Genetic characterisation of the Uruguayan Creole horse and analysis of relationships among horse breeds.

The research article analyzes the genetic diversity of the Uruguayan Creole horse and its relationship with other related horse breeds, with evidence pointing to a distinctive breed profile more closely related to the Barb horse than the Spanish Pure-bred.

Research Methods

• The genetic variability of the Uruguayan Creole horse and its relationship with a group of geographically or historically related breeds was investigated.
• The horse breeds included were Spanish Pure-bred, Barb, Quarter horse, Paso Fino, Peruvian Paso, Arabian, and Thoroughbred horse.
• Samples were from a total of 145 Uruguayan Creole horses.
• The researchers used 25 different loci (a locus is a position on a chromosome where a specific gene is located).
• These included seven of blood groups, nine of protein polymorphisms, and nine microsatellites.

Findings

• Blood group and protein polymorphism variants, typically markers of Spanish Pure-bred and Barb horses, were identified in the Creole breed.
• Conversely, there were unique microsatellites and protein polymorphisms alleles found in the Creole horse.
• An UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei’s standard genetic distance showed a clear split between American horse breeds (along with Barb and Arabian horses) and the Spanish pure-bred and Thoroughbred breeds.

Implications

• The data provided evidence of considerable genetic variation within Uruguayan Creole horses, highlighting a unique breed profile.
• Much of this profile appear to originate from traits inherited from 16th century Spanish horses, indicating a closer relationship with the Barb horse than with the Spanish Pure-bred.

Conclusion

• This research provides a genetic understanding of the Uruguayan Creole horse, offering insight into its lineage and defining its unique genetic profile.
• These findings could inform breeding practices and conservation efforts to maintain this distinctive horse lineage.