A new research collaboration between Aberdeen-based biotechnology company Formartine Bio and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) aims to improve the early detection of health issues in horses using a non-invasive saliva testing approach.
The project will investigate how biological markers found in saliva could help identify early signs of inflammation, metabolic stress, immune response and injury in horses, potentially allowing health problems to be recognised long before traditional clinical symptoms appear.
With an estimated 50 to 70 per cent of horses in the UK considered overweight, researchers say earlier detection of emerging health issues could also play an important role in preventing diseases linked to obesity.
Laminitis, frequently associated with obesity and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), remains one of the most common and serious health conditions affecting horses in the UK, with around 96,000 cases recorded each year.
Saliva testing could help detect disease risk earlier
Current testing methods used to investigate equine health issues can often be invasive and may only identify problems once symptoms have already developed. The research team will explore a new approach that is low-stress for horses and can potentially be carried out by owners without a vet present.
The study will focus on monitoring glycans, complex sugar molecules that can provide insight into a horse’s immune function and overall health. By analysing glycans found in saliva samples, researchers hope to identify early indicators of inflammation, metabolic imbalance, injury and physiological stress.
Because saliva samples can be collected quickly and easily, the approach could provide a welfare-friendly way to gather meaningful biological data in real-world settings while supporting earlier identification of potential health concerns.
Addressing the growing issue of equine obesity
Equine obesity is an increasing concern within the UK horse population and is closely linked to conditions such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome and laminitis. These diseases can require extensive veterinary treatment and long-term management.
Researchers estimate that obesity-related care can cost between £5,000 and £15,000 per year, highlighting the potential financial as well as welfare benefits of earlier detection and preventative health monitoring.
The project aims to support a shift towards preventative, evidence-based equine healthcare while also contributing to innovation within the UK bioscience sector.
Collaboration between science and industry
The research project is being led by Dr Kimberley Mackenzie, founder of Formartine Bio, alongside Dr Mia Burleigh, Reader in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of the West of Scotland, and Dr Gary Litherland, Lecturer in Cell and Cartilage Biology.
Dr Burleigh said earlier identification of health risks could improve outcomes for both horses and owners.
“From a health and welfare perspective, earlier identification and monitoring of physiological stress or disease risk in horses has clear potential benefits for both the horse and its owner. Improving how we recognise emerging issues may help support more timely management decisions, reduce the risk of disease progression, and contribute to better long-term outcomes for horses across a range of settings. This research aims to ensure better health outcomes, improved quality of life, and safer, more sustainable horse management.”
Dr Mackenzie added that studying glycans could lead to the development of more precise diagnostic tools.
“The project focuses on improving our understanding of equine glycans, complex sugar molecules that play a crucial role in immune function and health. By studying these glycans, the collaboration aims to support the development of more precise diagnostic tools for horses, with potential benefits for earlier detection, monitoring and management of disease. This work highlights how academic and industry collaboration can translate fundamental science into real-world impact for animal health and welfare.”
Supporting future equine research
The project team has been awarded £7,500 through Interface’s Standard Innovation Voucher scheme, which supports collaborative research and knowledge exchange between universities and industry partners.
The research also aligns with wider global sustainability goals relating to health, wellbeing and scientific collaboration. While the University of the West of Scotland conducts a wide range of zoology research, equine studies are becoming an emerging area of interest, building on the institution’s strengths in physiology, microbiology and applied health sciences.
