1
|
Lo Feudo CM, Stucchi L, Conturba B, Stancari G, Ferrucci F. Impact of Lower Airway Inflammation on Fitness Parameters in Standardbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223228. [PMID: 36428455 PMCID: PMC9687017 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mild-moderate equine asthma (MEA) is a common respiratory disorder among racehorses, characterized by lower airway inflammation. Although it is generally agreed that MEA causes poor performance, contrasting results have been reported about the effects of tracheal mucus and the leukocyte populations of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on performance. This study aims to investigate the associations between airway inflammation and fitness parameters measured during an incremental treadmill test on Standardbred racehorses. For this purpose, the clinical records of 116 Standardbreds subjected to a diagnostic protocol for poor performance were retrospectively reviewed. Parametric and nonparametric statistics were used to evaluate the relationships between endoscopic scores, BAL cytological results, and fitness parameters. Moreover, horses were divided into MEA and non-MEA groups and into neutrophilic, eosinophilic-mastocytic, and mixed MEA groups; fitness parameters were compared between groups. Neutrophils percentages were inversely correlated with the speed at a heart rate of 200 bpm, the speed and heart rate at a plasma lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L (VLa4 and HRLa4), and the maximal speed, while they were positively correlated with higher lactate concentrations. Moreover, significant differences were detected between different MEA subtypes concerning VLa4, HRLa4, and lactate concentrations. These results suggest that airway neutrophilic inflammation impairs athletic capacity in Standardbreds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Maria Lo Feudo
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Luca Stucchi
- Equine Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Bianca Conturba
- Equine Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Giovanni Stancari
- Equine Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrucci
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0250334146
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lo Feudo CM, Stucchi L, Stancari G, Alberti E, Conturba B, Zucca E, Ferrucci F. Associations between Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) and Fitness Parameters Measured by Incremental Treadmill Test in Standardbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040449. [PMID: 35203157 PMCID: PMC8868235 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) frequently affects racehorses worldwide and has been widely associated with poor performance; however, scientific evidence supporting this observation is low. The present retrospective study aims to evaluate objectively whether the presence and grade of EIPH could affect some fitness parameters, measured during an incremental treadmill test, in poorly performing Standardbred racehorses. For this purpose, the association between EIPH and the results of a treadmill metabolic test (including blood lactate analysis and venous blood gas analysis) were evaluated in 81 Standardbred racehorses. No relationship between EIPH and aerobic/anaerobic capacity was observed, suggesting that EIPH may affect performance in a different manner. However, EIPH-affected horses were shown to reach higher hematocrit values during exercise compared to EIPH-negative horses; therefore, it may be hypothesized that hemoconcentration may take part in the pathogenesis of EIPH by increasing the pulmonary capillary pressure. Abstract Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) is a condition affecting up to 95% of racehorses, diagnosed by detecting blood in the trachea after exercise and/or the presence of hemosiderophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf). Although EIPH is commonly associated with poor performance, scientific evidence is scarce. The athletic capacity of racehorses can be quantified through some parameters obtained during an incremental treadmill test; in particular, the speed at a heart rate of 200 bpm (V200), and the speed (VLa4) and the heart rate (HRLa4) at which the blood lactate concentration reaches 4 mmol/L are considered good fitness indicators. The present retrospective study aims to evaluate whether EIPH could influence fitness parameters in poorly performing Standardbreds. For this purpose, data from 81 patients regarding their V200, VLa4, HRLa4, peak lactate, maximum speed, minimum pH, and maximum hematocrit were reviewed; EIPH scores were assigned based on tracheobronchoscopy and BALf cytology. The association between the fitness parameters and EIPH was evaluated through Spearman’s correlation analysis. No relationship between EIPH and V200, VLa4, and HRLa4 was observed. Interestingly, EIPH-positive horses showed higher hematocrit values (p = 0.0072, r = 0.47), suggesting the possible influence of the hemoconcentration on the increase of pulmonary capillary pressure as a part of the pathogenesis of EIPH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Maria Lo Feudo
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Luca Stucchi
