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Laseca N, Ziadi C, Perdomo-Gonzalez DI, Valera M, Demyda-Peyras S, Molina A. Reproductive traits in Pura Raza Española mares manifest inbreeding depression from low levels of homozygosity. J Anim Breed Genet 2024; 141:453-464. [PMID: 38299872 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Inbreeding depression is a genetic phenomenon associated with the loss of fitness and mean phenotypic performance due to mating between relatives. Historically, inbreeding coefficients have been estimated from pedigree information. However, the onset of genomic selection programs provides large datasets of individuals genotyped using SNP arrays, enabling more precise assessment of an individual's genomic-level inbreeding using genomic data. One of the traits most sensitive to issues stemming from increased inbreeding is reproduction. This is particularly important in equine, in which fertility is only moderate compared to other livestock species. To explore this further, we evaluated the effect of inbreeding on five reproductive traits (age at first foaling (AFF), average interval between foalings (AIF), total number of foalings (NF), productive life (PL) and reproductive efficiency (RE)) in Pura Raza Español mares using genomic data. Residual predicted phenotypes were obtained by purging these traits through the REML (wgResidual) and ssGREML (gResidual) approaches in reproductive data of 29,847 PRE mares using the BLUPF90+ program. Next, we used pedigree-based (Fped) and ROH-based genomic (FROH) inbreeding coefficients derived from 1018 animals genotyped with 61,271 SNPs to estimate the inbreeding depression (linear regression). Our results indicated significant levels of inbreeding depression for all reproductive traits, with the exception of the AIF trait when Fped was used. However, all traits were negatively affected by the increase in genomic inbreeding, and FROH was found to capture more inbreeding depression than Fped. Likewise, REML models (ssGREML) using genomic data for estimated predicted residual phenotypes resulted in higher variance explained by the model compared with the models not using genomics (REML). Finally, a segmented regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of inbreeding depression, revealing that the levels of genealogical and genomic homozygosity do not manifest uniformly in reproductive traits. In contrast, the levels of inbreeding depression ranged from low to high as homozygosity increased. This analysis also showed that reproductive traits are very sensitive to inbreeding depression, even with relatively low levels of homozygosity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Laseca
- Department of Genetics, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Chiraz Ziadi
- Department of Genetics, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Mercedes Valera
- Department of Agronomy, ETSIA, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Molina
- Department of Genetics, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
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Cardinali I, Giontella A, Tommasi A, Silvestrelli M, Lancioni H. Unlocking Horse Y Chromosome Diversity. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122272. [PMID: 36553539 PMCID: PMC9777570 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The present equine genetic variation mirrors the deep influence of intensive breeding programs during the last 200 years. Here, we provide a comprehensive current state of knowledge on the trends and prospects on the variation in the equine male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY), which was assembled for the first time in 2018. In comparison with the other 12 mammalian species, horses are now the most represented, with 56 documented MSY genes. However, in contrast to the high variability in mitochondrial DNA observed in many horse breeds from different geographic areas, modern horse populations demonstrate extremely low genetic Y-chromosome diversity. The selective pressures employed by breeders using pedigree data (which are not always error-free) as a predictive tool represent the main cause of this lack of variation in the Y-chromosome. Nevertheless, the detailed phylogenies obtained by recent fine-scaled Y-chromosomal genotyping in many horse breeds worldwide have contributed to addressing the genealogical, forensic, and population questions leading to the reappraisal of the Y-chromosome as a powerful genetic marker to avoid the loss of biodiversity as a result of selective breeding practices, and to better understand the historical development of horse breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cardinali
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Giontella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Anna Tommasi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Hovirag Lancioni
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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Liang X, Yue Y, Zhao Y, Guo Y, Guo X, Shi B, Yan S. Effects of dietary concentrate to forage ratio on milk performance, milk amino acid composition and milk protein synthesis of lactating donkeys. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2022.115444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Perdomo-González DI, García de Paredes RDLA, Valera M, Bartolomé E, Gómez MD. Morpho-Functional Traits in Pura Raza Menorquina Horses: Genetic Parameters and Relationship with Coat Color Variables. