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Life (Basel, Switzerland)2025; 15(12); 1925; doi: 10.3390/life15121925

Genetic Characterization of the Arabian Horse Population in Tunisia Using Microsatellites.

Abstract: The genetic diversity and population structure of Tunisian Arabian horses were assessed using highly polymorphic microsatellite markers, which are critical for conservation and breeding programs. Despite the cultural and economic importance of Arabian horses in Tunisia, molecular data supporting their management remain limited. In this study, DNA from 130 horses was genotyped with 17 ISAG-FAO-recommended microsatellites to evaluate diversity within Eastern and Western Arabian lineages and their relationship to Thoroughbreds. Eastern Arabians showed an average of 5.176 alleles per locus, observed heterozygosity of 0.657, expected heterozygosity of 0.677, and a fixation index of 0.028, while Western Arabians displayed 5.941 alleles, heterozygosity values of 0.689 (Ho) and 0.688 (He), and a fixation index of -0.006. Genetic differentiation was low between Eastern and Western Arabians (0.011) but moderate between Eastern Arabians and Thoroughbreds (0.071), with high gene flow within Arabian subpopulations (0.950). Principal component analysis confirmed distinct subpopulations. These findings highlight high genetic diversity in Western Arabians and variable heterozygosity in Eastern Arabians, providing a molecular basis for targeted breeding strategies to preserve genetic traits, control inbreeding, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Tunisian Arabian horse populations.
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Publication Date: 2025-12-16 PubMed ID: 41465863PubMed Central: PMC12735056DOI: 10.3390/life15121925Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study analyzed the genetic diversity and structure of Tunisian Arabian horses using microsatellite markers.
  • It aimed to inform conservation and breeding programs by characterizing genetic variation within Arabian horse lineages and their relationship with Thoroughbreds.

Introduction and Background

  • Arabian horses hold significant cultural and economic value in Tunisia but lack extensive molecular genetic studies to support their management.
  • Microsatellites, which are highly polymorphic DNA markers, are widely used to study genetic diversity and population structure because of their high variability and informativeness.
  • This study genotyped 130 Tunisian horses using 17 microsatellite markers recommended by the International Society for Animal Genetics–Food and Agriculture Organization (ISAG-FAO) for standardized assessment.

Objectives

  • To characterize genetic diversity within two major Arabian horse lineages in Tunisia: Eastern and Western Arabian horses.
  • To assess genetic differentiation between these lineages and between Arabian horses and Thoroughbred horses.
  • To provide molecular data to guide conservation and breeding efforts aiming for sustainable management.

Methodology

  • Sample: 130 horses comprising Eastern Arabian, Western Arabian, and Thoroughbred horses.
  • Genotyping: 17 microsatellite loci recommended by ISAG-FAO were used for DNA profiling.
  • Statistical Measures:
    • Allelic diversity (average number of alleles per locus).
    • Observed heterozygosity (Ho) – proportion of heterozygous individuals observed.
    • Expected heterozygosity (He) – genetic variation expected under random mating.
    • Fixation index (F_IS) – measure of inbreeding or genetic deviation within subpopulations.
    • Genetic differentiation (F_ST) – degree of genetic separation between populations.
    • Gene flow (Nm) – extent of genetic exchange among populations.
    • Principal component analysis (PCA) – visual representation of genetic relationships and clustering of subpopulations.

Key Findings

  • Genetic Diversity:
    • Eastern Arabian horses had an average of 5.176 alleles per locus, Ho=0.657, He=0.677, and a slight positive fixation index (F_IS=0.028) indicating very low inbreeding.
    • Western Arabian horses showed higher allelic richness with 5.941 alleles per locus and Ho=0.689, He=0.688, and a slightly negative fixation index (F_IS=-0.006), indicating no inbreeding and possibly slight outbreeding.
  • Population Structure:
    • Genetic differentiation between Eastern and Western Arabian horses was low (F_ST=0.011), suggesting they are genetically very similar or share substantial gene flow.
    • Moderate differentiation existed between Eastern Arabian horses and Thoroughbreds (F_ST=0.071), showing some genetic distinctiveness between these groups.
    • High gene flow (Nm=0.950) was observed within Arabian subpopulations, indicating frequent genetic exchange that helps maintain diversity.
    • PCA confirmed the existence of genetically distinct subpopulations corresponding to Eastern and Western Arabian groups.

Interpretation and Implications

  • The results demonstrate substantial genetic diversity within Tunisian Arabian horses, particularly in the Western lineage, which is beneficial for breed health and resilience.
  • The slight difference in heterozygosity between the lineages highlights the importance of managing both Eastern and Western Arabian horses carefully to maintain genetic variability.
  • The low differentiation between Arabian groups but clear separation from Thoroughbreds supports their distinct breed status while still allowing for informed cross-breeding if needed.
  • Molecular data provide an evidence base for developing targeted breeding programs to:
    • Preserve unique genetic characteristics of each lineage.
    • Control inbreeding to prevent loss of fitness and genetic disorders.
    • Maintain population sustainability and adaptability over time.

Conclusions

  • This study fills a gap in molecular genetic knowledge of Tunisian Arabian horses using standardized microsatellite markers.
  • Findings support the use of genetic tools in guiding conservation and breeding strategies to sustainably manage the diverse Arabian horse population in Tunisia.

Cite This Article

APA
Jlassi M, Dhifalli I, Ouled Ahmed H, Lasfar F, El Gtari M, Jemmali B. (2025). Genetic Characterization of the Arabian Horse Population in Tunisia Using Microsatellites. Life (Basel), 15(12), 1925. https://doi.org/10.3390/life15121925

Publication

Life (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 2075-1729
NlmUniqueID: 101580444
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 12
PII: 1925

Researcher Affiliations

Jlassi, Mariem
  • Mateur Higher School of Agriculture, University of Carthage, Mateur 7030, Tunisia.
Dhifalli, Iheb
  • Mateur Higher School of Agriculture, University of Carthage, Mateur 7030, Tunisia.
Ouled Ahmed, Hatem
  • Veterinary Research Institute of Tunisia, Tunis 1006, Tunisia.
Lasfar, Faten
  • National Foundation for the Improvement of the Horse Breed, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia.
El Gtari, Mohamed
  • Mateur Higher School of Agriculture, University of Carthage, Mateur 7030, Tunisia.
Jemmali, Bayrem
  • Mateur Higher School of Agriculture, University of Carthage, Mateur 7030, Tunisia.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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