C. imicola has been described as a species complex in South Africa on the basis of taxonomy, with at least seven species world-wide. Phylogenetic validity of five taxa within the Imicola group, namely C. imicola s.s., C. loxodontis, C. bolitinos and two currently unconfirmed species - Culicoides Sp. 30 (tuttifruitti) and Culicoides Sp. 107 (kwagga), were established using mtDNA COI sequence data, which confirmed their identity, not only as separate genetic entities, but also in exact correlation with the sibling species based on morphological and ecological parameters. In addition, the separate species status was reinforced for C. kwagga and C. tuttifrutti, which showed BCL of 100 with respect to C. imicola, using sequence data from the ITS-2 nuclear rRNA gene spacer region, and the mtDMA 16S gene respectively. Phylogeographical studies were undertaken using all three genomic regions, and revealed that C. imicola is present in Europe as C. imicola in sensu stricto, which acts as the vector for AHSV and BTV in this region. Intra-specific variation was highest in the COI amplicon, and extremely low in both ITS-2 and 16S regions. Phylogenetic resolution of internal clades was poorly supported for each gene region, and haplotype sharing suggests that the C. imicola populations across this wide geographical range are highly heterogeneous, with a high degree of haplotype mixing. Ecological field studies were carried out in farmyards in Spain and Portugal. When population composition of C. imicola was determined alongside host preference, it was found that although C. imicola are present in farms around cows, domestic fowl and pigs, they are present in higher numbers, comprise a higher total % of Culicoides caught and are present in a more stable population around horses. These results have serious implications for the spread of AHSV in these regions of Iberia where equestrian stud farms, producing quality polo and racing horses, play a significant part in the economy of the area.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil eletrocardiográfico dos eqüinos praticantes de hipismo clássico em São Paulo e também se estes parâmetros sofrem influências em relação ao tipo de atividade física desempenhada pelo animal (provas de salto abaixo de 1,20 metros e provas acima de 1,20 metros), faixa etária e fatores sexuais. Foram utilizados 100 eqüinos de hipismo clássico, representados por 61 machos e 39 fêmeas, com idades entre 4 e 19 anos. A freqüência cardíaca variou de 18,50 batimentos por minuto (bpm) a 89,45bpm, com média de 40,2077±13,3321, o ritmo cardíaco mais freqüente foi o sinusal com 56%, seguido de taquicardia sinusal 23%, arritmia sinusal 20% e bradicardia sinusal com 1%. As alterações encontradas foram: marcapasso migratório 25%, bloqueio átrio-ventricular de 2°grau (BAV de 2°grau) 9%, BAV de 1°grau 7%, complexos ventriculares prematuros 2% e bloqueio sinoatrial/ \"sinus arrest\" e complexos atrial prematuro com 1%. O eixo elétrico no plano frontal em 87% dos casos esteve entre o e +90 graus. O score cardíaco médio foi de 94,9±16,1milisegundos e em relação à duração na derivação bipolar II, obteve-se onda P com 0,1100±0,0242 segundos, intervalo P-R com 0,3140±0,0744 seg., complexo QRS com 0,0908±0,0250 seg., intervalo QT com 0,4908±0,0536 seg. e onda T com 0,1130±0,0330 seg. Quanto à amplitude também na derivação bipolar II, obteve-se onda P única em 35% dos casos com média de 0,2671±0,0747 milivolts, onda P bifásica em 11% dos eqüinos com média de 0,3136±0,1098mV e onda P bífida em 54% dos animais, sendo esta dividida em porção 1 e 2 (P1 e P2), P1 teve média de 0,1352±0,0492mV e P2 teve média de 0,2259±0,0502mV. A onda R e a onda T estiveram presentes em 100% dos eqüinos obtendo média de 1,0220±0,5028mV e 0,4425±0,2042mV, respectivamente. Quanto à morfologia, considerando-se todas as derivações analisadas, encontraram-se 11 configurações distintas para a onda P e 5 configurações diferentes para o complexo QRS e para a onda T. Segundo as análises estatísticas, houve diferenças significativas na duração, amplitude e morfologia de algumas ondas, intervalos e complexos, em relação ao grupo de atividade física, sexo e idade. / This study aimed to evaluate the electrocardiographic profiles of horses practicing show jumping in São Paulo as well as whether these parameters are affected by kind of physical activity performed by the animal (competitions below 1.20m jumps or above 1.20m), the age level or gender. A hundred show jumping horses were used, being 61 males, and 39 females. Their ages ranged from 4 to 19 years. Heart rate ranged from 18.50 beats per minute (bpm) to 89.45bpm, with an average of 40.2077±13.3321, the most frequent rhythm was sinusal with 56%, followed by sinus tachycardia 23%, sinus arrhythmia 20% and sinus bradycardia 1%. The alterations found were: wandering pacemaker 25%, second-degree atrioventricular block (BAV 2°) 9%, first-degree BAV 7%, ventricular premature complexes 2% and sinoatrial block / sinus arrest as