Nature vs. Nurture and Horse Health (AAEP 2010)

The phrase “nature vs. nurture” is usually used to refer to the debate over which has a greater impact on a person’s personality and preferences–genetics or environment/rearing. But for this article, we’ll use it in the context of fetal programming, or what makes a foal develop into a physically healthy (or not so healthy) horse. Hint: Nature and nurture in this case are scientifically proven to
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The phrase "nature vs. nurture" is usually used to refer to the debate over which has a greater impact on a person's personality and preferences–genetics or environment/rearing. But for this article, we'll use it in the context of fetal programming, or what makes a foal develop into a physically healthy (or not so healthy) horse. Hint: Nature and nurture in this case are scientifically proven to be intertwined, with nurture (environment) affecting genetic expression even in later generations and genetics obviously controlling much of a young horse's development.

"The athletic performance of horses may be highly susceptible to fetal programming," said Carey Satterfield, PhD, assistant professor of animal science at Texas A&M University, at the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md. Thus, our management of the pregnant mare and young foal could help that foal run faster, spin harder, and/or jump higher as an adult–or the opposite.

Satterfield delivered an in-depth talk on the relatively new (to horses) field of epigenetics, or the study of changes in physical characteristics occurring independently of genetic changes. To date, few epigenetic studies have focused on horses, but the bit of research that exists, plus findings in other species have opened the door to a universe of possibilities–both helpful and harmful–for manipulating the physical characteristics of our children and the animals we raise

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Christy West has a BS in Equine Science from the University of Kentucky, and an MS in Agricultural Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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