RNA-Seq Analysis Identifies Key Genes Enhancing Hoof Strength to Withstand Barefoot Racing in Standardbred Trotters

The study conducted RNA-seq analysis on 18 Standardbred trotters to identify genetic factors associated with hoof strength for barefoot racing. It found five significantly downregulated genes (ACCS, IRX2, TRAPPAC6A, MT2A, and SLC35F3) in horses capable of racing barefoot, linked to structural integrity, metal homeostasis, and vasoconstriction. These genes influence processes like membrane transport, metabolic processes, keratinization, and ceramide content, contributing to hoof resilience. The findings suggest a genetic basis for hoof strength, offering potential for genome-wide scans to identify markers for hoof durability, enhancing performance and welfare in equine athletes.