well as premature atrial complexes 1%. The electrical axis at the frontal plane in 87% of the cases was between 0 and +90°. The average cardiac score was 94.9±16.1 milliseconds. In relationship to the bipolar lead II, P wave with 0.1100±0.0242 seconds, P-R interval of 0.3140±0.0744 seconds, QRS complex of 0.0908±0.0250 seconds, QT interval of 0.4908±0.0536 seconds and T wave with 0.1130±0.0330 seconds were obtained. In the amplitude, also at the bipolar lead II a single-peaked P wave was obtained in 35% of the cases with an average of 0.2671±0.0747 millivoltz, biphasic P wave in 11% of horses with an average of 0.3136±0.1098 mV and bifid P wave in 54% of the animals, being the latter divided into portions 1 and 2 (P1 and P2). P1 got an average of 0.1352±0.0492mV and P2 got an average of 0.2259±0.0502 mV. R wave and T wave were present in 100% of the horses, getting an average of 1.0220±0.5028mV and 0.4425±0.2042mV respectively. In relationship to the morphology, considering all the analyzed leads, 11 different configurations for P wave, and 5 different configurations for T wave were observed. According to the statistical investigation, there were significant differences in duration, amplitude and morphology of some waves, intervals and complexes in relationship to the physical activity group, sex and age.

Desde muy chico he estado involucrado en este mundo del Caballo Peruano de Paso y he sido participe de numerosos concursos, además, de la crianza. Con el pasar de los años vi disfrutar a mucha gente de su espectáculo y elegancia. Sin embargo, entendí que con los escasos recursos que se tienen y la poca difusión, nuestro Caballo Peruano de Paso a pesar de ser el mejor caballo de silla del mundo, nunca llegaría a ser reconocido realmente. Es así, como nace la idea de crear una Escuela de Chalanes en Lurín. Un lugar con historia, con un clima y entorno ideal, pero, sobre todo, un lugar donde se vive y se concentra la pasión por este animal. De esta manera, la investigación parte del marco teórico, por enseñar un poco la historia y las raíces del porvenir de esta crianza. Luego, el estudio de los proyectos referenciales que sirvieron para tener una primera base de lo que se pretendía hacer. En consiguiente, el estudio del lugar, el usuario y el programa arquitectónico para llegar a cumplir con las exigencias de este reto. Dicho esto, el tema a tratar en este proyecto de grado es la apuesta por la mejoría a la difusión del Caballo Peruano de Paso, creando una Escuela de Chalanes como ya antes dicho, pero, trabajando en los espacios de encuentro e integración entre los diferentes usuarios para que así los usuarios intercambien conocimientos. / Since very young I became involved in this word of the Peruvian Horse and I have participated in numerous competitions as well as breeding. In the past years, I saw many people enjoying this show and the steadily elegance of this beast. However, I understood that with the limited resources we have, joined with the poor show off of this breed: despite of being a unique breed in the world, this passion would never become truly recognized as it should. So, the idea of having a Riding School in Lurin appeared. In a location that has history, amazing surroundings, good climate and more over in a place where people breathe and live this passion. In this way, research starts from the theoretical frame, teaching a little of history, evolution and roots of this breed. Then, the study of referential projects that despite of not being directly related help us to have an inside of what we were intending to do. In consequence, the study of the place, the user, the architectural program to reach a final result that suited the needs of these subject. With that said, the issue to be addressed in this graduation project is the commitment to improve the show off of the Peruvian Paso horse by creating a school of Chalanes as said before. But this time working in encounter an integration places where between users would share and learn their knowledge and points of view creating a complete experience. / Trabajo de suficiencia profesional

PART I The horse numbers of Utah had not been accurately counted since the early 1960's. It was estimated that horse and pony numbers were reaching heights as recorded before the age of tractors and automobiles. Horsemen in Utah were asking for financial assistance for public horse facilities from the Utah legislature. The first part of this study was to survey the horse population to determine an accurate count of Utah horses. PART II In order to be satisfied that the horse industry deserved the spending of public funds, it was necessary to know the economic contribution of the horse industry. Part II information came from a second survey of expenses and incomes of horse owners. This study was to determine the economic importance of the horse industry to the State' s economy. The entire study was to determine the horse population and the impact of the horse industry on the economy of Utah.

