Sarah Ralston

Research

I am board certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and have served on the Board of directors for many years. My primary research focus throughout my career has been on the effect of rations on glucose and insulin metabolism in horses. Since 2001 I have been using metabonomic analyses of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra of blood from young horses in collaboration with Dr. Istvan Pelczer of Princeton University and researchers in Australia, Germany and Brazil. The focus was on detection of metabolic abnormalities associated with the development of osteochondrosis dessicans in horses. This research has led to the development of rations that will hopefully reduce the risk of developmental orthopedic disease in genetically predisposed foals (Patent pending). Previously my research focused on metabolism and nutrient requirements of geriatric horses, which was in part responsible for the formulation of "senior" feeds for failing old horses. Another on-going research interest was the effect of prolonged transport on immune function in horses and dietary supplements (ie. vitamins C and E) that might reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in horses transported long distances.

I taught two didactic undergraduate courses, available both in class and on-line: Horse Management every fall and Equine Nutrition every other spring plus several "hands on" courses and supervises independent studies. I am frequently invited as a lecturer on a variety of topics related to equine nutrition, both nationally and internationally.

I received the 2010 SEBS Academic Professional Excellence Award under the category of Academic Innovation. In 2014 I was awarded a three month Fulbright scholarship to lecture and conduct research on the effects of intestinal parasites on digestion and well-being in Manga Larga horses at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Honors and Awards

Academic Professional Excellence Award for Academic Innovation	School of Environmental and Biological Sciences - Rutgers University	2010
Outside Reviewer for Nutrient Requirements of Horses	National Research Council - Washington, DC	1998, 2007

Specific Projects

• Nutrition and trainability of yearling mustangs in comparison to other breeds.
• Metabonomic and Genomic Determination of Metabolic Defects Associated with Development of Osteochondrosis in young horses.

Experience

Title	Location	Year
Assistant Professor	Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University	1983

Education

Degree	Location	Year
Board certification	American College of Veterinary Nutrition	1989
Ph.D.	University of Pennsylvania	1977
V.M.D.	School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania	1976
M.S.	Colorado State University in Fort Collins	1975
B.A.	University of Pennsylvania	1969

National Committees

New Jersey Veterinary Medical Education Contract Program Advisory Committee, 1995-present

National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics: working group for development of NAEAA 'alumni' survey tool, 2011-present; Indicators of Excellence Pilot Program, 2011-present.

American Horse Protection Association: Independent Observer in Wild Horse Gather Pilot Program, August 2010.

Federation of Animal Science Societies: Horse subcommittee for Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching, 3rd Edition, published in January 2010. http://www.fass.org/docs/agguide3rd/Ag_Guide_3rd_ed.pdf

Equine Science Society (formerly Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society): Nutrition Section reviewer, 2011; Board of Directors, 2003–2009; Chairman of Nutrition Section, 1988–1989; Graduate Awards Committee, 1990–1991; Publicity committee, 1994–2003.

American Society of Animal Science: Horse Livestock Committee, 2004–2007, 1990–1993.

American College of Veterinary Nutrition: American Board of Veterinary Specialties - representative, 1999–2005

Editorial Positions

The Scientific World JOURNAL
Compendium for Continuing Education -Equine
The Horse
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science

Representative Publications

Book Chapters and Monographs

Ralston SL, Harris P. Old horses, including those with pituitary dysfunction. In: Equine Applied and Clinical Nutrition, Geor R, Harris P, Coenen M (eds), Elsevier Press, 2011. In Press.

Ralston SL, Anderson H. Will Total Mixed Ration cubes be the future of horse feeding In: Applied Equine Nutrition and Training (ENUTRACO) 2011, Lindner, A (Ed), Wageningen Academic, The Netherlands, pp185-184, 2011.

Julliand V, Ralston SL. Practical news on advances in nutrition for performance horses and ponies published between 2009 and 2011. In: Applied Equine Nutrition and Training (ENUTRACO) 2011, Lindner, A (Ed), Wageningen Academic, The Netherlands, pp135-158, 2011.

