Understanding genetic determinants for health conditions can help us identify and manage horses’ predispositions toward life-and career-shortening diseases

Most owners and breeders wouldn’t gaze at a pasture filled with weanlings and picture those same horses 25-30 years later, with sway backs or graying coats. With increasing attention being paid to geriatric horses’ care, however, it behooves us to look at horses’ longevity from a different angle–at the beginning rather than at the end.

The Tale of the Telomere

Made from repeating sequences of DNA located at the end of the arm of a chromosome, the telomere is thought of as a protective end cap, preventing chromosomes from degrading or sticking together during cell division. The telomere bears the brunt of chromosomal damage, shortening each time a cell divides.

The lowly telomere has made recent headlines in human health as a suspected link to longevity. In humans, shorter telomere length has been linked to shorter lifespan

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.

TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com.

Start your free account today!

Already have an account?
and continue reading.