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182319. [PMID: 36139184 PMCID: PMC9495247 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this study, we estimated genetic parameters of 46 linear morpho-functional traits, and analyzed the relationship between two coat color traits (quality of black coat color [QB] and the quantity of white marks [WM]) and other linear morpho-functional traits within the breeding program of Pura Raza Menorquina horses, whose studbook only permits the use of black-coated animals with a small quantity of white marks as breeding stock. A total of 772 records from 333 animals were analyzed to estimate genetic parameters for 46 linear traits scored by four appraisers using seven classes. Heritability values for morpho-functional traits were low to medium and matched the range in the bibliography. Medium heritability values were obtained for both coat color traits (0.36 for QB and 0.23 for WM). Genetic correlations between coat and morpho-functional traits ranged between 0.015 and 0.816 in absolute value for QB and between 0.014 and 0.638 in absolute value for WM. The highest correlation values were obtained between QB and upper neck line (0.816) and between WM and form of the hoof (0.638). It was observed that the animal group with low and the group with high breeding values for QB and WM had a clear differentiation of the other mor-pho-functional traits. Abstract The studbook of Pura Raza Menorquina horses only permits the use of black-coated animals with a small quantity of white marks as breeding stock. Its breeding program uses linear morpho-functional traits as selection criteria. Our aim was to estimate the genetic parameters of linear morpho-functional traits, and reveal relationship of quality of black coat color (QB) and percentage of white marks (WM) with the other morphological and functional linear traits in this breed. A total of 46 linear traits were scored by four appraisers using seven classes, with a total of 772 records from 333 animals (≥4 years old). Univariate animal models using a Bayesian approach were used, with a pedigree of 757 animals. Sex (two) and appraiser-season (13) were included as fixed effects, age as a linear covariate, and permanent environmental and additive genetic as random effect. The heritabilities of the morpho-functional traits were low to medium (0.09–0.58) and matched the range in the bibliography. Heritabilities for coat color traits were 0.36 for QB and 0.23 for WM. The highest genetic correlations were obtained between QB and upper neck line (0.816) and between WM and form of the hoof (0.638). The negative signs of most of the genetic correlations between WM and the functional traits is also remarkable, contributing to the selection of functional traits against the presence of white marks in this population. A clear genetic differentiation was observed between animals with better breeding values for QB and WM, corroborated by a study on founders. In conclusion, QB and WM could show different genetic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinia I. Perdomo-González
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica (ETSIA), Universidad de Sevilla, Carretera de Utrera km1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Mercedes Valera
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica (ETSIA), Universidad de Sevilla, Carretera de Utrera km1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ester Bartolomé
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica (ETSIA), Universidad de Sevilla, Carretera de Utrera km1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - María Dolores Gómez
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica (ETSIA), Universidad de Sevilla, Carretera de Utrera km1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
- Asociación de Criadores y Propietarios de Caballos de Raza Menorquina, Edificio Sa Roqueta, C/ Bijuters, 36, Bajos, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, Spain
- Correspondence:
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de Oliveira Bussiman F, Carvalho RSB, E Silva FF, Ventura RV, Ferraz JBS, Mattos EC, Eler JP, Balieiro JCDC. Reduced rank analysis of morphometric and functional traits in Campolina horses. J Anim Breed Genet 2021; 139:231-246. [PMID: 34841593 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12658] [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: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Multitrait models can increase the accuracy of breeding value prediction and reduce bias due to selection by using traits measured before and after it has occurred. However, as the number of traits grows, a similar trend is expected for the number of parameters to be estimated, which directly affects the computing power and the amount of data required. The aim of the present study was to apply reduced rank (principal components model-PCM) and factor analytical models (FAM), to estimate (co)variance components for nineteen traits, jointly evaluated in a single analysis in Campolina horses. A total of 18 morphometric traits (MT) and one gait visual score (GtS), along with genealogical records of 48,806 horses, were analysed under a restricted maximum likelihood framework. Nine PCM, nine FAM and one standard multitrait model (MTM) were fitted to the data and compared to find the best suitable model. Based on Bayesian information criterion, the best model was the FAM option, considering five common factors (FAM5). After performing an intraclass analysis, none of MT were genetically negatively correlated, whereas GtS was negatively related to all MT, except for the genetic correlations among GtS and BLL, and between GtS and BLLBL (0.01 and 0.10 respectively). From all MT, two traits were derived computing ratios involving other traits, those had negative correlations with others MT, but all favourable for selection. Similar patterns were observed between the genetic parameters obtained from MTM and FAM5 respectively. The heritability estimates ranged from 0.09 (head width) to 0.47 (height at withers). Our results indicated that FAM was efficient to reduce the multitrait analysis dimensionality, and therefore, traits can be combined based on the first three eigenvectors from the additive genetic (co)variance matrix. In addition, there was sufficient genetic variation for selection, benefiting its potential implementation in a breeding program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando de Oliveira Bussiman
