Eddie Baggs

Thanks to research done at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, the horse trade could get a technological boost through the use of microchips.

Dr. Loren Skow, professor of integrative biosciences, and his collaborators are on the cusp of developing whole genome, high-throughput genetic analysis, better known as DNA chips, for horses. His group is particularly interested in the genetic susceptibility of horses to certain diseases.

When completed, all the known genes of the horse will be on a silicon microchip, allowing scientists to look at the gene expression in different tissues before and after exposure to a pathogen, or identify genetic differences among individuals that help determine susceptibility to disease.

This technology is not new to the human medical field. A DNA chip analysis can come up with a list of genetic markers that will identify individuals at high risk for different disease. Gene profiles can be used to establish a risk factor to help patients make lifestyle choices to minimize those risks. Dr. Skow expects to do the same thing for horses.

The microchip, about the size of a postage stamp, contains more than 3,200 horse genes and will allow researchers to scan an individual horse’s genes to see which ones are more active in a certain situation. Drug companies might use a gene chip to predict how a certain drug will affect an animal. It can also be used to identify animals with naturally occurring diseases and to monitor the progress of these diseases to help provide earlier diagnosis.

A tour of horse farms is set for Saturday for those interested in learning more about the Denton County horse industry. To register, call 940-349-2880 or e-mail pamela.hill@dentoncounty.com.

EDDIE BAGGS, county extension agent for the Texas Cooperative Extension office in Denton County, can be reached at 940-349-2880.