Characterization of the Sarcidano Horse Coat Color Genes.
Abstract: The goal of this study was to contribute to the general knowledge of the Sarcidano Horse, both by the identification of the genetic basis of the coat color and by updating the exact locations of the genotyping sites, based on the current EquCab3.0 genome assembly version. One-hundred Sarcidano Horses, living in semi-feral condition, have been captured to perform health and biometric checks. From that total number, 70 individual samples of whole blood were used for DNA extraction, aimed to characterize the genetic basis of the coat color. By genotyping and sequencing analyses of the Exon 1 and Exon 3, a real image of the coat color distribution in the studied population has been obtained. Chestnut and Black resulted in the most representative coat colors both from a phenotypic and genotypic point of view, that is suggestive of no human domestication or crossbreeding with domestic breed. Due to its ancient origin and genetic isolation, an active regional plan for the conservation of this breed would be desirable, focused on maintenance of resident genotypes and genetic resources. Collection and management of DNA, sperm, embryos, with the involvement of research centers and Universities, could be a valid enhancing strategy.
Publication Date: 2022-10-05 PubMed ID: 36230420PubMed Central: PMC9558981DOI: 10.3390/ani12192677Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research investigated the coat color genes of the Sarcidano Horse and discovered that the most prominent colors, chestnut and black, may suggest minimal human interaction or crossbreeding. The scientists recommend a plan for conserving the unique genetic composition of this breed.
Objective of the Research
- The aim of this study was to enhance the knowledge base about the Sarcidano Horse, a breed native to Sardinia, Italy, specifically focusing on the genetic elements regarding its coat color.
- Another objective was to update the precise locations of the genotyping sites based on the most current EquCab3.0 genome assembly version. This advanced map of the horse genome is key to understanding the genetic makeup of different horse breeds.
Methods of the Study
- Researchers studied 100 Sarcidano Horses living in semi-feral conditions to gather health and biometric details. Semi-feral conditions refers to groups of animals living in the wild that descend from domesticated animals.
- A subset of these horses, 70, had whole blood samples collected for DNA extraction. This extraction process is used to separate DNA from other cellular components, enabling further analysis.
- The research team carried out genotyping and sequencing analyses of Exon 1 and Exon 3. These are specific segments of DNA within a gene that code for proteins.
Findings of the Study
- The efforts culminated in a detailed picture of the distribution of different coat colors in the study population.
- The most common coat colors – chestnut and black – were representative from both a physical (phenotypic) and genetic (genotypic) standpoint.
- The dominance of these color combinations suggested a lack of human-related domestication or crossbreeding with other horse breeds.
Implications and Recommendations
- This study highlighted the ancient origin and genetic isolation of the Sarcidano Horse breed, indicating a need for active conservation efforts in the region.
- This conservation plan should aim to maintain the current genotypes and genetic resources within the breed’s population.
- The researchers advocated for a collaborative approach involving research centers and universities, focusing on the preservation of DNA, sperm, and embryos which could serve as a valuable enhancement strategy for the breed’s survival.
Cite This Article
APA
Cosso G, Carcangiu V, Luridiana S, Fiori S, Columbano N, Masala G, Careddu GM, Sanna Passino E, Mura MC.
(2022).
Characterization of the Sarcidano Horse Coat Color Genes.
Animals (Basel), 12(19), 2677.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192677 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Grant Funding
- FAR/2020 / Sassari University research fund 2020
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.
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Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Jafari H, Abebe BK, Cong L, Ahmed Z, Zhaofei W, Sun M, Muhatai G, Chuzhao L, Dang R. Review: Genomic insights into the adaptive traits and stress resistance in modern horses. Stress Biol 2026 Jan 12;6(1):5.
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- Mura MC, Carcangiu V, Cosso G, Columbano N, Sanna Passino E, Luridiana S. Discrepancies between Genetic and Visual Coat Color Assignment in Sarcidano Horse. Animals (Basel) 2024 Feb 6;14(4).
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