Thesis (M.A.)--Carleton University (Canada), 2003. / Adviser: Warren Thorngate. Includes bibliographical references.

A series of experiments were designed to study the effects of a purified equine pituitary extract product containing a high FSH to LH ratio (eFSH) on superovulation and reproductive performance in mares. A significance level of P < 0.05 was used for the data analyses.<p> The treatment protocol included twice daily administration of 12.5 mg eFSH beginning at a follicular diameter of ¡Ý20 or 25 mm. The treatment was stopped when a preovulatory-sized follicle was detected (¡Ý35mm), and subsequently human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was administered to induce ovulation(s). The eFSH treatment significantly stimulated the ovaries of cycling and vernal transitional mares. This resulted in the development of multiple preovulatory-sized follicles, increased the number of ovulations, and enhanced donor embryo recovery rates. In mares which ovulated, approximately 70% of embryo recovery attempts resulted in the recovery of ¡Ý1 embryo. However, incidences of ovulation failure and non-ovulatory follicles were significantly higher compared to control mares. Furthermore, there were significant variations in the superovulatory response to eFSH among cycling and vernal transitional mares in the same study, and among different studies, in terms of number of ovulations, number of embryos and embryo per ovulation rates.<p> Administration of eFSH significantly modified reproductive tract variables (tone and edema) and serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17¦Â (E2) on the days that oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development were expected to occur. The administration of eFSH was also significantly associated with lower quality scores in a proportion of embryos recovered, and lower than expected pregnancy rates in recipients which received an embryo recovered from eFSH-treated cycling donor mares as compared to embryos from non-stimulated control mares. Moreover, eFSH treatment did not significantly increase pregnancy rate per estrous cycle in mares intended to carry their own pregnancy; however, the incidence of twin pregnancy tended to increase.<p> The effects of estrus synchronization regimens employed prior to eFSH treatment initiation were examined in cycling mares. A progesterone and estradiol regimen (P&E) was significantly more efficient than PGF2¦Á administration in diestrus for ovulation synchrony among eFSH-treated mares, with ¡Ý80% of mares ovulating within a 3 day period. The superovulatory outcomes (proportion of mares that ovulated, number of ovulations and embryo recovery), however, were significantly lower than those obtained with PGF2¦Á administration.<p> In vernal transitional mares, eFSH treatment resulted in a significantly higher number of preovulatory-sized follicles and a greater number of ovulations, compared to vernal transitional mares treated with deslorelin or porcine-FSH, or as compared to control mares. Most transitional mares (73% to 100%) ovulated after a mean of 5 days of eFSH treatment. These ovulations resulted in pregnancies and/or successful embryo recoveries. Following eFSH treatment in vernal transition, the first inter-ovulatory interval of the breeding season was significantly prolonged (>21 d) in about half of the mares.<p> In summary, eFSH treatment significantly stimulated follicular growth and multiple ovulations in cycling mares and in vernal transitional mares. The treatment significantly increased reproductive efficiency of cycling mares in terms of embryo recovery rates, and in vernal transitional mares in terms of establishing pregnancies or recovering embryos early in the breeding season. However, the eFSH treatment significantly altered the hormonal environment (E2 and P4), and was associated with modifications in follicular growth, ovulation, and embryo parameters. These aspects should be considered in the development of superovulation protocols for mares in future studies.