- Bioinformatic and Animal Breeding Lab., Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (BIOMA-VNP/FMVZ-USP), Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Rachel Santos Bueno Carvalho
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo (ZAB/FZEA-USP), Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Vieira Ventura
- Bioinformatic and Animal Breeding Lab., Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (BIOMA-VNP/FMVZ-USP), Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - José Bento Sterman Ferraz
- Group of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo (GMAB-ZMV/FZEA-USP), Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Elisângela Chicaroni Mattos
- Group of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo (GMAB-ZMV/FZEA-USP), Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Joanir Pereira Eler
- Group of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo (GMAB-ZMV/FZEA-USP), Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Júlio Cesar de Carvalho Balieiro
- Bioinformatic and Animal Breeding Lab., Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (BIOMA-VNP/FMVZ-USP), Pirassununga, Brazil
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MEHTA SHARATCHANDRA, TALLURI THIRUMALARAO, LEGHA RAMAVATAR, PAL YASH, TRIPATHI BHUPENDRANATH. Phenotypic trend, breeding value and heritability of biometric traits in Marwari horses. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v91i6.115450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of phenotypic trend and estimation of inbreeding coefficient, breeding value and heritability of biometric traits was carried out for a total of 226 Marwari horses. The pedigree construct divided the entire population of 226 horses into 6 tiers spanning over a period of 30 years. The inbreeding coefficient of the herd was estimated to be 0.0017. The average height at withers, body length, heart girth and body weight of Marwari horses was 150.15±0.04 cm, 151.44±0.06 cm; 170.02±0.19 cm and 371.34±0.52 kg, respectively with non-significant effect of sex, tier and interaction of sex and tier. The Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) estimate of breeding value for the height at withers (150.45 cm), body length (151.97 cm), heart girth (169.73 cm) and body weight (366.3 kg) for Marwari horses was -0.059 cm, -0.079 cm, 0.096 cm and 3.526 kg, respectively. The effect of sex and interaction of sex and tiers was non-significant but that of tier on the estimated breeding value for body weight was significant indicating that body weight received favour in breeding programme. The heritability of height at withers, body length, heart girth and body weight has been estimated to be 0.396±0.586, 0.370±0.777, 0.507±1.95 and 0.597±0.612, respectively. Negligible inbreeding and constant phenotype over decades indicated that the Marwari herd has been bred to maintain enough genetic variation and hence it can be the most reliable source of the stallions and mares for propagation and conservation of this legendry breed of horse which is getting diluted and declining at a faster rate.
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Borowska A, Wolska D, Niedzwiedz A, Borowicz H, Jaworski Z, Siemieniuch M, Szwaczkowski T. Some Genetic and Environmental Effects on Equine Asthma in Polish Konik Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082285. [PMID: 34438743 PMCID: PMC8388498 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Equine Asthma (EA) is a blanket term covering inflammatory diseases of the lower airways in horses. It includes mild-to-moderate equine asthma, which affects horses of any age, and severe equine asthma, which is typically seen in horses older than 7 years of. Relationships of the disease’s occurrence with sex or breed have been proven. However, some authors consider genetic background a predisposing factor, due to the fact that in some bloodlines a clinical form of asthma is more frequently observed. This indicates serious breeding and economic consequences. This study aimed to identify the factors affecting predisposition to severe equine asthma in the population of Polish Konik horses and some environmental and inbreeding effects on the disease. Generally, in the observed population, EA is negligibly affected by the factors analysed. Individual inbreeding effects on asthma were not confirmed by various statistical approaches, but significant maternal inbreeding effects were observed. These results are very important from the perspective of the currently implemented genetic resource conservation programme. Abstract Current knowledge of the genetic and environmental backgrounds of equine asthma seems to be insufficient, especially for primitive horse breeds. The main objectives of this study were to estimate the effects of sex, birth period, stud, parentage line and inbreeding on asthma morbidity in Polish Konik horses. Records of 274 horses (housed in two studs) were analysed. These animals were allocated to maternal and paternal lines. Individual inbreeding coefficients were extracted from the additive relationship matrix. Horses underwent diagnosis based on observation of the basic symptoms (high frequency of coughing and excessive nasal discharge). Subsequently, some horses (28 individuals) were clinically examined to confirm the earlier observations. Generally, no significant effects of parentage line on heaves morbidity were identified by the use of logistic regression, although the Pearson’s chi-squared test had shown that individuals of some maternal and paternal lines had a predisposition to severe equine asthma. It was concluded that the individual inbreeding level is not associated with the incidence of EA, but a significant effect of the maternal inbreeding coefficient may be observed. It was also found that there is some variability in the incidence of this disease between studs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Borowska
- Division of Horse Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Daria Wolska
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Artur Niedzwiedz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.N.); (H.B.)
