The population dynamics of horses refers to the study of changes in horse populations over time, influenced by factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration. These dynamics are shaped by environmental conditions, resource availability, predation, and human intervention. Understanding population dynamics is essential for managing wild horse populations and ensuring sustainable practices in breeding and conservation efforts. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the factors affecting horse population dynamics, including genetic diversity, habitat utilization, and the impact of management strategies on population stability and growth.
A breed known for its versatility, the American Quarter Horse (QH), is increasingly bred for performance in specific disciplines. The impact of selective breeding on the diversity and structure of the QH breed was evaluated using pedigree analysis and genome-wide SNP data from horses representing 6 performance groups (halter, western pleasure, reining, working cow, cutting, and racing). Genotype data (36 037 single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) from 36 Thoroughbreds were also evaluated with those from the 132 performing QHs to evaluate the Thoroughbred's influence on QH diversity. Results s...
Crooijmans RPMA, Gonzalez Prendes R, Colli L, Del Corvo M, Barbato M, Somenzi E, Tosser-Klopp G, Meszaros G, Ajmone-Marsan P, Weigend S, Wallner B....Molecular genetic characterization of genetic resources is essential to study biodiversity. Whereas whole genome sequencing is still relatively expensive, low density SNP arrays offer a cost-effective and standardized solution. However, most of the current arrays are species specific. Their high SNP density often exceeds diversity mapping requirements and remains too costly for many genetic resource managers. The IMAGE H2020 project aimed at developing a low-cost multispecies SNP array to facilitate mapping of the genetic diversity in samples stored in gene banks and in vivo (on farm) traditi...