The genetic component of mammalian male fertility is complex and involves thousands of genes. The majority of these genes are distributed on autosomes and the X chromosome, while a small number are located on the Y chromosome. Human and mouse studies demonstrate that the most critical Y-linked male fertility genes are present in multiple copies, show testis-specific expression and are different between species. In the equine industry, where stallions are selected according to pedigrees and athletic abilities but not for reproductive performance, reduced fertility of many breeding stallions is a recognized problem. Therefore, the aim of the present research was to acquire comprehensive information about the organization of the horse Y chromosome (ECAY), identify Y-linked genes and investigate potential candidate genes regulating stallion fertility. To achieve theses goals, a direct cDNA (complementary DNA) selection procedure was used to isolate Y-linked genes from horse testes and 29 Y-specific genes were identified. All 29 genes were mapped to ECAY and their sequences were used to further expand the existing map. Copy number analysis identified 15 multicopy genes of which 9 were novel transcripts. Gene expression analysis on a panel of selected body tissues showed that some ECAY genes are expressed exclusively in testes while others show ubiquitous or intermediate expression. Quantitative Real-Time PCR using primers for 9 testis-specific multicopy genes revealed 5 genes with statistically significant differential expression in testis of normal fertile stallions and stallions with impaired fertility. Gene copy number analysis showed that the average copy number of 4 such genes was decreased in subfertile/infertile stallions compared to normal animals. Taken together, this research generated the first comprehensive physical gene map for the horse Y chromosome and identified a number of candidate genes for stallion fertility. The findings essentially expand our knowledge about Y chromosome genes in horses, open a new avenue for investigating the potential role of ECAY genes in stallion fertility which contribute to the development of molecular tools for the assessment of fertility in stallions.

A series of experiments were designed to study the effects of a purified equine pituitary extract product containing a high FSH to LH ratio (eFSH) on superovulation and reproductive performance in mares. A significance level of P < 0.05 was used for the data analyses.<p> The treatment protocol included twice daily administration of 12.5 mg eFSH beginning at a follicular diameter of ¡Ý20 or 25 mm. The treatment was stopped when a preovulatory-sized follicle was detected (¡Ý35mm), and subsequently human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was administered to induce ovulation(s). The eFSH treatment significantly stimulated the ovaries of cycling and vernal transitional mares. This resulted in the development of multiple preovulatory-sized follicles, increased the number of ovulations, and enhanced donor embryo recovery rates. In mares which ovulated, approximately 70% of embryo recovery attempts resulted in the recovery of ¡Ý1 embryo. However, incidences of ovulation failure and non-ovulatory follicles were significantly higher compared to control mares. Furthermore, there were significant variations in the superovulatory response to eFSH among cycling and vernal transitional mares in the same study, and among different studies, in terms of number of ovulations, number of embryos and embryo per ovulation rates.<p> Administration of eFSH significantly modified reproductive tract variables (tone and edema) and serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17¦Â (E2) on the days that oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development were expected to occur. The administration of eFSH was also significantly associated with lower quality scores in a proportion of embryos recovered, and lower than expected pregnancy rates in recipients which received an embryo recovered from eFSH-treated cycling donor mares as compared to embryos from non-stimulated control mares. Moreover, eFSH treatment did not significantly increase pregnancy rate per estrous cycle in mares intended to carry their own pregnancy; however, the incidence of twin pregnancy tended to increase.<p> The effects of estrus synchronization regimens employed prior to eFSH treatment initiation were examined in cycling mares. A progesterone and estradiol regimen (P&E) was significantly more efficient than PGF2¦Á administration in diestrus for ovulation synchrony among eFSH-treated mares, with ¡Ý80% of mares ovulating within a 3 day period. The superovulatory outcomes (proportion of mares that ovulated, number of ovulations and embryo recovery), however, were significantly lower than those obtained with PGF2¦Á administration.<p> In vernal transitional mares, eFSH treatment resulted in a significantly higher number of preovulatory-sized follicles and a greater number of ovulations, compared to vernal transitional mares treated with deslorelin or porcine-FSH, or as compared to control mares. Most transitional mares (73% to 100%) ovulated after a mean of 5 days of eFSH treatment. These ovulations resulted in pregnancies and/or successful embryo recoveries. Following eFSH treatment in vernal transition, the first inter-ovulatory interval of the breeding season was significantly prolonged (>21 d) in about half of the mares.<p> In summary, eFSH treatment significantly stimulated follicular growth and multiple ovulations in cycling mares and in vernal transitional mares. The treatment significantly increased reproductive efficiency of cycling mares in terms of embryo recovery rates, and in vernal transitional mares in terms of establishing pregnancies or recovering embryos early in the breeding season. However, the eFSH treatment significantly altered the hormonal environment (E2 and P4), and was associated with modifications in follicular growth, ovulation, and embryo parameters. These aspects should be considered in the development of superovulation protocols for mares in future studies.