Ralston SL. Chapter 290. Dietary support for geriatric broodmares and stallions. In: Equine Reproduction, 2nd Edition, McKinnon AO, Squires EL, Vaala WE, Varner DD (eds), Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Singapore, pp 2755-2759, 2011.

Stull C, Rodiek A, Coleman R, Ralston S, Topliff D, Millman S. Horses. In: Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching, 3rd Edition, Federation of Animal Science Societies, January 2010. http://www.fass.org/docs/agguide3rd/Ag_Guide_3rd_ed.pdf

Ralston SL. Evidence-based equine nutrition. In: Veterinary Clinics of North America Equine Practice: Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine, Ramey DW (ed), Vet Clin Equine 23:365-384, 2007.

Julliand V, Phillipson C, Goachet AG, Ralston S. Physiology of intake and digestion in equine animals. In: Nutrition of the Exercising Horse, Saastamoinen MT, Martin-Rossett W (eds), European Assoc Anim Production publication 125, Wageningen Academic Publishers, The Netherlands, pp 53-70, 2008.

Tennant-Brown BS, Epstein KL, Ralston SL. Feeding the Postoperative Colic Patient. In:

Southward L (Editor) Practical Guide to Equine Colic, Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, IA. In Press, 2012.

Ralston SL. Chapter 41, Mare nutrition. In: Blackwell s 5 Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Equine Theriogenology Companion, Carleton C (ed), Wiley-Blackwell, Tokyo, Japan, pp 366-369, 2011.

Ralston SL. Chapter 88, Stallion nutrition. In: Blackwell s 5 Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Equine Theriogenology Companion, Carleton C (ed), Wiley-Blackwell, Tokyo, Japan, pp700-703, 2011.

Ralston SL. Chapter 129, Foal nutrition. In: Blackwell s 5 Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Equine Theriogenology Companion, Carleton C (ed), Wiley-Blackwell, Tokyo, Japan, pp 964-970, 2011.

Ralston SL. Nutrition: horses. In: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 10th edition, Aeillo S (ed), Merck & Co, Whitehouse Station, NJ, pp 2049-2066, 2010.

Ralston, SL. Nutritional guidelines for the injured, hospitalized, and post surgical patient. In: Equine Emergencies: Treatment and Procedures, 3rd Edition, Divers TJ, Orsini JA (eds), Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, pp 671-674, 2008.

Ralston SL. Nutrition of the geriatric horse. In: Equine Geriatric Medicine and Surgery, Bertone J (ed), Elsevier Publishing, St. Louis, MO, pp 169-171, 2006.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Ralston SL, Stives, M. Supplementation of ascorbic acid in weanlings following prolonged transportation. Animals (ISSN 2076-2615) : Monogastric Animal Nutrition and Metabolism, http://www.mdpi.com/journal/animals/special_issues/monogastricnutritionmetabolism
/.Submitted, March, 2012.

Pappalardo L, Pelczer I, Ralston SL. Detection of Age and Breed Metabolic differences between Draft- Cross and Mustang horses by Metabonomic Analyses. Journal of Biomolecular NMR, Submitted, March, 2012

Blanchard G, Valette JP, Ralston SL, Denoix JM, Paragon BM, Robert C. Estimation of the body weight of growing horses (0-20 month old) of three breeds from body measurements. J. Equine Vet Science Submitted November, 2011

Blanchard G, Normandin L, Loncke C, Robert C, Valette JP, Ralston SL, Paragon BM. Feeding practices in three breeds of broodmares in Normandy (France). J. Equine Vet Science. Submitted November, 2011

Blanchard G, Ralston S, Normandin L, Loncke C, Paragon PM. Nutrient content of forages grown in Normandy, France may not be adequate for broodmares. J. Equine Vet Science. Submitted, November, 2011

Otto J, Ralston SL. Innovative metadata brings equine research videos to light. Journal of Agricultural and Food Information. Article 638247 In Press, 2012

Ralston SL, Pappalardo L, Pelczer I, Spears PF. NMR-based metabonomic analyses of horse serum: detection of metabolic markers of disease. Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition 18:197-205, 2011.

