Discrepancies between Genetic and Visual Coat Color Assignment in Sarcidano Horse.
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the discrepancies between genetic and visual coat color assignment in the Sarcidano Horse and to elucidate potential reasons. Individual DNA from 90 Sarcidano Horses was used for genetic assignment of coat color to explore the correspondence with individual forms containing phenotypical traits. The exon 1 and exon 3 have been genotyped and sequenced to obtain a picture of the coat color distribution in this breed. Surprisingly, once we compared the genetic results with the individual forms reporting the phenotypic data for each subject, a certain degree of non-correspondence between the phenotypic and genetic data in relation to coat color emerged. From the genetic analysis, Chestnuts ( = 58) resulted the most common Sarcidano Horse ( = 58), followed by a quite large number of Blacks ( = 28) and a very small number of Bays ( = 4), whereas phenotypic distribution resulted in 38 Chestnuts, 40 Bays, only 2 Blacks, and 10 Grays (without the possibility of recognizing the true color they carried). Chestnut resulted a very representative coat color, while many horses that visually identified as Bays were genetically Blacks. This discrepancy, that could be due to a variety of individual and external factors, including age, time of year, living situation and dietary condition, suggesting the importance of accurate coat color identification to ensure adequate features registration and reliable prediction of offspring's coat color.
Publication Date: 2024-02-06 PubMed ID: 38396512PubMed Central: PMC10885979DOI: 10.3390/ani14040543Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research investigates the discrepancy between the observed coat colors and genetic assignment of colors in Sarcidano horses. The study identifies differences between visual identification and genetic data, and discusses potential factors leading to such discrepancies.
Study Aim
- The study sought to explore mismatches between the genetic and visual assignment of coat color in Sarcidano horses. The objective was to identify reasons behind these discrepancies and provide detailed insight into the genetic versus phenotypical distribution of coat colors within this breed.
Methods
- Researchers collected individual DNA samples from 90 Sarcidano horses.
- These samples were used to assign genetically determined coat colors. This assignment relied on analyzing and sequencing specific parts, namely exon 1 and 3.
- Next, these genetic results were compared with the visual identification of coat colors, recorded using individual forms accompanied by phenotypic data for each subject.
Results
- The comparison between genetic and visual data revealed a certain level of disconnect between the phenotypic and genetic data pertaining to the coat color of Sarcidano horses.
- Genetically, the Chestnut color was the most common, while Black was somewhat prevalent and Bay was rare. However, visual identification showed more Bays and fewer Blacks.
- Interestingly, many horses that were visually identified as Bays were genetically classified as Blacks.
Conclusion
- Results indicate that there could be various individual or environmental factors, such as age, time of year, living conditions, and dietary situation, that contribute to the observed discrepancy.
- The research emphasizes the need for accurate color identification to ensure proper registration of horse features and reliable prediction of offspring’s coat color.
Cite This Article
APA
Mura MC, Carcangiu V, Cosso G, Columbano N, Sanna Passino E, Luridiana S.
(2024).
Discrepancies between Genetic and Visual Coat Color Assignment in Sarcidano Horse.
Animals (Basel), 14(4), 543.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040543 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.
- Agris Sardegna, 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 conflicts 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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