Estimation of genetic parameters of body conformation and racing performance traits in Yili horses.
Abstract: The Yili horse is a riding-type breed that has been continuously bred independently in China. The genetics of body conformation and racing performance traits need to be comprehensively considered in making breeding decisions. This study is the first to estimate the genetic parameters of 13 body conformation and racing performance traits in Yili horses using a linear model. In total, 9937 body conformation and 2576 race records of 9100 Yili horses obtained from 1993 to 2022 were reviewed. The results showed that heritability estimates of body measurement traits were medium to high, ranging from 0.334 (cannon bone perimeter, CP) to 0.720 (withers height, WH), whereas heritability of the linear scale traits were low to medium, ranging from 0.080 (body length score, BLS) to 0.245 (overall score, OS). The heritability of racing performance traits was low to medium, ranging from 0.054 (racing time, RT) to 0.347 (average speed, AS), but there was a high level of repeatability, ranging from 0.341 (ranking score, RS) to 0.604 (AS). Notably, high genetic correlations were estimated among body measurement (0.588 on average) and racing performance traits (0.924 on average). Overall, body measurement traits and racing performance traits were highly influenced by genetics, had high potential for selection. These findings confirm the possibility of carrying out an evaluation program of Yili horses. We are also continuing to track and evaluate the performance of Yili horses and provide research ideas and methodologies for genetic evaluation of other local horse breeds.
Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2025-02-06 PubMed ID: 39922246DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105378Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research investigates the genetically determined characteristics related to body shape and racing ability of Yili Horses, a breed native to China. The study uses data from over 9,000 horses to calculate the extent that genetic inheritance influences these traits and to begin creating a framework for a breeding program that prioritizes these traits.
Research Methodology
- The study took into account a collection of body conformation traits and racing performance traits in Yili horses – a breed that has been bred independently within China.
- The researchers analyzed data from 9937 body conformation records and 2576 race records of 9100 Yili horses, collected from 1993 to 2022.
- These traits were evaluated using a linear model to estimate the genetic parameters – essentially measuring the degree of genetic influence on these traits.
Main Findings
- The study found that the heritability of body measurement traits was medium to high, while the heritability of linear scale traits was relatively low to medium.
- For racing performance traits, heritability was also found to be low to medium, but there was a high degree of repeatability.
- High genetic correlations were observed both within body measurement traits and within racing performance traits.
Implications for Horse Breeding
- The implications of these findings are considerable for horse breeding and genetic evaluation programs. Since many of the traits associated with racing performance and body shape were found to be heavily influenced by genetics, there’s great potential for selective breeding to improve these traits.
- This research lays the groundwork for the development of a comprehensive genetic evaluation and selective breeding program for Yili horses.
- Additionally, the methodologies and ideas from this study may also prove useful for the genetic evaluation of other local horse breeds. The researchers plan to continue their examination of the Yili horse’s performance, providing an ongoing body of work that could shape future breeding programs.
Cite This Article
APA
Wang C, Zeng Y, Wang J, Wang T, Li X, Shen Z, Meng J, Yao X.
(2025).
Estimation of genetic parameters of body conformation and racing performance traits in Yili horses.
J Equine Vet Sci, 146, 105378.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105378 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Animal Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China. Electronic address: wck94214@163.com.
- College of Animal Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Horse Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China. Electronic address: xjauzengyaqi@163.com.
- College of Animal Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Horse Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China. Electronic address: wjw1262022@126.com.
- College of Animal Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China. Electronic address: wtl13639911402@163.com.
- College of Animal Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China. Electronic address: 13139883908@163.com.
- College of Animal Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China. Electronic address: szh980200769@yeah.net.
- College of Animal Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Horse Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China. Electronic address: junm86@163.com.
- College of Animal Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Horse Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China. Electronic address: yxk61@126.com.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
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