Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Arabian Horse Populations Using Microsatellite Markers.

This research article investigates genetic diversity and relationships among three types of Arabian horse populations. The study identified the connections between these breeds, assessed their genetic diversity and suggested implications for future preservation efforts.

Objective of Research

• The main aim of this research was to characterize the genetic diversity within three Arabian horse populations: the Desert breed, the Straight Egyptian, and the Polish Arabian. The researchers wanted to understand their interrelationships and the impact of their historical origins on their genetic diversity.

Procedure and Methods

• The study involved collecting hair samples from 144 horses related to Arabian show activities, representing the three different horse breeds, from stud farms well-known for breeding Arabian horses.
• A set of 17 microsatellite markers, commonly used for parentage control, were employed for genotyping.
• Genetic diversity within and between these populations was determined using multiple statistical methods.

Results

• A total of 145 alleles were provided by the set of microsatellites examined. For the three horse breeds, the average number of alleles per locus was 6.52, 6.35, and 7, respectively.
• A high level of genetic diversity was found within the three populations, with values ranging from 0.63 to 0.71, which was connected to a large number of effective alleles.
• The Desert breed and Polish Arabian populations appeared genetically closest, while the Straight Egyptian population was relatively distant.
• The populations showed significant positive inbreeding coefficients (values between 0.09 and 0.14), suggesting a deficit of heterozygosity within these groups.

Conclusion

• The results suggested that the three horse populations might have high levels of gene flow among them, or they may share a common origin with a recent divergence.
• Findings of this study underline the concern of potential loss of gene diversity in these Arabian horse populations, emphasizing the need to design and implement suitable breeding programs in order to maintain their genetic diversity.