8. Motch SM, Harpster HW, Ralston SL, Ostiguy N, Diehl MK. A note on yearling horse ingestive and agonistic behaviors in three concentrate feeding systems. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 106:167-172, 2007.

Hodavance MS, Ralston SL, Pelczer I. Beyond blood sugar: the potential of NMR-based metabonomics for human diabetes type 2 and the horse as a possible model. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 387:533-537, 2007.

Published Proceedings of Scientific Conferences: Invited Reviews

Ralston SL. Forage-based Total Mixed Rations: An economic alternative Proc American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, New Orleans, LA, June, 2012 Submitted

Ralston SL. Metabonomic Studies: Potential for Identification and Prevention of OCD in foals. Proc American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, New Orleans, LA, June, 2012 Submitted

Ralston, SL. Feeding the Post Colic Horse. Proc. California Animal Nutrition Conference. May, 2012, Fresno, CA, Submitted

Ralston, S.L., Will Total Mixed Rations Cubes Be the Future of Horse Feeding In: Applied Equine Nutrition and Training ENUTRACO 2011, Ed: Arno Lindner, Wageningen Academic Press, Wageningen, Netherlands, pp. 185-191, 2011.

Julliand, V. and Ralston, S.L., Practical News about the Nutrition of Riding and Sport Horses Published in Scientific Literature between 2009 and 2011, In: Applied Equine Nutrition and Training ENUTRACO 2011, Ed: Arno Lindner, Wageningen Academic Press, Wageningen, Netherlands, pp. 135-159, 2011.

Ralston SL. A historic look at old horse nutrition. Proc Dorothy C Havemeyer Geriatric Horse Workshop. Tufts University, Boston, MA, October 2010.

Ralston SL, Pelczer I, Spears PF. NMR-based metabonomic analyses: A search for metabolic markers for genetic predisposition to OCD. Proc. Third Australasian Equine Science Symposium, Brisbane, Australia, June 2010.

Ralston SL. Feeding geriatric and dentally challenged horses. Proc. 7th Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference, Timonium, MD, March 2009.

Ralston SL. Feeding horses with special needs. Horses 2009, New Brunswick, NJ, March 2009.

Ralston SL. Influence of management on equine digestion. Proc 45th Reuniao da Sociedade Brasileira de Zootechnia, Lavras, MG, Brazil, July 2008.

Julliand V, Philippeau C, Goachet AM, Ralston SL. Physiology of intake and digestion in horses. Proc 4th European Workshop on Equine Nutrition (EWEN), Forsaa, Finland, July 2008.

Ralston SL. Feeding old horses. Proc Assoc Veterinaire Equine du France, Versailles, France, October 2006.

Ralston SL. When to call a nutritionist. Proc Assoc Veterinaire Equine du France, Versailles, France, October 2006.

Julliand V, Ralston SL. The equine gastrointestinal ecosystem: How it works, how it fails and how to feed to prevent problems (in French). Proc Assoc Veterinaire Equine du France, Versailles, France, October 2006.

Ralston, SL. Factors affecting glucose and insulin metabolism in young horses. Pferdeheilkunde 21:83-86, 2005.

Published Proceedings of Scientific Conferences: Research Abstracts

Ramnath D, Ralston S, Anderson H. Trainability and reactivity of young Mustangs fed Forage-Based Total Mixed (TMR) rations with or without added grain. 10th Annual Midatlantic Nutrition Conference, Timonium. MD, March, 2012. Accepted.

Ramnath D, Ralston S, Anderson H. Trainability and reactivity of young Mustangs fed Forage-Based Total Mixed (TMR) rations with or without added grain.2nd International Equine Science Conference, Regensburg, Germany, March 2012, p. 52

Heleski CR, Greene EA Ralston SL, Stull CL. Using horse behavior to enhance the welfare of wild horse gathers: Observations of four designated observers. International Society for Equestrian Science, Eindhoven, Netherlands, October 2011.

