Brooks Equine Genetics at UF

04/26/2024

Dear equine industry member,

We are reaching out to request your support in better understanding the current needs of the horse community regarding genetic tools and their usage. This anonymous survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete and will provide Equine Genetics scientists with information about current challenges and how the industry is using genetic testing.
Any horse industry professionals, horse owners, clinicians, affiliate businesses or anyone interested in horses are welcome to answer! Also, please feel free to share this with your equine industry contacts.

SURVEY LINK: go.ufl.edu/horsegeneticssurvey

For questions concerning the study, please contact the study coordinator Dr. Samantha Brooks (UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences) - [email protected]

We look forward to your participation!

04/14/2024

Dear horse people,

The Brooks Equine Genetics Lab has a new survey tailored to evaluate the needs regarding Genetics information within the equine industry.
Please help us out by responding to the survey, and sharing to your horse industry contacts/extension friends.
We need your assistance in distribution/recruitment!

Www.go.ufl.edu/horsegeneticssurvey

06/23/2020

Our most recent research reveals that Thoroughbred lines do not have Arabian ancestry - and a few more interesting findings!
Read more below:

A study involving Arabian horses from 12 countries found that some populations maintained a larger degree of genetic diversity and that the breed did not contribute genetically to the modern-day Thoroughbred, contrary to popular thought.

04/16/2020

Back by popular demand!
And right on time for you to take advantage of time at home and improve your knowledge of horse genetics!
Our Horse Genetics Course is 100% ONLINE, with weekly modules that can be fulfilled according to the student’s personal time schedule.
To register, go to: www.ufequinegenetics.org/online-courses.html

03/31/2020

Staying home? Or even needing info that is not COVID-19 related?
The Educated Horseman: Virtual Classroom Series were equine experts will tackle tough topics like Anhidrosis (non-sweating in horses), Living with Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM), and Managing horses with Cushings (PPID).

Join us for quick virtual classroom discussions over your lunch break (11 am CST).

To join, download the (FREE!) Zoom app on your smart device or computer. Once downloaded, you’re just one click away from joining our video chat: https://lsu.zoom.us/my/lsuagcenterhorse
Meeting ID: 919-738-9568

You can also join via Facebook live at the Louisiana Master Horseman page or circle back later to watch the recorded video!

Our own Dr. Patterson Rosa will be talking about a very familiar topic this friday, April 3rd - Equine Anhidrosis (non-sweaters)!

10/17/2018

Anhidrotic (non-sweaters) unite!
Do you feel that it is crucial to continue research on anhidrosis? Would you like to see results that can be applicable as selection and diagnostic tools or to help improve the management of anhidrotic horses? Now is the time to help! We are asking that horse owners and breeders write support letters to help us attempt further support for this important research.
If you would like to help, write us a one page support letter saying why this research matters to you (or what we have done to help you already!). The letter should be in attention to the American Quarter Horse Foundation. Please email letters to [email protected] until October 31st and we will include your support in our proposal to continue the Anhidrosis research efforts.
From the Brooks Lab Team, our "thank you" in advance. And let's keep it cool until winter arrives ;)

08/16/2018

Some Scientists have a special place in our world. Dr. Ernie Bailey from the University of Kentucky is among the most special ones. His dedication to great science, research, ethics and unparalleled mentorship are rooted deep within the Brooks Lab and continue to be a reference to us.
Dr. Bailey, we're looking forward to our next glass of wine on the deck!
Happy birthday!

07/09/2018

Looking for Skunk Tails!!!
We have been working hard on our Rabicano study and made some exciting progress! We currently have promising markers and will begin the testing phase. So, if you have a Rabicano horse, send us a sample as soon as possible and we will do our best to include your horse in the testing group! Tested participants will receive individual results for free, plus, help the discovery of this gorgeous "extra-chrome" genetic causative.
Learn more and download the sample submission kit here:
http://www.ufequinegenetics.org/rabicano.html

Mail hair samples to:
Brooks Equine Genetics Lab
PO Box 103610
University of Florida
Gainesville FL, 32608

07/02/2018

Got Gait (and can you say "Mangalarga Marchador")?
A while ago we had the opportunity to go to Brazil to collect samples of a very special and exotic horse breed. The National Horse of Brazil, called Mangalarga Marchador, or as brazilians like to say "Marchador", come in almost all coat colors, have a sweet disposition and plus, are naturally four-beat gaited (thus, very smooth to ride). They are part of our Genetics of Locomotion research, that includes all gaited breeds. Do you own a four-beat gaited horse? Send us a sample!
The beautiful black tobiano stallion is Kamikaze E.A.O, owned by Alexandre Gonçalves - Haras Guariroba.

Interesting info: "haras" is the word in Portuguese for a farm that specifically breeds horses!

06/14/2018

The reason why we love genetics - It is all in the genes!
You can read more in the article below, written by Dr. Nancy Loving, with some great insights by our lab Principal Investigator Dr. Samantha Brooks, our Ph.D. alumni Dr. Ann Staiger and our reference researcher Dr. Ernie Bailey!

Scientists are continuing to uncover which genes are responsible for certain traits in horses.

06/13/2018

What does measuring have to do with horse genetics?
As often as possible, we try to collect additional information (phenotype) on our study horses. Measurements taken are used to calculate a composite value or score representing the variation in conformation. This overall score can then be utilized in an association assay to define genetic markers for conformation - for example, specific conformation traits like relative hoof size, height or even head shape! Previous studies conducted by the Brooks Lab were able to locate four loci that together explain 83% of the size variation across diverse breeds of horse utilizing a similar approach. So yes, body measurements have everything to do with genetics!

06/12/2018

Not genetics, but horse and UF related. A shout-out to our UF VETS team and the Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic for this amazing and successful rescue! You can read the whole story clicking the link below, narrated by Tony, the Office Cat.

Tuesdays with Tony - What do you do if your horse gets in a jam? This weekend a horse fell in a sinkhole, and a large animal emergency rescue took place.