LAST week in Hanover, Germany, the world’s leading horse genomics researchers met at the 11th Dorothy Russell Havemeyer International Equine Genome Mapping Workshop, including Equinome co-founder Dr Emmeline Hill.

Some 70 scientists from 17 countries convened for three days to present their latest research, which covered a range of topics from the identification of disease genes, reconstruction of the pre-historic genetics of the horse, genetic diversity in endangered breeds, novel tools for data analysis, understanding the biological basis for health and performance traits and the development of tests for application in the horse industries.

The horse genome sequence was completed in 2007 and the goals of the horse genome sequencing project were to improve the health and welfare of the horse. This rapidly developing field aims to continue to provide knowledge and tools to foster informed equine breeding and the health and welfare of the horse.