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Tropical animal health and production2021; 53(6); 525; doi: 10.1007/s11250-021-02971-1

Fine-scale genetic diversity of the Brazilian Pantaneiro horse breed adapted to flooded regions.

Abstract: Among the animal species first introduced in Brazil during the country's discovery, horses (Equus caballus) stand out because of their evolutionary history and relationship with humans. Among the Brazilian horse breeds, the Pantaneiro draws attention due to its adaptative traits. Blood samples of 116 Pantaneiro horses were divided into six populations based on their sampling location, aiming to identify the existence of genetic structure and quantify genetic diversity within and between them. Populations were compared to elucidate genetic variability and differentiation better and assess the impact of Pantanal's natural geographic barriers on gene flow between populations. Data from the GGP Equine BeadChip (Geneseek-Neogen, 65.157 SNPs) was used to assess basic diversity parameters, genetic distance (F), principal component analysis (PCA), and population structure (ADMIXTURE) for the sampled animals. Mantel test was also performed to investigate the correlation between the populations' genetic and geographic distances. Results showed high genetic variability in all populations, with elevated levels of admixture in their structure. High levels of admixture make it challenging to establish a racial pattern and, consequently, populations within the breed, being that only one of the populations differentiated itself from the others. No significant correlations between genetic and geographic distances were observed, indicating that environmental barriers did not hinder gene flow between populations, and neither farmers' selection practices might have change breed genetic composition significantly. Low genetic distance and similar heterozygosity values were observed among populations, suggesting strong genetic proximity and low differentiation. Thereby, the Pantaneiro breed does not exhibit genetic subpopulations and could be considered, for conservation purposes, a single big population in the Panatnal region. This study will support sampling strategies for National genebank.
Publication Date: 2021-10-28 PubMed ID: 34709458PubMed Central: 334765DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02971-1Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The study explored and found high levels of genetic diversity in the Brazilian Pantaneiro horse breed, suggesting that, despite geographical barriers and human selection practices, the breed remains largely similar across different populations.

Background

  • The horse breed known as the Pantaneiro in Brazil is notable for its adaptive traits, which have allowed the breed to thrive in the country since its introduction during Brazil’s time of discovery.
  • This study aimed to identify the existence of genetic diversity and structure within and between different populations of Pantaneiro horses by using blood samples from 116 horses distributed across six locations.

Methodology

  • The GGP Equine BeadChip (Geneseek-Neogen, 65,157 SNPs) allowed researchers to assess basic diversity parameters, genetic distance (F), principal component analysis (PCA), and population structure (ADMIXTURE) for each sample.
  • A Mantel test investigated the correlation between the populations’ genetic and geographic distances.

Findings

  • Results showed that all populations exhibited high genetic variability, with elevated admixture levels in their structures.
  • The only identifiable pattern of differentiation presented itself in one population, inferring high levels of admixture make it difficult to establish a racial pattern within the breed.
  • No significant correlations were found between genetic and geographic distances, suggesting environmental barriers did not impede gene flow between populations, while also suggesting that farmers’ selection practices did not significantly alter the breed’s genetic composition.
  • Low genetic distance and similar heterozygosity values among populations indicate a strong genetic proximity and low differentiation, suggesting that the breed does not exhibit genetic subpopulations.
  • Thus, the Pantaneiro breed could be considered as a single large population for conservation purposes in the Pantanal region.

Implications

  • This study will aid in the creation of strategic sampling for conservation efforts, particularly those involving the National genebank.

The high level of genetic diversity found amongst the breed might also have implications for its long-term survival and adaptability.

Cite This Article

APA
Nogueira MB, McManus C, de Faria DA, Santos SAO, Ianella P, Paiva SR. (2021). Fine-scale genetic diversity of the Brazilian Pantaneiro horse breed adapted to flooded regions. Trop Anim Health Prod, 53(6), 525. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-021-02971-1

Publication

ISSN: 1573-7438
NlmUniqueID: 1277355
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 53
Issue: 6
Pages: 525

Researcher Affiliations

Nogueira, Marcelo Bchara
  • Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
McManus, Concepta
  • Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil. concepta@unb.br.
de Faria, Danielle Assis
  • Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
Santos, Sandra Aparecida Oliveria
  • Embrapa Pantanal, Rua 21 de Setembro,n° 1.880, Bairro Nossa Senhora de Fátima, Corumbá, MS, 79320-900, Brazil.
Ianella, Patrícia
  • Final W5 Norte, Embrapa Recursos Genéticos E Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, 70770-917, Brazil.
Paiva, Samuel Rezende
  • Final W5 Norte, Embrapa Recursos Genéticos E Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, 70770-917, Brazil.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genetics, Population
  • Horses / genetics
  • Phenotype
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Grant Funding

  • 001 / coordenau00e7u00e3o de aperfeiu00e7oamento de pessoal de nu00edvel superior

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