical dysfunctions and their cumulative grading score is useful in the assessment and categorization of BP in horses.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.21.1-21.14
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• 2020

Background: Physical exercise is known to cause significant joint changes. Thus, monitoring joint behavior of athletic horses is essential in early disorders recognition, allowing the proper management. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the morphological patterns, physical examination characteristics and ultrasound findings of show jumping horses in training and to establish a score-based examination model for physical and ultrasound follow-ups of metacarpophalangeal joint changes in these animals. Methods: A total of 52 metacarpophalangeal joints from 26 horses who were initially in the taming stage were evaluated, and the horses' athletic progression was monitored. The horses were evaluated by a physical examination and by B-mode and Doppler-mode ultrasound examinations, starting at time zero (T0), which occurred concomitantly with the beginning of training, and every 3 months thereafter for a follow-up period of 18 months. Results: The standardized examination model revealed an increase in the maximum joint flexion angles and higher scores on the physical and ultrasound examinations after scoring was performed by predefined assessment tools, especially between 3 and 6 months of evaluation, which was immediately after the horses started more intense training. The lameness score and the ultrasound examination score were slightly higher at the end of the study. Conclusions: The observed results were probably caused by the implementation of a training regimen and joint adaptation to physical conditioning. The joints most likely undergo a pre-osteoarthritic period due to work overload, which can manifest in a consistent or adaptive manner, as observed during this study. Thus, continuous monitoring of young athlete horses by physical and ultrasound examinations that can be scored is essential.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.75.1-75.7
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• 2022

Background: Since 2013, the number of requests for diagnosis for horses based on neurological symptoms has increased rapidly in South Korea. The affected horses have commonly exhibited symptoms of acute seasonal hindlimb ataxia. A previous study from 2015-2016 identified Setaria digitata as the causative agent. Objectives: This study is an epidemiological investigation to find out risk factors related to the rapid increase in hindlimb ataxia of horses due to aberrant parasites in South Korea. Methods: An epidemiological investigation was conducted on 155 cohabiting horses in 41 horse ranches where the disease occurred. The surrounding environment was investigated at the disease-causing horse ranches (n = 41) and 20, randomly selected, non-infected ranches. Results: Hindlimb ataxia was confirmed in nine cohabiting horses; this was presumed to be caused by ectopic parasitism. Environments that mosquitoes inhabit, such as paddy fields within 2 km and less than 0.5 km from a river, had the greatest association with disease occurrence. Conclusions: Most horse ranches in South Korea are situated in favorable environments for mosquitoes. Moreover, the number of mosquitoes in the country has increased since 2013 due to climate change. Additional research is required; however, these data show that it is necessary to establish guidelines for the use of anthelmintic agents based on local factors in South Korea and disinfection of the environment to prevent disease outbreaks.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.85-92
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• 2023

Fractures in the horse industry are challenging and a common cause of death in racehorses. To accelerate fracture healing, tissue engineering (TE) provides promising ways to regenerate bone tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the osteogenic effects of biphasic calcium phosphate collagen (BCPC) graft, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments in horses. Four thoroughbred horses were included in the study, and, in each horse, three cortical defects with a diameter of 5 mm and depth of 10 mm were formed in the third metacarpal bones (MC) and metatarsal bones (MT). The defects were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups (saline, BCPC, BMP2, MSC, PRP, and control). Injections of saline, BMP2, PRP, or MSCs were made at 1, 3, and 5 weeks after defect surgery. Bone regeneration effects were assessed by radiography, quantitative computed tomography (QCT), micro-computed tomography (μCT), histopathological, and histomorphometric evaluation. The new bone ratio (%) in the histomorphometric evaluation was higher in the BMP2 group than in the control and saline groups. Radiographic and QCT values were significantly higher in the BCPC groups than in the other groups. QCT values of the BMP2 group were significantly higher than in the control and saline groups. The present study demonstrated that BCPC grafts were biologically safe and showed osteoconductivity in horses and the repeated injections of BMP2 without a carrier can be simple and promising TE factors for treating horses with bone fractures.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.135-138
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• 2023