| | - Hieronim Borowicz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.N.); (H.B.)
| | - Zbigniew Jaworski
- Department of Horse Breeding and Riding, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Marta Siemieniuch
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland;
- Research Station of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, in Popielno, 12-222 Ruciane-Nida, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szwaczkowski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznan, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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Pira E, Vacca GM, Dettori ML, Piras G, Moro M, Paschino P, Pazzola M. Polymorphisms at Myostatin Gene ( MSTN) and the Associations with Sport Performances in Anglo-Arabian Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:964. [PMID: 33808485 PMCID: PMC8065447 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
One hundred and eighty Anglo-Arabian horses running 1239 races were sampled for the present study. DNA was extracted from the blood and myostatin gene, MSTN, was genotyped. Moreover, prizes won and places were achieved for the 1239 races to perform association analyses between the different genotypes and sport traits. Two SNPs already reported in previous studies regarding the Thoroughbred breed, rs69472472 and rs397152648, were revealed as polymorphic. The linkage disequilibrium analysis investigating the haplotype structure of MSTN did not evidence any association block. Polymorphism at SNP rs397152648, previously known as g.66493737 T>C, significantly influenced sport traits, with heterozygous horses TC showing better results than homozygotes TT. The portion of variance due to the random effect of the individual animal, and the other phenotypic effects of sex, percentage of Arabian blood and race distance, computed together with the genotype at MSTN in the statistical models, exerted a significant influence. Hence, this information is useful to improve knowledge of the genetic profile of Anglo-Arabian horses and a possible selection for better sport performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Pira
- Local Health Authority 7 Pedemontana, Via dei Lotti 40, 36061 Bassano del Grappa, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Massimo Vacca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.V.); (M.L.D.); (P.P.)
| | - Maria Luisa Dettori
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.V.); (M.L.D.); (P.P.)
| | - Gianpiera Piras
- Local Health Authority of Oristano, Via Carducci 35, 09170 Oristano, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Moro
- Local Health Authority of Nuoro, Via Amerigo Demurtas 1, 08110 Nuoro, Italy;
| | - Pietro Paschino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.V.); (M.L.D.); (P.P.)
| | - Michele Pazzola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.V.); (M.L.D.); (P.P.)
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A Genetic Window on Sardinian Native Horse Breeds through Uniparental Molecular Systems. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091544. [PMID: 32882901 PMCID: PMC7552234 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The horse is a mammalian species showing a high variation among maternal lineages but a limited variability in the paternal inheritance. The female phylogenetic history is commonly investigated by analyzing the maternally transmitted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), while the male perspective is provided by the paternally inherited portion of the Y chromosome (NRY). Here we explored the variation of both non-recombining genetic systems in three horse breeds present in Sardinia: Giara, Sarcidano, and Sardinian Anglo-Arab. The analysis of 34 stallions revealed three differentially distributed NRY types: (i) the first and most ancestral one is typical of Sarcidano; (ii) the second is well represented in Giara and seems to derive from Neapolitan/Oriental stallions; (iii) the third confirms the Thoroughbred influence in the Sardinian Anglo-Arab breed. By extending the analysis to 178 mtDNAs, we observed a common maternal origin for Giara and Sarcidano. Contrarily, the outlier behavior of the Sardinian Anglo-Arab is due to its higher mitochondrial variability, testifying for multiple maternal lineages in its current population. Our preliminary findings highlight the importance of a parallel molecular screening of NRYs and mtDNAs to reconstruct both paternal and maternal phylogenetic histories and to fully evaluate the extent of autochthonous genetic resources in the island. Abstract Sardinia, an island located to the west of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea, boasts three native horse breeds: Giara, Sarcidano, and Sardinian Anglo-Arab. Here, we have investigated for the first time three loci of the non-recombining region of the Y chromosome (NRY) in 34 stallions from these breeds and performed a phylogenetic analysis of the maternal relationships among 178 previously published mitochondrial control regions. We found that the current NRY diversity of Sardinian horse breeds is linked to three haplotypes (HT), all identified within Sarcidano. Each breed showed a typical HT: HT1 (ancestral) was the most represented in Sarcidano, HT2 (Neapolitan/Oriental wave) in Giara, and HT3 (Thoroughbred wave) in Sardinian Anglo-Arab. The specificity of each haplotype suggests the influence of independent breeding strategies and the effect of genetic drift in each Sardinian population. The female counterpart, extended to 178 horses, showed a low genetic variability and a common maternal origin for Giara and Sarcidano. The higher variability of the Sardinian Anglo-Arab indicates multiple mare lineages in its current population. Further genetic analyses will be crucial to understand the paternal history of male horses, preserve the endangered mares’ and stallions’ lineages, and improve the enhancement of autochthonous genetic resources on this island.
