A genetic analysis of the Italian Salernitano horse.

The study aimed to understand the genetic makeup of the Salernitano (SAL) horse, an ancient Italian breed facing the risk of extinction. Through genetic characterization using 16 microsatellites markers and D-loop mtDNA region analysis, the researchers gave insights into the breed’s moderate genetic diversity, revealing potential genetic erosion and previously unreported haplotypes.

Study Background

• The research focuses on the Salernitano (SAL), an ancient breed of Italian horse developed over centuries, that is presently under threat of extinction.
• Previously, there had been no genetic characterization of SALs, making this study crucial in establishing the basis for a potential conservation plan.

Data Collection

• The researchers collected a representative sample of 61 SAL horses for analysis defined by 16 microsatellites markers, also known as short tandem repeats (STRs).
• A segment of 24 mares underwent additional testing of the hypervariable D-loop mtDNA region, with the objective of studying the maternal diversity and obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of the internal genetic variation present within the breed.

Comparison with Other Breeds

• The genetic data from the SAL horses was analyzed alongside data from three Sicilian horse breeds – Siciliano, Sanfratellano, and Sicilian Oriental Purebred – that had been previously investigated in a separate study.

Findings

• The study found that the SAL breed displayed a moderate level of genetic diversity, with 5.1 alleles per locus and an expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.67.
• This level of diversity was an indication of potential genetic erosion within the breed.
• Autosomal variability indicated a very mild deficit of homozygotes, as shown by an FIS value of -0.067.
• Comparative analysis of experimental D-loop sequences against data from biological databases revealed two unreported haplotypes within the SAL breed.

Phylogenetic Analysis

• A phylogenetic network built on mtDNA sequences, which included various cosmopolitan and European horses, showed SAL haplotypes distributed among different mtDNA lineages.