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.S.); (G.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Giovanni Stancari
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.S.); (G.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Elena Alberti
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Bianca Conturba
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.S.); (G.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Enrica Zucca
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Francesco Ferrucci
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0250334146
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Arias KD, Cervantes I, Gutiérrez JP. Impact of the event effect in genetic evaluation for ranking traits in horses. J Anim Breed Genet 2021; 139:13-25. [PMID: 34494688 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In genetic evaluation of horses, the genetic trend does not correspond into a phenotypic trend when using ranking as a phenotype due to its uniform distribution, and some other effects might be absorbing that trend. From a founder population, a further four discrete generations of 100 individuals were simulated under random mating. Then, ten additional discrete generations were simulated by selecting the best 10% of the animals. Likewise, an underlying variable with heritability 0.1 or 0.2, affected by an event environmental influence, generation and permanent environment, was simulated to establish the ranking assignment of 10 random participants or according to the competitive level for each event, in 10 or 100 structured or unstructured events. The ranking trait genetic evaluation model was tested to include or exclude the event effect and the permanent environment effect, depending on the scenario. The results showed that the event effect fitted the different competitive level of each event, leading to a 5% to 23% of selection response improvement for structured competitions. Therefore, the event effect should be included in the genetic evaluation models of horses. The permanent environment fitted or simulated did not significantly improve the selection response. The event effect explained the competition genetic level, by compensating the genetic trend obtained by selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Daniela Arias
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Cervantes
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bartolomé E, Perdomo-González DI, Sánchez-Guerrero MJ, Valera M. Genetic Parameters of Effort and Recovery in Sport Horses Assessed with Infrared Thermography. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030832. [PMID: 33809482 PMCID: PMC8001494 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The way a horse activates (effort phase-EP) and recovers (recovery phase-RP) during a sport event can affect its sport performance. The aim of this manuscript was to test horses’ adaptation to sport performance and its genetic basis, using eye temperature assessed with infrared thermography. EP and RP were measured in 495 Spanish Sport Horses, during a performance test, considering sex (2) and genetic lines (5) as fixed effects. The ranking position obtained on the official sport competition celebrated the day after the performance test was also collected. Differences in variables due to genetic line and sex effects were found, showing that, regardless of the genetic line, stallions tended to recover better than mares after the sport test developed. High positive correlations were found between EP and RP for both fixed effects, so that, the higher the EP, the higher the RP. However, for the ranking position, a low negative correlation was found, so that the higher the eye temperature increase, the better the position. Heritabilities showed medium–high values with a medium positive genetic correlation between them. Thus, breed origins and sex influence horses’ effort and recovery during sport performance, showing a genetic basis adequate for selection. Abstract The way a horse activates (effort phase-EP) and recovers (recovery phase-RP) during a sport event can affect its sport performance. The aim of this manuscript was to test horses’ adaptation to sport performance and its genetic basis, using eye temperature assessed with infrared thermography. EP and RP were measured in 495 Spanish Sport Horses, during a performance test, considering sex (2) and genetic lines (5) as fixed effects. The ranking position obtained on an official sport competition was also collected. Differences in variables due to genetic line and sex effects were found, showing that, regardless of the genetic line, stallions tended to recover better than mares after the sport test developed. High positive intra-class correlations (p < 0.001) were found between EP and RP for both fixed effects, so that the higher the EP, the higher the RP. However, for the ranking position, a low negative correlation (p < 0.01) was found, so that the higher the eye temperature increase, the better the position. Heritabilities showed medium–high values with a medium positive genetic correlation between them. Thus, breed origins and sex influence horses’ effort and recovery during sport performance, showing a genetic basis adequate for selection.
