Genetic analysis, breed assignment and conservation priorities of three native Danish horse breeds.
Abstract: A genetic analysis was performed on three indigenous Danish horse breeds using 12 microsatellite markers from a standard kit for parental testing. These three breeds are all considered endangered based on their small population sizes. Genetic variation in these three breeds was comparable to other horse breeds in Europe, and they do not seem to be at immediate danger of extinction caused by genetic deterioration. The Knabstrupper breed had more genetic variation, as measured by expected heterozygosity and allelic richness, than the other two breeds (Frederiksborg and Jutland). F(ST) statistics and population assignments confirmed population differentiation into three distinct breeds. The Frederiksborg and Knabstrupper breeds were closer to each other than to the Jutland breed. When establishing conservation priorities for the breeds, the priorities will depend on the conservation goals. Different methods for establishing conservation priorities are also discussed.
Publication Date: 2008-10-09 PubMed ID: 18840148DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2008.01767.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The study involved a genetic analysis of three native Danish horse breeds that are considered endangered. The findings indicated that the genetic variation of these breeds was similar to other European horse breeds, but one, the Knabstrupper, displayed greater genetic diversity.
Methodology
- The researchers conducted a genetic analysis on samples from three endangered Danish horse breeds – Knabstrupper, Frederiksborg, and Jutland.
- They utilized 12 microsatellite markers, which are commonly used in parental testing, to profile the genetic makeup of the breeds.
- The analysis was carried out to compare the genetic variation within these breeds to other horse breeds across Europe.
Findings
- Results showed that the level of genetic diversity within the three Danish breeds was comparable to other European horse breeds, implying that they are not at immediate risk of extinction due to genetic deterioration.
- Interestingly, the Knabstrupper breed showed more genetic diversity than either the Frederiksborg or the Jutland, indicating more genetic heterozygosity and allelic richness.
- This differentiation was confirmed by F(ST) statistics, which is a measure used in population genetics to quantify the genetic divergence between subpopulations.
- The results also revealed that the Frederiksborg and Knabstrupper breeds were genetically closer to each other than they were to the Jutland breed.
Conservation priorities
- The study also touched upon the subject of conservation priorities for these breeds.
- Given that the priorities may differ based on the conservation goals, different methods for establishing these priorities were discussed within the study.
- Finding a way to maintain the genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding will be key to the preservation of these endangered horse breeds.
Conclusion
- This research helps to provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity and structure of the three Danish horse breeds.
- The findings will aid in the development of viable conservation strategies that will ensure the survival and preservation of these native breeds.
Cite This Article
APA
Thirstrup JP, Pertoldi C, Loeschcke V.
(2008).
Genetic analysis, breed assignment and conservation priorities of three native Danish horse breeds.
Anim Genet, 39(5), 496-505.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2052.2008.01767.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Biological Science, University of Aarhus, Ny Munkegade, DK, Denmark.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Breeding
- Denmark
- Genetic Variation
- Horses / classification
- Horses / genetics
- Species Specificity
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Liu G, Zhao Q, Lu J, Sun F, Han X, Zhao J, Feng H, Wang K, Liu C. Insights into the genetic diversity of indigenous goats and their conservation priorities. Asian-Australas J Anim Sci 2019 Oct;32(10):1501-1510.
- Senokuchi A, Ishikawa S, Tozaki T, Takasu M, Kakoi H, Misumi K, Hobo S. Genetic analyses for conservation of the traditional Tokara horse using 31 microsatellite markers. J Equine Sci 2018 Dec;29(4):97-104.
- Senju N, Tozaki T, Kakoi H, Shinjo A, Matsuyama R, Almunia J, Takasu M. Genetic diversity of the Yonaguni horse based on polymorphisms in microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA. J Vet Med Sci 2017 Feb 28;79(2):425-431.
- Seo JH, Park KD, Lee HK, Kong HS. Genetic diversity of Halla horses using microsatellite markers. J Anim Sci Technol 2016;58:40.
- Senju N, Tozaki T, Kakoi H, Almunia J, Maeda M, Matsuyama R, Takasu M. Genetic characterization of the Miyako horse based on polymorphisms of microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA. J Vet Med Sci 2017 Jan 24;79(1):218-223.
- Winton CL, Hegarty MJ, McMahon R, Slavov GT, McEwan NR, Davies-Morel MC, Morgan CM, Powell W, Nash DM. Genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis of native mountain ponies of Britain and Ireland reveals a novel rare population. Ecol Evol 2013 Apr;3(4):934-47.
- Brosnahan MM, Brooks SA, Antczak DF. Equine clinical genomics: A clinician's primer. Equine Vet J 2010 Oct;42(7):658-70.
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