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Home / Equine Research Bank / Ecol Evol / 16 Years of breed management brings substantial improvement...
Ecology and evolution2021; 11(21); 14555-14572; doi: 10.1002/ece3.8118

16 Years of breed management brings substantial improvement in population genetics of the endangered Cleveland Bay Horse.

Abstract: The consequences of poor breed management and inbreeding can range from gradual declines in individual productivity to more serious fertility and mortality concerns. However, many small and closed groups, as well as larger unmanaged populations, are plagued by genetic regression, often due to a dearth in breeding support tools which are accessible and easy to use in supporting decision-making. To address this, we have developed a population management tool (BCAS, Breed Conservation and Management System) based on individual relatedness assessed using pedigree-based kinship, which offers breeding recommendations for such populations. Moreover, we demonstrate the success of this tool in 16 years of employment in a closed equine population native to the UK, most notably, the rate of inbreeding reducing from more than 3% per generation, to less than 0.5%, or that attributed to genetic drift, as assessed over the last 16 years of implementation. Furthermore, with adherence to this program, the long-term impact of poor management has been reversed and the genetic resource within the breed has grown from an effective population size of 20 in 1994 to more than 140 in 2020. The development and availability of our BCAS for breed management and selection establish a new paradigm for the successful maintenance of genetic resources in animal populations.
© 2021 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2021-10-03 PubMed ID: 34765125PubMed Central: PMC8571631DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8118Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research demonstrates a successful application of a population management tool (BCAS) to reduce inbreeding and improve genetic health in a closed equine population over a span of 16 years. Implemented among the endangered Cleveland Bay Horse, the tool has resulted in a significant reduction in the rate of inbreeding, an increase in genetic diversity, and a reversal of previously poor management impacts.

Overview of the Research

  • This study introduces a population management tool named BCAS (Breed Conservation and Management System) designed to slow down genetic regression, particularly in closed or small animal populations. This tool aids in breeding decision-making, taking into consideration the kinship or relatedness of individual animals based on their pedigree.
  • The effectiveness of the tool was demonstrated in a closed breed of horse native to the United Kingdom—the endangered Cleveland Bay Horse—effectively reducing the rate of inbreeding over a span of 16 years. The rate of inbreeding decreased from over 3% per generation to less than 0.5%, a value similar to that caused by genetic drift.

Results and Impact of BCAS Tool

  • Implementing the BCAS tool helped counteract the detrimental effects of previous poor breed management, leading to a substantial improvement in the genetic resource within the breed.
  • The effective population size of Cleveland Bay Horses grew significantly, from 20 in 1994 to over 140 in 2020, implying an increase in genetic diversity.
  • This successful implementation suggests the transformative potential of the BCAS tool in ensuring the maintenance of genetic resources in animal populations, providing breeding recommendations based on pedigree-based kinship, and ultimately reducing inbreeding and improving the genetic health of a population.

Significance of the Study

  • This research helps address the common problem of genetic regression in small, closed, or unmanaged animal populations, where conventional breeding support tools may be inadequate or lacking completely.
  • While the BCAS tool was specifically employed for the endangered Cleveland Bay Horse, its clear success indicates that similar applications could benefit other animal breeds or populations facing challenges related to inbreeding and poor genetic diversity.
  • The research underscores the importance of well-thought breed management in preserving and enhancing animal populations’ genetic health, demonstrating the potential to recover even severely affected breeds using appropriate tools and methods.

Cite This Article

APA
Dell A, Curry M, Hunter E, Dalton R, Yarnell K, Starbuck G, Wilson PB. (2021). 16 Years of breed management brings substantial improvement in population genetics of the endangered Cleveland Bay Horse. Ecol Evol, 11(21), 14555-14572. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8118

Publication

Ecology and evolution
ISSN: 2045-7758
NlmUniqueID: 101566408
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 21
Pages: 14555-14572

Researcher Affiliations

Dell, Andrew
  • Department of Biological Sciences University of Lincoln Lincoln UK.
  • School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus Southwell UK.
Curry, Mark
  • Department of Biological Sciences University of Lincoln Lincoln UK.
Hunter, Elena
  • School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus Southwell UK.
Dalton, Ruth
  • Whinpot Farm Kendal UK.
Yarnell, Kelly
  • School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus Southwell UK.
Starbuck, Gareth
  • School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus Southwell UK.
Wilson, Philippe B
  • School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus Southwell UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

None declared.

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