Collapse
|
5
|
Dall'Olio S, Bovo S, Tinarelli S, Schiavo G, Padalino B, Fontanesi L. Association between candidate gene markers and harness racing traits in Italian trotter horses. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
6
|
Raudsepp T, Finno CJ, Bellone RR, Petersen JL. Ten years of the horse reference genome: insights into equine biology, domestication and population dynamics in the post-genome era. Anim Genet 2019; 50:569-597. [PMID: 31568563 PMCID: PMC6825885 DOI: 10.1111/age.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The horse reference genome from the Thoroughbred mare Twilight has been available for a decade and, together with advances in genomics technologies, has led to unparalleled developments in equine genomics. At the core of this progress is the continuing improvement of the quality, contiguity and completeness of the reference genome, and its functional annotation. Recent achievements include the release of the next version of the reference genome (EquCab3.0) and generation of a reference sequence for the Y chromosome. Horse satellite‐free centromeres provide unique models for mammalian centromere research. Despite extremely low genetic diversity of the Y chromosome, it has been possible to trace patrilines of breeds and pedigrees and show that Y variation was lost in the past approximately 2300 years owing to selective breeding. The high‐quality reference genome has led to the development of three different SNP arrays and WGSs of almost 2000 modern individual horses. The collection of WGS of hundreds of ancient horses is unique and not available for any other domestic species. These tools and resources have led to global population studies dissecting the natural history of the species and genetic makeup and ancestry of modern breeds. Most importantly, the available tools and resources, together with the discovery of functional elements, are dissecting molecular causes of a growing number of Mendelian and complex traits. The improved understanding of molecular underpinnings of various traits continues to benefit the health and performance of the horse whereas also serving as a model for complex disease across species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Raudsepp
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - C J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - R R Bellone
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - J L Petersen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0908, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Velie BD, Fegraeus KJ, Solé M, Rosengren MK, Røed KH, Ihler CF, Strand E, Lindgren G. A genome-wide association study for harness racing success in the Norwegian-Swedish coldblooded trotter reveals genes for learning and energy metabolism. BMC Genet 2018; 19:80. [PMID: 30157760 PMCID: PMC6114527 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-018-0670-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although harness racing is of high economic importance to the global equine industry, significant genomic resources have yet to be applied to mapping harness racing success. To identify genomic regions associated with harness racing success, the current study performs genome-wide association analyses with three racing performance traits in the Norwegian-Swedish Coldblooded Trotter using the 670 K Axiom Equine Genotyping Array. Results Following quality control, 613 horses and 359,635 SNPs were retained for further analysis. After strict Bonferroni correction, nine genome-wide significant SNPs were identified for career earnings. No genome-wide significant SNPs were identified for number of gallops or best km time. However, four suggestive genome-wide significant SNPs were identified for number of gallops, while 19 were identified for best km time. Multiple genes related to intelligence, energy metabolism, and immune function were identified as potential candidate genes for harness racing success. Conclusions Apart from the physiological requirements needed for a harness racing horse to be successful, the results of the current study also advocate learning ability and memory as important elements for harness racing success. Further exploration into the mental capacity required for a horse to achieve racing success is likely warranted. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12863-018-0670-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon D Velie
- Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Kim Jäderkvist Fegraeus
- Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marina Solé
- Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria K Rosengren
- Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Knut H Røed
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Carl-Fredrik Ihler
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eric Strand
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gabriella Lindgren
- Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stress level effects on sport performance during trotting races in Spanish Trotter Horses. Res Vet Sci 2018; 118:86-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
9
|
