Weekend Welcome from Kentucky Performance Products: New Research on Roaring

June 28, 2014Leslie WylieUncategorized#KPP1 Comment

Research has confirmed it: Tall horses are more likely to become roarers. KPP reports on this new finding.

Roaring (recurrent laryngeal neuropathy or RLN) occurs when part of the larynx is paralyzed, blocking the airway. As the horse inhales, there is a distinct sound. Roaring has a negative effect on performance as it reduces airflow during peak exertion. Resent research now confirms what field observations suspected: Taller horses are more likely to become roarers.

The study was conducted at Michigan State University and Cornell University with 505 TB horses and is both the largest body size genome-wide association study (GWAS) and the largest RLN GWAS in Thoroughbred horses to date. Height measurements, endoscopic exams, and gene mapping were performed on each horse. Evaluation of the data revealed that the genomes related to height and RLN overlap, which tells researchers that these two factors are most likely genetically linked.

The prevalence of RLN is known to be between 2%-11% in Thoroughbreds and 35%-46% in draft horses, with taller individuals (16.2 hh and above) exhibiting higher risk factors for RLN. Warmbloods are also most likely affected in a similar manner.

Research of this type improves our understanding of the connections between genetics and RLN. Such knowledge positively impacts the development of improved treatment and management options in the future.

Reference:

Genomic analysis establishes correlation between growth and laryngeal neuropathy in Thoroughbreds.

Boyko AR, Brooks SA, Behan-Braman A, Castelhano M, Corey E, Oliveira KC, Swinburne JE, Todhunter RJ, Zhang Z, Ainsworth DM, Robinson NE.

BMC Genomics 2014, 15:259 doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-259

Article written by KPP staff.

Article sponsored by Contribute; supports optimal omega-3 fatty acid balance.

When health issues arise, always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian who can help you choose the correct course of action for your horse. Supplements are intended to maintain healthy systems and support recovery and healing. They are not intended to treat or cure illness or injury.

About Kentucky Performance Products, LLC:

Since 1998, Kentucky Performance Products has simplified a horse owner’s search for research-proven nutritional horse supplements that meet the challenges facing modern horses. KPP horse supplements target specific nutritional needs and are formulated to complement today’s feeds, thus safeguarding against over-supplementation. Each product is scientifically formulated and made with high-quality ingredients at certified manufacturing facilities. Kentucky Performance Products is proud to offer a quality assurance promise backed by a money-back guarantee. Kentucky Performance Products brings you horse supplements you can count on because the horse that matters to you, matters to us.