Sample Collection
Individual-linked fecal samples were collected in 2014 from adult female
Sable Island horses, during an annual survey of the population. All
samples were collected within 5 min of defecation and kept on ice in the
field (maximum 6 hrs), before being homogenized, subset into 2.0-ml
screw cap cryotubes, and frozen at −20 ºC in the field for up to two
months. Samples were stored at −80 ºC for long-term storage, after
transport to the mainland. Alongside the collection of fecal samples,
data on horse location, social membership, and parental status were
recorded. The study system and sampling protocol are described in
greater detail elsewhere .