Jäderkvist Fegraeus K, Velie BD, Axelsson J, Ang R, Hamilton NA, Andersson L, Meadows JRS, Lindgren G. A potential regulatory region near the EDN3 gene may control both harness racing performance and coat color variation in horses. Physiol Rep 2018; 6:e13700. [PMID: 29845762 PMCID: PMC5974718 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The Swedish-Norwegian Coldblooded trotter and the heavier North-Swedish draught horse both descend from the North-Swedish horse, but the Coldblooded trotters have been selected for racing performance while the North-Swedish draught horse is mainly used for agricultural and forestry work. By comparing the genomes of Coldblooded trotters, North-Swedish draught horses and Standardbreds for a large number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the aim of the study was to identify genetic regions that may be under selection for racing performance. We hypothesized that the selection for racing performance, in combination with unauthorized crossbreeding of Coldblooded trotters and Standardbreds, has created regions in the genome where the Coldblooded trotters and Standardbreds are similar, but differ from the North-Swedish draught horse. A fixation index (Fst) analysis was performed and sliding window Delta Fst values were calculated across the three breeds. Five windows, where the average Fst between Coldblooded trotters and Standardbreds was low and the average Fst between Coldblooded trotters and North-Swedish draught horses was high, were selected for further investigation. Associations between the most highly ranked SNPs and harness racing performance were analyzed in 400 raced Coldblooded trotters with race records. One SNP showed a significant association with racing performance, with the CC genotype appearing to be negatively associated. The SNP identified was genotyped in 1915 horses of 18 different breeds. The frequency of the TT genotype was high in breeds typically used for racing and show jumping while the frequency of the CC genotype was high in most pony breeds and draught horses. The closest gene in this region was the Endothelin3 gene (EDN3), a gene mainly involved in melanocyte and enteric neuron development. Both functional genetic and physiological studies are needed to fully understand the possible impacts of the gene on racing performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Jäderkvist Fegraeus
- Department of Animal Breeding & GeneticsSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| | - Brandon D. Velie
- Department of Animal Breeding & GeneticsSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| | - Jeanette Axelsson
- Department of Animal Breeding & GeneticsSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| | - Rachel Ang
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | | | - Leif Andersson
- Department of Animal Breeding & GeneticsSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and MicrobiologyScience for Life LaboratoryUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
- Department of Veterinary Integrative BiosciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Jennifer R. S. Meadows
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and MicrobiologyScience for Life LaboratoryUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Gabriella Lindgren
- Department of Animal Breeding & GeneticsSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
McKenzie E. Foundations of performance – factors that contribute to excellence in equine exercise. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.3920/cep170022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Horses are renowned for their incredible capacity for a range of athletic activities, and participation in athletic events arguably represents the most critical strut of the equine industry. Successful performance is typically a primary focus during participation in competitive athletic events, and relies upon a variety of innate physiological and structural factors of the athlete. However, a wide range of external factors also influence performance, and many of these can be readily manipulated. Therefore, thorough assessment of the individual’s inherent capacity for a specific athletic discipline must be combined with optimisation of external factors including nutrition and training to promote excellent performance. Recent progress in methods of athlete selection and monitoring of training responses are assisting continued improvements in equine performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. McKenzie
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, 227 Magruder Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lack of significant associations with early career performance suggest no link between the DMRT3 "Gait Keeper" mutation and precocity in Coldblooded trotters. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177351. [PMID: 28489879 PMCID: PMC5425215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Swedish-Norwegian Coldblooded trotter (CBT) is a local breed in Sweden and Norway mainly used for harness racing. Previous studies have shown that a mutation from cytosine (C) to adenine (A) in the doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 3 (DMRT3) gene has a major impact on harness racing performance of different breeds. An association of the DMRT3 mutation with early career performance has also been suggested. The aim of the current study was to investigate this proposed association in a randomly selected group of CBTs. 769 CBTs (485 raced, 284 unraced) were genotyped for the DMRT3 mutation. The association with racing performance was investigated for 13 performance traits and three different age intervals: 3 years, 3 to 6 years, and 7 to 10 years of age, using the statistical software R. Each performance trait was analyzed for association with DMRT3 using linear models. The results suggest no association of the DMRT3 mutation with precocity (i.e. performance at 3 years of age). Only two traits (race time and number of disqualifications) were significantly different between the genotypes, with AA horses having the fastest times and CC horses having the highest number of disqualifications at 3 years of age. The frequency of the AA genotype was significantly lower in the raced CBT sample compared with the unraced sample and less than 50% of the AA horses participated in a race. For the age intervals 3 to 6 and 7 to 10 years the AA horses also failed to demonstrate significantly better performance than the other genotypes. Although suggested as the most favorable genotype for racing performance in Standardbreds and Finnhorses across all ages, the AA genotype does not appear to be associated with superior performance, early or late, in the racing career of CBTs.
