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.