Greene EA, Heleski C, Ralston SL, Stull CL. Independent Observer Pilot Program: An objective evaluation method for determining humane handling and welfare during wild horse gathers. International Society for Equestrian Science, Eindhoven, Netherlands, October 2011.

Ralston SL, Pappalardo L, Pelczer I, Spears PF. NMR-based metabonomic analyses of horse serum: detection of metabolic markers of disease. NMR-based Metabonomic Analyses of horse serum: Detection of metabolic markers of disease. Pioneers in Endocrinology: 4th Annual Research Showcase, The Rutgers Endocrine Program, Piscataway, NJ, abstract DOM5, 2011.

Greene EA, Heleski C, Ralston SL, Stull CL. Academic assessment of welfare of the BLM s Wild Horse and Burro Program. Proc 22nd Equine Science Society Symposium, Murfreesboro, TN. J Equine Vet Science 31:352-353, 2011.

Ralston SL, Pappalardo L, Pelczer I. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based metabonomic analyses of serum reveal differences in metabolic profiles with age and type of horse. Proc 22nd Equine Science Society Symposium, Murfreesboro, TN. J Equine Vet Science 31:304-305, 2011.

Otto J, Ralston SL. No horsin' around: Innovative metadata brings research videos to light. Association of College and Research Libraries Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA, April 2011. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/events/national/2011/program/index.cfm

Peterson JL, Rendahl AK, Mickelson JR, Ralston SL, McCue, M. Genome-wide association analysis for susceptibility to osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD) in Standardbred horses. Proc. Plant & Animal Genomes XVIII Conference, San Diego, CA, p 622, Jan 2010.

Ralston SL, Pelczer I, Ziegler K, Baez E, Spears PF. NMR-based metabonomic analysis of serum from Standardbred yearlings with or without hock osteochondrosis dessicans lesions: Metabolic markers for OCD. In: Applied Equine Nutrition and Training ENUTRACO 2009. Arno Lindner (ed), Wageningen Academic Publishers, The Netherlands, 8:213-220, 2009. (ISBN 978-90-8686-124).

Ralston SL, Pelczer I, Shatynski, C, Spears PF. NMR-based metabonomic analysis of serum from Standardbred yearlings with or without hock osteochondrosis dessicans lesions: Preliminary study. Proc Equine Science Society. J Eq Vet Sci 29:385-386, 2009.

Ralston SL, Anderson H, Johnson R. Growth response of draft cross weanlings fed 90% forage total mixed ration cubes versus traditional hay/concentrate rations. Proc Equine Science Society. J Eq Vet Sci 29:386-387, 2009.

Williams CA, Westendorf M, Obropta C, Ralston S, Bamka W, Malinowski K. Development of an equine best management practice demonstration working horse farm. Proc Equine Science Society. J Eq Vet Sci 29:467-468, 2009.

Ralston SL. Young Horse Research and Teaching Program. Proc Inaugural Meeting, National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics, Keystone, CO, May 2009.

Baez E, Ziegler K, Shatynski K, Ralston S, Pelczer I. NMR-based metabonomic analysis of correlation between physiological condition and metabolic composition of body fluids in horses. 50th Experimental NMR Conference (ENC), Pacific Grove, CA, March 29 April 3, 2009.

Zeigler K, Baez E, Pelczer I, Ralston SL. Detection of metabolic markers in young horses affected with osteochondrosis dessicans. Proc 7th Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference, Timonium, MD, pg 200, March 2009. 1st place undergraduate poster

Ralston SL, Anderson H, Johnson R. Growth and Glucose/insulin responses in draft cross weanlings fed Total Mixed Ration Cubes versus hay/concentrate rations. Applied Equine Nutrition and Training. Arno Lindner (ed), Wageningen Academic Publishers, Netherlands. pp 233-239, 2007.

Ralston SL, Anderson H, Johnson R. Glucose/insulin responses of weanling horses fed forage based total mixed ration cubes versus hay/concentrate rations. 2007 Am Soc Anim Sci Joint Meeting, San Antonio, TX, Abstract #61, July 2007.

