The Equine Research Institute (ERI) was established in February 1959 as a body affiliated to the JRA, with the aim of improving hygiene for racehorses, as well as preventing or controlling racing accidents and diseases in racehorses. Then, in April 1963, the Joban Branch, Rehabilitation Center was established as a hot spring sanatorium facility for racehorses, and the Tochigi Branch, the Epizootic Research Center, in June 1970 as a research laboratory for equine infectious diseases. Much later, in February 1997, the head office of the ERI moved to the site of the former Utsunomiya training farm, whereupon its organization of 4 sections and 4 divisions was established (General Section, Accounts Section, Horse Management Section, Research Coordination Section, Sports Science Division, Clinical Science and Pathobiology Division, Life Science Division, and Facility Engineering Division). Then, in October 1998, the Breeding and Training Research Center was set up in the Hidaka Training Farm. Then, in March 2011, 2 sections (Life Science Division and Facility Engineering Division) were closed. At present, the organization of the head office of the ERI consists of 2 sections and 2 divisions (General Section, Coordination Section, Sports Science Division, and Clinical and Pathobiological Division).

Head office & Sports Science Research Center

　In clinical science and pathobiological research, main focus is on the diagnosis and treatment of locomotorium and non-infectious diseases for preventing and controlling a damage of racehorses during training and racing. In the 1960s and 1970s, we established and reported the surgical operation method for horses by inhalation anesthesia for the first time in Japan, and made great efforts in the chip fracture removal and the lag screw fixation. We also achieved a major role in the establishment of the present surgical operation system under general inhalation anesthesia. From the 1980s to the 1990s, the improvement of farrier techniques was discussed in depth to prevent shoe-pulling. As a result derived from a number of trials and tribulations, a manufactured aluminum shoe used for both training and racing was found to be available for racehorses in Japan. In the same period, the pathophysiology of equine heart failure and the bone fracture mechanism in racehorses were tried to elucidate and explicated.　We also played important roles to present a number of utilizable data from the 1990s to 2000s in the pathological studies about the seedy toe and hoof wall separation, and the clinical and pathobiological research for the transporting pneumonia. Meanwhile in the recent decade, the investigation of pathognomonic conditions in various locomotive diseases has been accelerated with newly developed analysis using molecular biology and biochemistry. We are developing a gradual breakthrough for a new treatment method of the tendon injury, i.e., bone marrow-derived stem cell implantation techniques. About the other aspects of parasite infection, digestive tract disorders, respiratory diseases and other hoof problems; we also obtained numerous results concerning the diagnosis, treatment and prevention. In sports science research, we have developed a telemetry system to record electrocardiograms (ECG) during field exercise and we recorded ECG during intense field exercise in the horse for the first time. We then applied this measurement system to access cardiac function during exercise of racehorses. We used this measurement system in particular to assess the occurrence of atrial fibrillation, a significant cardiac arrhythmia during racing. We also established methods for measuring cardiopulmonary function in exercising horses, such as measuring oxygen uptake during exercise by using a flow system and treadmill. By using this system, we have evaluated the fitness of racehorses and the effects of training and detraining on the fitness of horses. We have also evaluated the effects of warm-up and cool-down regimens before and after exercise on the subsequent athletic performance of horses. The application of the results of our research has contributed to improving training methods and the management of horses in race training and competition. In addition to these research topics related to training, we have evaluated mechanisms related to the cause of exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) and net anaerobic power during supramaximal exercise.　Furthermore, we have also studied the biomechanics during running on the ground and the treadmill. We have evaluated the difference of running form between on the turf and sand race track. We have also evaluated the effect of uphill running to the force on the superficial digital flexor tendon for preventing the injury. In research on nutrition, we have analyzed and evaluated the nutritional constituents of soil and pasture grass in horse breeding areas, proving that an excessive supply of high-protein, high-energy feed to young horses causes osteochondrosis and has an adverse effect on subsequent bone growth. We have also tested the feeding standards published by the NRC (US National Research Council), supplemented them with additional data, and issued original feeding standards for horses in Japan. These are now being used as a handbook for horse breeders and veterinarians. The sports nutrition for the higher performance of racehorses is under investigation.In the recent research, we examined the nutrition administration for early muscular restoration after exercise and estimated the amount of essential amino acid requirements. In our research on horse behavior, we demonstrated that, while there is obviously a genetic effect in behavioral characteristics such as fear and flight, in particular, many other aspects of the formation of horse temperament depend on the environment. We also proved that adaptability to circumstances and the establishment of communication with humans are important for the full expression of performance of horses. In addition, in research on appropriate environments for horse breeding, we have conducted behavioral analysis on the pasture land area, suitable materials for horse bedding, facing direction when traveling in vehicles, and other issues, and have drawn up guidelines for breeding management. Moreover, in research on population genetics and animal breeding, we applied the BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) analysis, based on the breeding theory of statistical genetics, as a method of evaluating progeny tests for the selection and culling of breeding mares, in particular. We also established a method of evaluating racing performance for Thoroughbreds using racing time as an indicator of speed. In life science research, we have developed several DNA markers for use in parentage identification by DNA diagnosis, in joint research between the Life Science Division and the Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, and established a DNA diagnosis for parentage identification.
　In research on track facilities, we have developed various condition tests and devices designed to maintain favorable track conditions. These include a turf aerator, a water absorbing roller, a dirt cleaner, a level hollow, and a side raker. Maintaining the uniformity of track hardness is particularly important in preventing racehorse from accidents. To measure this, we fitted a hammer typed force measuring device to a work vehicle, and developed a track hardness measuring vehicle that can conduct computer analysis of the data obtained. Consequently, as well as establishing suitable hardness indicators for race tracks, a standard of track hardness for all racecourses in Japan was investigated. Meanwhile, in research on turf courses, we established the winter over seeding method of planting imported grass seeds over indigenous species (Noshiba), as a method of maintaining long-term greenness of turf that tends to go brown over the autumn and winter months. We thereby succeeded in prolonging the greenness of turf courses during the horseracing season. Apart from the above, as the main project research undertaken in the past, in 1977 we conducted “Survey on the physiological influence on horses of transport by vehicle between racecourse and training center”, In 1979“Research on improved training methods for young horses”, and in 1983“Research on the occurrence mechanism of bone fractures in racehorses”. Meanwhile, in 1997 we have worked on an“Equine gene preservation program”and“Causative factors of tendinitis and its prognosis in 1999”.



Track Hardness Measuring Vehicle and the Plot of the Track Hardness

　The principal facilities of the head office of the ERI are consisted of the administration office, research labs, library, life sciences/radio isotope laboratory, biochemistry laboratory, the research building (operating room, sports science / clinical science and pathology, circumstance experimental room, treadmill room, necropsy room), a compost plant for stable waste, 3 stable blocks (accommodating 62 horses in all), tracks (outer perimeter course 700m, up-hill course 740m, inner perimeter course 480m), pastures, meadows, experimental tracks for new materials, and an experimental field for turf grass.

Laboratory Building, Sports Science Research Center