Genetic diversity analysis and parentage verification of Taishu horses using 31 microsatellites.
Abstract: The Taishu horse in Tsushima is one of eight Japanese native breeds. The breed is on the verge of extinction due to a rapid decrease in numbers since the 1960s owing to motorization in Japan. In this study, we aimed to confirm the pedigree information of 52 horses by genotyping 31 microsatellites in order to avoid inbreeding. Parentage verification failed to identify genetic contradictions among trios (sires, dams, and foals) registered with the Japan Equine Affairs Association (JEAA). Pedigree information registered at the JEAA was obtained and adequately understood. Additionally, the genetic diversity of the Taishu horses was evaluated and compared with those of other Japanese native breeds. The average values for the number of alleles, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, and inbreeding coefficient were 4.7, 0.643, 0.632, and -0.02, respectively. Using the Structure software, the 52 horses were classified into three subgroups based on the individuals with more than 50% of specific genetic components. The phylogenetic trees created based on neighbor-joining classification tended to be consistent among the stallions. The effective population size was 27.5 and lower than that required for maintaining 90% genetic variation in the source population over a period of 100 years (47.5). Compared with the other Japanese breeds, the Taishu horse population included in the current study exhibited moderate genetic diversity. Our study will contribute to reconsideration of the breeding strategy of Taishu horses.
©2022 The Japanese Society of Equine Science.
Publication Date: 2022-12-28 PubMed ID: 36699201PubMed Central: PMC9843162DOI: 10.1294/jes.33.63Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study explores the use of microsatellites to confirm pedigree information and evaluate genetic diversity within Taishu horses, a native Japanese breed at risk of extinction because of rapid decreases in population since the 1960s.
Study Details
- The research centres on the Taishu horse breed – one of eight native horse breeds in Japan, noted for their distinctive characteristics and which are now at risk due to falling numbers since the shift towards motorization in the 60s.
- Microsatellites, specific areas of repeated DNA sequences, are used in the study to genotype 52 horses. This helps to confirm pedigree data and prevent inbreeding, a process that can potentially lead to the reduction of genetic diversity and increase susceptibility to diseases.
Key Findings
- When checking parentage against the existing information registered with the Japan Equine Affairs Association (JEAA), there were no genetic contradictions identified amongst the sires, dams, and foals being studied.
- The genetic diversity of the Taishu horses was also assessed and compared with other native Japanese breeds. The average values observed for the number of alleles, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, and inbreeding coefficients indicated that moderate genetic diversity exists within the Taishu horse population being studied.
- Structure software was used to classify the 52 horses into three subgroups based on the individuals possessing more than 50% of specific genetic components. The resultant phylogenetic trees, constructed using a neighbor-joining method, showed consistency within the grouping of stallions.
- However, the effective population size, at 27.5, was lower than that required to maintain 90% genetic variation in the source population over a period of 100 years (47.5), suggesting that additional measures may be needed to maintain genetic diversity in this breed in the long run.
Implications of the Study
- This study not only contributes to a better understanding of the genetic diversity within Taishu horses but also raises valuable points for reconsidering breeding strategies for these animals. It is clear that efforts need to be made to maintain enough genetic diversity necessary for the population’s survival in the long term.
- Such measures may include careful selection of breeding animals, maintaining a diverse array of genetic contributors, and avoiding inbreeding wherever possible.
Cite This Article
APA
Yoshihara T, Kikuchi M, Akiba Y, Horiguchi M, Takasu M, Tozaki T.
(2022).
Genetic diversity analysis and parentage verification of Taishu horses using 31 microsatellites.
J Equine Sci, 33(4), 63-69.
https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.33.63 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Kamiagata Branch, Tsushima City Office, Nagasaki 817-1602, Japan.
- Saikai National Park Kujukushima Zoological and Botanical Garden, Nagasaki 857-1231, Japan.
- Toyama Municipal Family Park Zoo, Toyama 930-0151, Japan.
- Toyama Municipal Family Park Zoo, Toyama 930-0151, Japan.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi 320-851, Japan.
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Tozaki T, Ohnuma A, Kikuchi M, Ishige T, Kakoi H, Hirota KI, Nagata SI. Construction of an individual identification panel for horses using insertion and deletion markers. J Equine Sci 2023 Sep;34(3):83-92.
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