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Frontiers in genetics2020; 11; 448; doi: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00448

Accelerometers Provide Early Genetic Selection Criteria for Jumping Horses.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic component of the locomotor jumping ability, via a wearable accelerometer sensor, and to estimate the genetic correlation with performance in competition, to introduce such criteria in selection schema. A sample of 1,056 young 3-year-old horses were equipped with a 3-dimensional accelerometer during a free jumping test, in regular breeding shows from 2015 to 2017. Seven variables were extracted from the dorso-ventral acceleration curve for the last three jumps over a double bar obstacle of 1.15 m for the front pole and 1.20 m for the back pole with a 1.20 m spread. Variables were the peaks of forelimbs, hindlimbs, and landing acceleration, the duration between peaks at take-off, the peak of forelimb acceleration and start of jump, jump duration and duration between the beginning of the impact of forelimbs and the peak at landing. During breeding shows, judges scored balance, strength, style, and reactivity for free jumping and jumping tests under saddle. Jumping competition results were recorded by logarithm of the sum of points earned in each competition. All horses in official competitions were included, i.e., 160,257 horses born in 1997 with a total of 649,491 annual performances. An animal mixed model with complete pedigree over four generations (353,236 horses) were used with fixed effects of jumping test location and date, morning/afternoon, gender, month of birth, rank of jump for accelerometric data, effect of year of competition, combined with age and gender for competition results. As a result, jump duration was the most heritable and repeatable for jump variables: = 0.16 (0.06), = 0.52 (0.02), while accelerations were moderately heritable ( = 0.05-0.09, = 0.39-0.51). Judgement scores were heritable: 0.21 (0.07)-0.33 (0.09) and were highly correlated. Scores during free jumping were genetically correlated to jump duration: 0.71 (0.15)-0.88 (0.16). Both jump duration and judgement scores were genetically correlated to competition performance: 0.59 (0.13) for jump duration, from 0.60 (0.11) to 0.77 (0.12) for scores. Jump duration and judgement scores can be used as early selection criteria. The advantage of the accelerometric measurement is its objectivity and the ease of recording.
Copyright © 2020 Ricard, Dumont Saint Priest, Danvy and Barrey.
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Publication Date: 2020-05-19 PubMed ID: 32508876PubMed Central: PMC7248255DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00448Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigated the potential genetic components of jumping ability in horses, using an accelerometer sensor to collect data. The goal was to estimate how this ability correlates with performance in competition, with the potential for using such criteria in selective breeding.

Study Design

  • Over a thousand 3-year-old horses were equipped with a wearable 3-dimensional accelerometer during a free jumping test during breeding shows from 2015 to 2017. This gadget provided data about the movement of horses during the activity.
  • Variables considered during the study included various aspects of acceleration during and after jumps, jump duration, and the duration between different stages of the jumping action.
  • The horses’ performances were scored by judges on various factors, including balance, strength, style, and reactivity during free jumping and jumping tests under saddle.
  • Data was also recorded for the competition results of official competitions involving 160,257 horses born in 1997, comprising a total of 649,491 annual performances.
  • A comprehensive pedigree of up to four generations (353,236 horses) was also included in the study, and the mixed model used took into account several factors such as gender, month of birth, rank of jump for the accelerometric data, and the effect of the year of competition combined with age and gender for competition results.

Findings

  • The duration of jumps appeared to be the most heritable and repeatable factor regarding jump variables, with a medium level of heritability and high repeatability.
  • Accelarations were found to be moderately heritable.
  • The judgement scores ascribed by judges were notably heritable, with different factors garnering different heritability ratings.
  • The scores during free jumping were significantly genetically linked to jump duration.
  • Both jump duration and judgement scores were linked genetically to competition performance, suggesting that these factors could provide early selection criteria for breeding programs.
  • Using accelerometric measurements to record data has the advantage of being objective and easy to record.

Significance

  • This research provides insights into the potential for selective breeding in horses, providing a theoretical platform for enhancing the natural jumping ability of horses through genetic selection.
  • It does so by drawing a connection between genetic traits and performative outcomes in horse competitions, demonstrating that certain traits are heritable and correlated with competitive performance.
  • The study also establishes the accelerometer as a useful tool for objectively quantifying and studying the motion of horses when jumping, which can be helpful for improving training methods or creating selection criteria for horse breeding programs.

Cite This Article

APA
Ricard A, Dumont Saint Priest B, Danvy S, Barrey E. (2020). Accelerometers Provide Early Genetic Selection Criteria for Jumping Horses. Front Genet, 11, 448. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2020.00448

Publication

Frontiers in genetics
ISSN: 1664-8021
NlmUniqueID: 101560621
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Pages: 448
PII: 448

Researcher Affiliations

Ricard, Anne
  • Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
  • Pole Développement Innovation Recherche, IFCE, Gouffern en Auge, France.
Dumont Saint Priest, Bernard
  • Pole Développement Innovation Recherche, IFCE, Gouffern en Auge, France.
Danvy, Sophie
  • Pole Développement Innovation Recherche, IFCE, Gouffern en Auge, France.
Barrey, Eric
  • Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
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