Collapse
|
12
|
Solé M, Valera M, Gómez M, Sölkner J, Molina A, Mészáros G. Heritability and factors associated with number of harness race starts in the Spanish Trotter horse population. Equine Vet J 2016; 49:288-293. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Solé
- Department of Agro-Forestry Sciences; ETSIA; University of Seville; Seville Spain
| | - M. Valera
- Department of Agro-Forestry Sciences; ETSIA; University of Seville; Seville Spain
| | - M.D. Gómez
- Department of Agro-Forestry Sciences; ETSIA; University of Seville; Seville Spain
| | - J. Sölkner
- Division of Livestock Sciences; University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences-Vienna; Wien Austria
| | - A. Molina
- Department of Genetics; University of Cordoba; Cordoba Spain
| | - G. Mészáros
- Division of Livestock Sciences; University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences-Vienna; Wien Austria
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pieramati C, Giontella A, Sarti FM, Silvestrelli M. Assessment of limits for racing speed in the Italian trotter population. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2011.e53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camillo Pieramati
- Dipartimento di Patologia, Diagnostica e Clinica Veterinaria, Università di Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Giontella
- Dipartimento di Patologia, Diagnostica e Clinica Veterinaria, Università di Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Silvestrelli
- Dipartimento di Patologia, Diagnostica e Clinica Veterinaria, Università di Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bolwell CF, Rogers CW, Gee EK, Rosanowski SM. Descriptive statistics and the pattern of horse racing in New Zealand. 2. Harness racing. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/an13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to describe the pattern of pacing and trotting races and starts, including temporal trends, in Harness racing in New Zealand. Data on all race starts between 1 August 2005 and 31 July 2010 were supplied by Harness Racing New Zealand. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data at both race and starts level, stratified by pacing and trotting races. In total, 78% of races run were pacing races and most races occurred in the Southern region. The start type varied by race, with most pacing races run with mobile starts and trotting races with standing starts. Regardless of race type most races were run on all-weather tracks and were run in the summer or autumn. There was little change in the median number of starts per horse over time and the median number of starters per trainer per year was 16 (interquartile range 7–35, max. 612) and 12 (interquartile range 5–24, max. 235) for pacing and trotting races, respectively. Differences in track surfaces, gait, region and drivers between the Standardbred and the Thoroughbred industry suggests a need for data specific to the Harness racing industry in New Zealand. This study provided baseline data on the pattern of Standardbred racing and highlighted factors unique to the Harness racing industry in New Zealand.
Collapse
|
15
|
Brard S, Ricard A. Should we use the single nucleotide polymorphism linked to DMRT3 in genomic evaluation of French trotter?1. J Anim Sci 2015; 93:4651-9. [PMID: 26523557 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-9224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Brard
- INRA, GenPhySE (Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage), 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
- Université de Toulouse, INP, ENSAT, GenPhySE (Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage), 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
- Université de Toulouse, INP, ENVT, GenPhySE (Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage), 31076 Toulouse, France
| | - A. Ricard
- INRA, UMR 1313, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- IFCE, Recherche et Innovation, 61310 Exmes, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ricard A. Does heterozygosity at the DMRT3 gene make French trotters better racers? Genet Sel Evol 2015; 47:10. [PMID: 25886871 PMCID: PMC4340234 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-015-0095-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, a mutation was discovered in the DMRT3 gene that controls pacing in horses. The mutant allele A is fixed in the American Standardbred trotter breed, while in the French trotter breed, the frequency of the wild-type allele C is still 24%. This study aimed at measuring the effect of DMRT3 genotypes on the performance of French trotters and explaining why the polymorphism still occurs in this breed. Using a mixed animal model, genetic parameters and environmental effects on performance traits were estimated from data on 173 176 French trotter races. The effect of the DMRT3 gene was then estimated by the effect of genotype at the highly linked SNP BIEC2-620109 (C-C, A-T) for 