Published January, 2015

Ernie Bailey, PhD, a professor at the University of Kentucky (UK) Gluck Equine Research Center, recently gave a presentation titled “32 and My Horse” on the equine genome and genetics at a UK Equine Forum meeting. Bailey based the lecture on his personal experience with a commercial company called “23andMe” that provides people with genetic information for recreational purposes. The numbers 23 and 32 reference the number of chromosomes humans and horses have, respectively.

Commercial companies such as “23andMe” provide what Bailey called consumer genetics. Consumer genetics allow those who are not scientists to use genetics to identify distant relatives, disease predilection, and the origins of ancestors. Bailey suggested that consumer genetics companies could be of potential value to the horse industry, as well.

Bailey explained that an enormous part of horse breeding decisions revolve around looking at patterns. Take, for instance, coat color genetics. He proposed that breeders might further benefit from looking at DNA patterns. Another example Bailey gave was related to chromosome 18, the gene associated with sprinting ability in horses. Aside from coat color and athleticism, owners and veterinarians can also use genetics to look at gene mutations that cause a variety of health problems.

Bailey is currently researching the genetics of equine arteritis virus, the cause of equine viral arteritis, which is a viral disease of equids, in collaboration with Gluck Center researchers Udeni Balasuriya, PhD, BVSc, MS, PhD, an associate professor of virology, and Peter Timoney, MVB, PhD, FRCVS, Frederick Van Lennep Chair in Equine Veterinary Science.

Hannah Forte is a communication intern with the UK Ag Equine Programs and Gluck Equine Research Center and undergraduate student majoring in community and leadership development at UK.