Genetic diversity and admixture analysis of Sanfratellano and three other Italian horse breeds assessed by microsatellite markers.

The research delves into the genetic diversity of the Sanfratellano horse breed – a native Sicilian breed – comparing it to other Italian horse breeds (Sicilian Oriental Purebred, Sicilian Indigenous, and Maremmano) using microsatellite markers. Following this, the study also examines the influence of the Maremmano breed on the current Sanfratellano population and suggests strategies for improving selection within the Sanfratellano breed.

Research and Methods

• The researchers studied the genetic relationship and admixture (mixing) among Sanfratellano and three other Italian horse breeds (two Sicilian autochthonous breeds and Maremmano breed).
• A total of 384 horses (238 Sanfratellano, 50 Sicilian Oriental Purebred, 30 Sicilian Indigenous and 66 Maremmano) were included in the study, ensuring that closely related animals were not part of the group.
• The team used a set of microsatellites – a tool used in genetics to measure the variability among a population – to conduct this genetic survey.

Results and Findings

• The study found a total of 111 alleles (the different forms a gene can have) across 11 different microsatellite loci (a specific spot on a chromosome). The Sanfratellano breed had the highest average number of alleles, while the Oriental Purebred had the lowest.
• All breeds demonstrated a high degree of gene diversity, showing the broad genetic spectra available within these breeds. This points to healthy variability reducing the chances of breed-specific illnesses and strengthening the genetic strength of the breeds.
• The researchers found only a 6% diversity, showing that these breeds are, at a baseline genetic level, very similar. This genetic overlap is largely due to their shared regional backgrounds.
• The genetic examination demonstrated that the current Sanfratellano breed is not significantly influenced by the Maremmano breed. This contradicts previous assumptions given the known intermingling of these breeds in history.
• The research also revealed two distinct groups within the Sanfratellano breed with different proportions of Indigenous blood, suggesting a more complex ancestry than previously assumed.

Implication of Findings

• The findings affirm that the Sanfratellano breed has a strong and diverse genetic profile.
• The revelation of the minimal influence of Maremmano breed offers insights into the Sanfratellano breed’s development and refutes existing assumptions about its genetic makeup.
• The discovery of two separate groups within the Sanfratellano breed provides new information for strategies to improve the selection within the breed. This information has the potential to enhance efforts for breed conservation and allow a more targeted approach to maintaining breed health and longevity.