630 horses. A selection scheme that included qualification and racing performances was modeled to (1) verify if the observed superiority of heterozygous CT horses at this SNP could be explained only by selection and (2) understand why allele C has not disappeared in French trotters. RESULTS Heritability of racing performance traits was high for qualification test (0.56), moderate for annual earnings per finished race (0.26 to 0.31) and low for proportion of disqualified races (0.06 to 0.09). Genotype CC was always unfavorable compared to genotype TT for qualification: the probability to be qualified was 20% for CC vs. 48% for TT and earnings were -0.96 σy lower for CC than for TT. Genotype CT was also unfavorable for qualification (40%) and earnings at 3 years (-0.21 σy), but favorable for earnings at ages greater than 5 years: +0.41 σy (P = 7.10(-4)). Selection on qualification could not explain more than 19% of the difference between genotypes CC and CT in earnings at ages greater than 5 years. Only a scenario for which genotype CT has a favorable effect on the performance of horses older than 5 years could explain that the polymorphism at the DMRT3 gene still exists in the French trotter breed. CONCLUSIONS The use of mature horses in the French racing circuit can explain that the CA genotype is still present in the French trotter horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Ricard
- INRA, UMR 1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, 78352, Jouy-en-Josas, France. .,IFCE, Recherche et Innovation, 61310, Exmes, France.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Petersen JL, Mickelson JR, Rendahl AK, Valberg SJ, Andersson LS, Axelsson J, Bailey E, Bannasch D, Binns MM, Borges AS, Brama P, da Câmara Machado A, Capomaccio S, Cappelli K, Cothran EG, Distl O, Fox-Clipsham L, Graves KT, Guérin G, Haase B, Hasegawa T, Hemmann K, Hill EW, Leeb T, Lindgren G, Lohi H, Lopes MS, McGivney BA, Mikko S, Orr N, Penedo MCT, Piercy RJ, Raekallio M, Rieder S, Røed KH, Swinburne J, Tozaki T, Vaudin M, Wade CM, McCue ME. Genome-wide analysis reveals selection for important traits in domestic horse breeds. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003211. [PMID: 23349635 PMCID: PMC3547851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Intense selective pressures applied over short evolutionary time have resulted in homogeneity within, but substantial variation among, horse breeds. Utilizing this population structure, 744 individuals from 33 breeds, and a 54,000 SNP genotyping array, breed-specific targets of selection were identified using an F(ST)-based statistic calculated in 500-kb windows across the genome. A 5.5-Mb region of ECA18, in which the myostatin (MSTN) gene was centered, contained the highest signature of selection in both the Paint and Quarter Horse. Gene sequencing and histological analysis of gluteal muscle biopsies showed a promoter variant and intronic SNP of MSTN were each significantly associated with higher Type 2B and lower Type 1 muscle fiber proportions in the Quarter Horse, demonstrating a functional consequence of selection at this locus. Signatures of selection on ECA23 in all gaited breeds in the sample led to the identification of a shared, 186-kb haplotype including two doublesex related mab transcription factor genes (DMRT2 and 3). The recent identification of a DMRT3 mutation within this haplotype, which appears necessary for the ability to perform alternative gaits, provides further evidence for selection at this locus. Finally, putative loci for the determination of size were identified in the draft breeds and the Miniature horse on ECA11, as well as when signatures of selection surrounding candidate genes at other loci were examined. This work provides further evidence of the importance of MSTN in racing breeds, provides strong evidence for selection upon gait and size, and illustrates the potential for population-based techniques to find genomic regions driving important phenotypes in the modern horse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Petersen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gómez M, Varona L, Molina A, Valera M. Genetic evaluation of racing performance in trotter horses by competitive models. Livest Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2011.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
19
|
Estimation of genetic parameters for the annual earnings at different race distances in young and adult Trotter Horses using a Random Regression Model. Livest Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2010.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
20
|
Gómez M, Menendez-Buxadera A, Valera M, Molina A. Estimation of genetic parameters for racing speed at different distances in young and adult Spanish Trotter horses using the random regression model. J Anim Breed Genet 2010; 127:385-94. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.2010.00865.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|