Professor Chris Proudman discusses findings from his recently published study which points to the potential of a racehorse found by analysing bacteria in a month-old foal’s gut. Researchers at the University of Surrey analysed 438 faecal samples from 52 foals, who eventually went into training at 27 different stables in Britain and tracked veterinary issues and racecourse performance from birth to the age of three. The study found the more types of gut microbes a foal had at just four weeks old directly correlates to its future health, and its success on the racecourse.The findings add to an emerging biological picture regarding the importance of the trillions of microbes that live inside young animals’ digestive systems - and their role in long-term health.
Chris Proudman graduated from Cambridge University Vet School in 1988 and was awarded a PhD in Equine Epidemiology from University of Liverpool in 1996. His academic career has embraced teaching equine medicine and surgery, equine intestinal disease research and various leadership roles at the University of Liverpool.
He has a long-standing involvement with the horseracing industry, including veterinary work on racecourses in Northwest England and membership of the Horserace Betting Levy Board's veterinary advisory committee.
Appointed as Head of the University of Surrey's new Vet School in 2013, he leads the development and delivery of a 21st century curriculum focussed on graduate confidence and competence, and on innovation in animal health. His current research work focusses on the role of the horse's gut bacteria in intestinal health and disease.
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