A one-month-old Thoroughbred colt presented with left hindlimb lameness grade 5/5, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners' lameness scale. The colt started showing signs of lameness two weeks earlier without being involved in an accident. A local veterinarian examined the foal; radiography revealed no significant findings under the hip joint. No improvement was noted after 15 days of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) medication. On presentation at our hospital, ultrasonography was performed, which revealed no significant findings in the iliac wings. The foal underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan under general anesthesia. CT revealed bone cysts in the following that could have caused the lameness: the left transverse process of the 5th, 6th lumbar, and the 1st sacrum vertebrae; osteophytes in the auricular surface of the ilium, suggestive of sacroiliac arthritis. The foal recovered smoothly from anesthesia with assistance. The foal was treated with NSAIDs and rested for more than six months. The owner reported that the foal showed no lameness one year later. CT revealed bony changes in the lumbosacral region that were not detected by radiography and ultrasonography, suggesting that CT could be useful for detecting abnormalities in the pelvic region of horses.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.71-76
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• 2019

There have been no reports on the laboratory screening of congenital torticollis in equine medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the blood chemistry of a newborn female foal with congenital torticollis. The filly was born after a normal parturition period, and the clinical pathology results were as follows: biochemistry of the plasma showed significantly higher levels of CK, LDH, and Na than those in a normal foal. However, Cl level was remarkably lower than that of the control. In conclusion, the cells in the neck muscles influenced the clinical pathological value in the neonate. A disorder of the muscles as well as the bone problem, such as the cervical vertebrae, may have caused congenital torticollis. To our knowledge, this is the first report detailing the clinical pathology results in a newborn foal with torticollis. These laboratory results can be used as a reference for interpretation of pathology results in foals.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.117-123
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• 2018

The purpose of this report is to describe the diagnosed case of a large colonic impaction in an adult donkey. An adult female donkey (Equus africanus asinus; 6-years-old) was admitted to the Equine Hospital of Jeju Race Park with signs of anorexia, which had started 1 day previously. Clinical examination revealed: weak gut sounds, dehydration, and severe abdominal distension, but normal respiratory and heart rates and no signs of pain. Transrectal palpation identified an impaction in the colon. The patient was treated with nasogastric siphonage, fluid therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Over the course of a day, her condition worsened; she started trembling, could not stand, and 2 hours later she died. Upon necropsy, a vast amount of ingesta was found in the large colon, particularly in the left ventral colon. The cecum and small colon were normal. Eleven days prior to presentation, the stable management and diet of the donkey had changed. We suspect that the change of feed, reduced water consumption, and lack of exercise precipitated the illness. However, the exact cause of the sudden death of the donkey requires further investigation.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.922-938
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• 2023

The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of sequential low and high dietary linseed oil (LO; as omega-3 enriched fatty acid; FA) before and post insemination, respectively, on different plasma variables of ewes. Fat-tailed Qezel ewes were assigned randomly to be fed a diet enriched with 3% LO (n = 30) or the saturated FA (SFA; n = 30) three weeks before insemination (Day 0). The lipogenic diet supplemented with 6% LO or SFA was fed after insemination until Day +21. The control ewes were fed an isocaloric and isonitrogenous diet with no additional FA during the study. Estrus was synchronized by inserting a vaginal sponge (Spongavet^®) for 12 days + 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; Gonaser^®), and ewes were inseminated via laparoscopic approach 56-59 h after eCG injection. The size of ovarian structures was assessed by transvaginal ultrasonography at -21, -14, -2, 0, and +10 days. Blood samples were collected weekly to measure the plasma's different biochemical variables and FA profile. Treatment did not affect the amounts of glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, interleukin-10, interleukin-2, and non-esterified FA (p > 0.05). Conversely, concentrations of triglyceride, cholesterol, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and insulin-like growth factor-1 were higher in SFA-fed ewes relative to control animals (p < 0.05). LO feeding resulted in greater amounts of n-3 FA isomers in plasma, while higher amounts of stearic acid were detected in SFA fed group 0 and +21 (p < 0.05). The number of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea also were not affected by treatment. Other reproductive variables were not affected by treatment except for the reproductive rate. It seems that LO or SFA feeding of fat-tailed ewes peri-insemination period was not superior to the isocaloric non-additional fat diet provided for the control group during the non-breeding season.