The Effects of Nutrigenomics on the Health and Wellbeing of Horses
Abstract
This thesis explores the link between nutrition and genetics, known as nutrigenomics and how
this knowledge can be used to improve the health and well-being of horses. It starts with the
methods of implementing equine personal nutrition plans followed by a discussion of the
advantages and challenges these represent. Understanding nutrigenomics is important for
preventing and managing some prevalent metabolic diseases such as Hyperkalaemic Periodic
Paralysis (HYPP), Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) and Equine Gastric Ulcer
Syndrome (EGUS). For example, managing dietary potassium in horses with the SCN4A
mutation can mitigate HYPP symptoms, while adjusting grain intake for horses with the GYS1
mutation helps prevent PSSM. Emerging research on EGUS highlights the need for genetic
investigations, drawing parallels with human studies on peptic ulcers.