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Elo Method and Race Traits: A New Integrated System for Sport Horse Genetic Evaluation. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071145. [PMID: 32640698 PMCID: PMC7401530 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The current selection of the Sardinian Anglo-Arab horse (SAA) for racing is not based on any scientific method because the breeders decide only on their knowledge of pedigree and on the comparison of racing results. The comparison between competitors is a common situation in sports and games, and it might cause problems in horse performance evaluation. To overcome this problem in the game of chess, Elo suggested using a method based on winning chances. Elo’s system assumed that ranking probability for two competitors could be estimated from their rating difference. Even in horse races, the ranking of each horse, and consequently its earnings, depends on the level of its competitors. A genetic index based on Elo’s rating can clearly show the value of each animal. The strength of this method is that it allows evaluation of a horse by considering various different traits such as wins, placings, earnings over the entire career altogether. Abstract This first survey on Sardinian Anglo-Arab horse (SAA) race traits highlights important aspects for the breeding purpose of this population. The heritability of the race traits were estimated through a trivariate model; the estimates were 0.39, 0.33, and 0.30 for the number of placings, total earnings and Elo rating, respectively. The genetic progress could be improved by using an MT genetic evaluation of stallions and mares, combining information from competition traits.
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Giontella A, Sarti FM, Cardinali I, Giovannini S, Cherchi R, Lancioni H, Silvestrelli M, Pieramati C. Genetic Variability and Population Structure in the Sardinian Anglo-Arab Horse. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10061018. [PMID: 32545354 PMCID: PMC7341272 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sardinian Anglo Arab (SAA) is a famous horse breed in Italy, with a significant historical background in the island of Sardinia. The aim of the study is to perform an evaluation of genetic variability in SAA using pedigree and mitochondrial data. In the current population, pedigree completeness was observed to be close to 100%, while the inbreeding coefficient and the average relatedness were lower than 3%. The ratio of effective founders/numbers of ancestors was 3.68 for the whole pedigree. The effective population size (Ne) computed by an individual increase in inbreeding (Ne_1) was 456.86, the Ne on equivalent generations (Ne_2) was 184.75, and this value slightly increased to 209.31 when computed by log-regression on equivalent generations (Ne_3). These results suggest the presence of crossbreeding and bottleneck phenomena, and they were compared with other Italian horses (reported in bibliography) to present the SAA among the Italian horse breeds scenario. Furthermore, the noteworthy mitochondrial variability reflects the use of a considerable number of founder mares; the contribution of L lineage was very important, probably because of the re-colonization from the Iberian Peninsula after the Last Glacial Maximum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Giontella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine—Sportive Horse Research Center, University of Perugia, via S. Costanzo 4, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (M.S.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesca Maria Sarti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy; (F.M.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Irene Cardinali
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, via Elce di Sotto, 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (I.C.); (H.L.)
| | - Samira Giovannini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy; (F.M.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Raffaele Cherchi
- AGRIS, Servizio Ricerca Qualità e Valorizzazione delle Produzioni Equine, piazza D. Borgia, 4, 07014 Ozieri, Sassari, Italy;
| | - Hovirag Lancioni
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, via Elce di Sotto, 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (I.C.); (H.L.)
| | - Maurizio Silvestrelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine—Sportive Horse Research Center, University of Perugia, via S. Costanzo 4, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (M.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Camillo Pieramati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine—Sportive Horse Research Center, University of Perugia, via S. Costanzo 4, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (M.S.); (C.P.)
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