University
of Maryland
Graduate
Program in Equine Nutrition
UPDATE:
There has been a lot of
chatter about the possible closing of our Equine Research Unit in Ellicott
City after horse industry members learned of our decision to find homes
for our 16 gelding research herd in May and June of 2007. For clarification
purposes, the Unit is still open for business and our equine nutrition
research program is going strong. Our decision to find homes for the
geldings was based on the fact that we don't have any studies planned
that involve them for at least 6 months. All of our geldings have found
homes as of the 1st of July.
We're currently in the process
of putting the finishing touches on 7 manuscripts that summarize our
research findings. Each of the manuscripts will be submitted for publication
in scientific journals shortly. We are still conducting exciting research.
In fact, we just collaborated with Rutgers University on a study looking
at the effects of exercise on inflammation in horses competing in the
Jersey Fresh 2- and 3-star three day event. We are also in the process
of developing our model rotational grazing pasture that will be used
to teach horse farm owners about rotational grazing layout, pasture
management, and safe fencing options. We appreciate the horse industy's
support of our horse research program!
Overview
The University of Maryland offers individuals the opportunity to pursue
an MS or PhD degree in Animal Science with an emphasis on equine nutrition
in the Animal and Avian Sciences
Department. Students are challenged by
their coursework, serve as teaching assistants, design and conduct scientific
studies, and learn excellent communication, writing, and horse management
skills that make them competitive in the job market after graduation.
The
main focus of our research is to conduct studies that ultimately benefit
the health, performance, and management of horses. It's that simple.
We have an outstanding group of faculty, staff, students, and horses.
Please contact Dr. Amy Burk at
301-405-8337 to learn more about our equine nutrition graduate program.
Research
Obesity and Insulin Resistance
Equine obesity is a growing problem
in horses used for pleasure purposes, with many of them becoming insulin
resistant and developing the life threatening hoof disorder known as
laminitis. The link between obesity, insulin resistance and laminitis
is being examined by our laboratory using the minimal model of glucose
dynamics, a powerful diagnosic tool that quantifies the degree of insulin
sensitivity both in the tissues and at the level of the pancreas. We
are also interested in determining if general inflammation, measured
by tissue necrosis factor-alpha, is associated with the development
of obesity and at what stage that might occurr. We
aim to examine changes in insulin sensitivity and inflammation in horses
gaining weight in the hopes of identifying the body condition score
(BCS, scale 1-9) where metabolic problems begin to occur.
Supplementation
of Direct-Fed Microbials
Horses
fed high carbohydrate diets in an effort to meet their daily requirement
for energy have an increased risk for developing digestive upsets due
to starch overload. Excessive amounts of starch can alter the microbial
population in the gut favoring the production of propionate causing
a decrease in pH. Reports of reduced risk of acidosis in feedlot cattle
fed high-concentrate diets supplemented with direct-fed microbials (DFM)
may have some relevance to horses in that DFM may also reduce the acidogenic
effects of high starch feeding in horses. Direct-fed microbials are
a source of live, naturally occurring microorganisms that are believed
to beneficially affect the host animal by providing intestinal microbial
balance. The main objective of this research is to determine the effects
of DFM supplementation on apparent nutrient digestibility, fecal pH,
and fecal VFAs in horses fed low-starch and then high-starch diets.
Additionally, we are looking at the viability of a commercial DFM preparation
as it is processed in an animal feed ration through a pellet mill and
during storage.
Facilities
Equine nutrition research is conducted
at the University of Maryland's Equine
Research
Unit.
Faculty
Staff
|
Equine Research Unit Manager
Position Vacant
|
|
Tim
Shellem
Lab Technician
tshellem@umd.edu
|
|
Previous Graduate Students
|
Rachael Quinn,
PhD
Insulin
Resistance and Obesity
BS - Penn State University
MS - University of Maryland
PhD- University of Maryland, 2007
Employment:
Supervisor
Experimental Pathology Laboratory
Kansas Childrens Mercy Hospital
Cardiac Surgery
Research Satellite Facility
Reisterstown, MD
|
|
|
Jessica Suagee,
MS
Body Condition Scoring/Inflammatory Response to Weight Gain
BS - University of
Maryland
MS - University of Maryland, 2007
Currently pursuing
a PhD in Equine Nutrition from Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University
|
|
|
Kelcey Swyers,
MS
Direct-Fed Microbials
BS- Colorado State University
MS-University of Maryland, 2007
Currently pursuing
a PhD in Ruminant Nutrition at Colorado State University
|
|
Application Procedures, Requirements, and Finanical Assistance
Prospective
students interested in applying to the University of Maryland to study
equine nutrition are encouraged
to contact Dr. Amy Burk early in the application process to discuss
the graduate research program. Information about application procedures,
requirements and financial assistance can be found in the Department
of Animal and Avian Sciences Graduate Studies website.
back
to top
