Genetic analysis of kinematic traits at the trot in Lusitano horse subpopulations with different types of training.
Abstract: The possibility of using quantitative kinematic traits as indirect selection criteria for sport performance could be beneficial to perform an early genetic evaluation of the animals. The genetic parameters for objectively measured kinematic traits under field conditions have been estimated for the first time, in order to potentially use these traits as indicators of gait quality in future selection of the Lusitano breed. The repeatability within three different types of training (dressage, bullfighting and untrained) was also discussed. A total of 176 males (4 to 14 years old) were recorded at trot in hand using a 3D videographic system. The speed and 10 kinematic traits were studied (one temporal, two linear and seven angular variables). The genetic parameters of the kinematic variables were estimated using VCE software. The heritability estimates were moderate to high (0.18 to 0.53). The stride length and the forelimb angular variables presented the highest heritabilities (0.49 to 0.53), whereas the hindlimb angular variables revealed the lowest values (0.18 to 0.40). More than half of the genetic correlations were moderately to highly positive (mostly 0.20 to 0.70; up to 0.88 between hindlimb traits). The dressage and bullfighting groups presented the highest repeatabilities (over 0.6) in the majority of the traits, maybe because of the acquired gait regularity expected in animals subjected to specific training, and suggesting a greater influence of the individuals over the kinematic traits studied in these two subpopulations than in the untrained subpopulation. The longer swing phase duration and the larger range of motion of the elbow, hock and pelvis joints observed in the dressage group may indicate a better gait quality of this group, according to FEI (International Equestrian Federation) standards. The bullfighting and untrained groups were more similar to each other in terms of kinematic traits. Selection of young horses for characteristics such as stride length and the hindlimbs traits can apparently contribute to further genetic improvement of the performance of Lusitano breed.
Publication Date: 2013-11-12 PubMed ID: 24230460DOI: 10.1017/S1751731113002036Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article is about the study of genetic traits in Lusitano horses and how these traits might influence their performance in various forms of training. Researchers use kinematic traits as possible indirect selection criteria for evaluating sports performance in horse breeds.
Research Methodology
- The researchers studied a total of 176 male Lusitano horses, aged between 4 and 14 years.
- The horses were recorded trotting in hand, with a 3D videographic system used to capture the motion for analysis.
- The speed and ten kinematic (motion-related) traits were studied. These included one temporal (time-related), two linear (straight line) and seven angular (joint action) variables.
- The genetic parameters of these studied kinematic traits were estimated using a software called VCE.
Findings and Conclusions
- Stride length and forelimb angular variables demonstrated the highest heritabilities, meaning these traits were most likely to be passed on to next generations.
- The lowest heritability values were found in the hindlimb angular variables.
- More than half of the genetic correlations between these traits were found to be moderately to highly positive, suggesting the traits often occurred together.
- Highest repeatabilities, i.e., consistency in these traits, were observed in horses trained for dressage and bullfighting.
- Longer swing phase duration and larger range of motion of elbow, hock, and pelvis joints in the dressage group could indicate higher gait quality in accordance with FEI standards.
- Lusitano horses trained for bullfighting and those that were untrained showed more similarities in their kinematic traits.
- The potential for selecting young horses based on traits like stride length and hindlimb traits could contribute to the genetic improvement of the performance of the Lusitano breed.
Implications of the Study
- This study offers key insights into the genetic parameters influencing kinematic traits in Lusitano horses. ‘
- The findings could potentially guide future selection and breeding programs for sport horses, especially the Lusitano breed, aiming to improve their performance.
- Significantly, the findings suggest the possible use of these kinematic traits as early indicators for selecting potential sport horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Solé M, Santos R, Molina A, Galisteo A, Valera M.
(2013).
Genetic analysis of kinematic traits at the trot in Lusitano horse subpopulations with different types of training.
Animal, 8(2), 192-199.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731113002036 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- 1 Dpto. Ciencias Agroforestales, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
- 2 Dpto. Ciência e Tecnologia Animal, Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre, 7350-903 Elvas, Portugal.
- 3 Dpto. Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
- 4 Dpto. Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas, Universidad de Córdoba 14071, Córdoba, Spain.
- 1 Dpto. Ciencias Agroforestales, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Breeding / methods
- Gait / genetics
- Horses / genetics
- Horses / physiology
- Imaging, Three-Dimensional / veterinary
- Locomotion / genetics
- Male
- Portugal
- Quantitative Trait, Heritable
- Video Recording
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