Renaud J, Ralston S, Pelczer, I. NMR-based metabonomics of horse blood plasma: Carbohydrate metabolism, metabolic disorders and dietary effects in horses. 48th Experimental Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Conference, Daytona Beach, FL, June 2007.

Ralston SL, Anderson H, Johnson R. Growth performance of draft cross weanlings fed forage based total mixed ration cubes versus traditional hay/grain rations. Proc 20th Equine Science Society Symposium, Hunt Valley, MD, pp 235-237, June 2007.

George S, Pelczer I, Ralston S. Environmental stress as studied by NMR-based metabonomics: a case study of young horses. 39th American Chemical Society Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting, Collegeville, PA, Abstract #467, May 2007.

Lloyd TL, Ralston S, Bagnell C, Ryan P, Pelczer I, Schutt C. NMR-based analysis of complex metabolic biological fluids as a reflection of disease onset and its outcome A case study of pregnant mares. 39th American Chemical Society Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting, Collegeville, PA, Abstract # 4249, May, 2007.

Stoyanova R, Zhao Q, Ralston S, Hodavance MS, Pelczer I, Brown TR. Decomposition of 1H NMR spectra of blood plasma for identification of complex metabolic response to glucose uptake" ISMRM-ESMRMB (Joint Annual Meeting '07), Berlin, Germany, May 2007.

Ralston SL. Nutrition: horses. In: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 10thth edition, Aeillo S. (ed), Published by Merck & Co, Whitehouse Station, NJ, 2009.

Julliand V, hillipeau C, Goachet A-G, Ralston S. Physiology of Intake and Digestion in equine animals. In: Nutrition of the Exercising Horse, Saastamoinen MT, Martin-Rosset W (eds), European Assoc Anim Production publication 125. Wageningen Academic, The Netherlands, pp 53-70, 2008.

Ralston, SL. Nutritional guidelines for the injured, hospitalized, and post surgical patient. In: Equine Emergencies: Treatment and Procedures, 3rd Edition. Divers TJ, Orsini JA (eds), Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, pp671-674, 2007.

Ralston SL, Pelczer I, Shatynski, C, Spears PF. NMR-based Metabonomic Analysis of Serum From Standardbred Yearlings With or Without Hock Osteochondrosis Dessicans Lesions: Preliminary Study. J Eq Vet Sci. 29(5): 385-386, 2009.

Ralston SL, Anderson H, Johnson R. Growth response of draft cross weanlings fed 90% forage Total Mixed Ration cubes versus traditional hay/concentrate rations. J Eq Vet Sci. 29(5):386-387, 2009.

Ralston, SL. Factors affecting glucose and insulin metabolism in young horses. Pferdeheilkunde. 21: 83-86, 2005.

Allen E, Meyer W, Ralston SL, Watts K. Variability in soluble carbohydrate and mineral content of pasture grasses. Pferdeheilkunde. 21:11-12, 2005.

Ralston SL. Effect of vitamin supplementation post-transportation in weanlings. Proc 17th Equine Nutr Physiol Symp: 131, 2001.

Ralston SL, Hrabinski D, Brady S. Glucose tolerance testing in foals. Proc. 17th Equine Nutr Physiol Symp:182, 2001.

Ralston SL, Foster DL, Divers T, Hintz HF. Effect of dental correction on feed digestibility in horses. Eq. Vet J. 33(4): 390-393, 2001.

Dimock AN, Ralston SL. Changes in indices of stress and immune function in transported horses. Proc Assoc Eq Sports Med.: 4-6, 1999.

Black A, Schoknecht PA, Ralston SL, Shapses SA. Diurnal variation and age differences in biochemical markers of bone turnover in horses. J Anim Sci. 77: 75-83, 1999.

Ralston SL, Breuer LH. Field evaluation of a feed formulated for geriatric horses. J. Eq. Vet. Sci. 16:334-338, 1996.

Naylor JM, Ralston SL (Eds). Large Animal Clinical Nutrition. CV Mosby Year Book, St. Louis, MO. 1991, 576 pp. 45 chapters, 23 authors.