Horse owners commonly maintain their broodmares in training and competition during the breeding season. The effect this has on mare reproductive efficiency has received limited attention. Heat stress has shown to be detrimental to oocyte competence in other species and heat shock protein 70 has been shown to be an important gene in regulating cellular response to heat. Mares were exercised in a hot humid environment to determine the effects on reproductive efficiency. Embryos were collected at d 7 after ovulation from exercised and control mares. Oocyte developmental competence was measured after oocytes were subjected to a one time heat shock, 42 ºC for 2 or 4 h, at the onset or near completion of in vitro maturation. Embryos from both previous experiments were examined for HSP70 gene expression by real time RT-PCR. Exercised mares ovulated significantly smaller follicles, 39.8 vs. 41.5 mm diameter, and ovulated later after being given PGF2α, 8.5 vs. 9.2 d. Twenty-two embryos (22/35) were recovered from control mares, recovery rate of 63%. Significantly fewer embryos were recovered in exercised mares (11/32), recovery rate of 34%. A lower proportion of grade 1 embryos were recovered from exercised versus control mares (4/11 vs.16/22,respectively). No effect was observed on oocyte nuclear maturation or embryonic development after ICSI when oocytes were exposed to heat shock at the onset of IVM. A heat shock of 42 ºC for 2 or 4 h on oocytes during late IVM resulted, however, in a significantly lower rate of nuclear maturation, and a significant decrease in advanced embryo development (morulae plus blastocysts). Heat shock protein 70 gene expression was shown to be related to quality score of in vivo-recovered embryos, with lower quality embryos recording a significantly higher relative expression. Heat shock of late stage IVM oocytes for 4 h resulted in significantly higher blastocyst HSP70 expression. Results of this study indicate that exercise in a hot humid environment is detrimental to mare reproductive efficiency, late-stage maturing oocytes are sensitive to heat, and HSP70 expression in equine embryos is related to embryo quality score and oocyte quality.

The objective of this study was to monitor the effects on physical and reproductive parameters in mares supplemented with Ractopamine HCl (RAC), in an effort to provide some insight concerning the use of RAC in horse diets. Physical deviation was recorded via measurements of body weight (BW), muscle size, and fat deposition. Reproductive deviation was recorded via ultrasonographic measurement of follicular growth and ovulation, while hormonal analyses were conducted for leptin and luteinizing hormone (LH). Data analyses of physical measurements indicated an effect of RAC supplementation (P<.001) as treated horses had a greater increase in BW compared to the controls. Treatment horses increased gaskin circumference (P<.001) compared to horses on the control diet. Both groups showed an increase in rump fat with the treated horses gaining less (P<.05). A similar effect was revealed in body fat percentage (P<.01) with the treated horses gaining less when compared to the controls. No statistical differences were noted for changes in forearm circumference or rib fat. No change was derived for length of estrous or pre-ovulatory follicle size between groups. When analyzing the data from first to last cycle in the treatment group, length of estrous was significantly (P<.05) shortened over the 90-day study. Upon analysis of serum leptin concentrations, the control group had a significantly (P<.001) higher overall concentration as compared to the treated horses; however, no difference was noted for normalized data, though RAC supplementation may have caused the profile of leptin to become more erratic. Analysis of LH concentrations revealed a strong trend (P=0.0527) of RAC-supplemented horses having a lower mean concentration of LH throughout the 90-day study as compared to the controls. Means were also analyzed for day and treatment by day effects, suggesting possible trends (P=0.2944 and P=0.1591 respectively) of seasonality. Area Under the Curve (AUC) was calculated for individual horses and analyzed for treatment effects. Only a trend (P=0.1631) was noted for RAC-supplemented horses having a smaller AUC (80.10 ± 29.72) as compared to the controls (140.60 ± 27.50).