Industry Perceptions of HERDA in Performance Horses

Area of Science:

• Equine genetics
• Dermatology
• Animal breeding

Background:

• Hereditary equine regional derma asthenia (HERDA) is an autosomal-recessive trait in Quarter Horses, leading to abnormal collagen structure and skin hyperextensibility in homozygous individuals.
• Current breeding practices have resulted in a significant percentage of Quarter Horses and cow horses being heterozygote carriers.
• No research has investigated the effects of HERDA in heterozygote carriers, despite their potential to increase due to breeding patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess horse owners' knowledge, perceptions, and concerns regarding HERDA's impact on horse performance, value, and breeding decisions.
• To understand the current breeding strategies employed by owners in relation to HERDA carrier status.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed online via extension specialists and social media (Facebook) to collect data from horse owners.
• Data from 228 respondents, primarily involved in reining and cutting disciplines, were analyzed for group means and standard deviations.

Main Results:

• 34.6% of participants reported familiarity with HERDA. 78.5% believed HERDA status affects a breeding animal's value.
• 62.5% of owners with HERDA carriers observed no difference in performance or injury rates compared to non-carriers.
• 95.2% of respondents supported the availability of HERDA status information for all breeding animals.

Conclusions:

• Horse owners are attempting to make informed breeding decisions, often by pairing carriers with non-carriers, but the adequacy of this strategy for disease control is uncertain.
• There is a need for increased education on responsible breeding practices and their impact on the equine genetic pool concerning HERDA.