AI and ML for equine health
When using AI and ML for equine health, the goal is marginal gains that lead to better performance through tools like biome sequencing. Like our work with a professional equestrian team that saw them improve their horses’ health incrementally, owners and riders are always keen to use the latest tools available to improve their horses’ health, which, as a byproduct, means their animals perform better. This technology has applications in sports like horse racing, show jumping and dressage. And today, we’ll explore how AI-empowered processes like biome sequencing work and why they’re proving increasingly popular.
Marginal gains lead to major wins
In an arena where blanket finishes are common, small, data-driven improvements can lead to a competitive advantage in equestrian sports. So, when you only need a few seconds to take first, teams will use every edge possible to tweak every element they can from training to nutritional management for the improved health and performance of their animals.
The tech behind the tack
Modern equestrian sports have several performance-enhancing tools at their disposal, including biome sequencing, gait analysis and predictive health monitoring. The exact suite of tools a team will use will depend on the sport and conditions, but the outcome of using that tech is longer horse lifespans, fewer injuries and improved training outcomes leading to more wins. Generally speaking, biome sequencing is always of value. Every team has a vested interest in keeping their animal in peak health. So, it’s no wonder biome sequencing is one of the more common high-tech options professional equestrian teams choose for sports like horse racing, show jumping and dressage.
How biome sequencing works
It all starts with a fresh manure sample. Then, in the lab, the DNA of all the gut bacteria and microorganisms is extracted from that sample. That is what is then counted (a process that used to take a very long time).
We do rapid biome sequencing with our platform, GALEN. “GALEN is a microbiome sequencing analytics engine propelled by an automated, rules-based analysis of any combination of biomarkers against target ranges. It can then identify potential disease factors and indicate preventive or corrective measures all within the scope of an automated report system to improve [an] animal’s health and performance.” Before companies offered AI and ML for equine health, this process would take 4-6 weeks. Now, with better algorithms on platforms like GALEN, biome sequencing is completed in 24-48 hours.
It outputs:
- Gut diversity scores
- Key microbial strengths or weaknesses
- Risk indicators like colic, ulcers or stress response
- Suggested diet or supplement changes
That enables the teams’ vets, nutritionists and trainers to make better decisions.
Why is it becoming popular?
Biome sequencing is popular in equestrianism for several reasons:
- A horse’s gut microbiome plays a critical role in digestion, immunity and energy. Imbalances can throw off performance and cause stress.
- The results can help owners buy the right feed and supplements, leading to less waste and unnecessary cost.
- It informs vets of any inflammation, immune dysfunction or microbiome imbalance that could become a major problem later.
- Any indications of stress or illness can help teams adjust routines so they don’t cause extra damage.
- Biome sequencing complements wearables, gait analysis and other tech tools to help owners have a more complete picture.
We’d like to show you how GALEN and our other AI and ML platforms work in action, so please get in touch for a demo today.