My first Magazine SFI Little Book - April Re-print edits included | Page 15

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SurgaColl
is at the races
Irish racehorse Annagh Haven was given a new lease
on life after ground breaking surgery removed a cyst
in her jaw, replacing the bone with a new scaffold
technology called HyroxyColl. This novel bone graft
scaffold developed in the Royal College of Surgeons
Ireland and commercialised by Irish company SurgaColl
Technologies, is comprised of the two principle
components of bone, collagen and hydroxyapatite,
brought together in a highly porous, biodegradable
and biocompatible matrix. After incorporation of
HydroxyColl into the jawbone of Annagh Haven, new
bone growth was promoted and normal jaw bone shape
and function was restored. The filly has since returned to
racing and has even seen success in a number of races.
www.surgacoll.com
Testing for the Speed
Gene in Horses
While analysing genes in thoroughbred racehorses, Dr
Emmeline Hill at University College Dublin identified
important genetic information relating to racing
performance. Her discovery led to the development of
a ‘speed gene’ test to help match horses with courses
and to inform breeding and training decisions. Irish
company Plusvital Ltd (inc. Equinome Ltd) now uses the
test to provide services to the global bloodstock industry.
www.equinome.com
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