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Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE2009; 41(1); 5; doi: 10.1186/1297-9686-41-5

Genetic diversity of a large set of horse breeds raised in France assessed by microsatellite polymorphism.

Abstract: The genetic diversity and structure of horses raised in France were investigated using 11 microsatellite markers and 1679 animals belonging to 34 breeds. Between-breed differences explained about ten per cent of the total genetic diversity (Fst = 0.099). Values of expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.43 to 0.79 depending on the breed. According to genetic relationships, multivariate and structure analyses, breeds could be classified into four genetic differentiated groups: warm-blooded, draught, Nordic and pony breeds. Using complementary maximisation of diversity and aggregate diversity approaches, we conclude that particular efforts should be made to conserve five local breeds, namely the Boulonnais, Landais, Merens, Poitevin and Pottok breeds.
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Publication Date: 2009-01-05 PubMed ID: 19284689PubMed Central: PMC3225878DOI: 10.1186/1297-9686-41-5Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

This research aimed to explore the genetic diversity of different horse breeds in France, using microsatellite markers to identify distinct genetic groups among 34 breeds, with a focus on five local breeds.

Objective and Methodology

  • The main goal of this study was to examine and understand the genetic diversity and structure of numerous horse breeds raised in France. This research was essential to aid in the conservation of certain breeds.
  • The research team used 11 different microsatellite markers (areas in the DNA where short sequences are repeated) to study 1679 horses from various breeds.

Findings

  • The researchers found that the differences between breeds explain about ten per cent of the total genetic diversity, as revealed by the Fst value of 0.099. Fst is a statistical measure used in genetics to quantify the genetic diversity within and between populations.
  • The expected heterozygosity, which gauges genetic diversity within a breed, varied between different breeds – indicating that some breeds are genetically more diverse than others.
  • Based on genetic relations, multivariate analysis (a statistical method used to examine several variables simultaneously), and structure analyses, the 34 horse breeds could be grouped into four genetically differentiated groups: warm-blooded, draught, Nordic and pony breeds.

Implications

  • The researchers used two conservancy strategies – the maximization of diversity and aggregate diversity approaches – to conclude that greater conservation efforts should focus on five local breeds: the Boulonnais, Landais, Merens, Poitevin and Pottok.
  • This information can be utilized by breeders and conservationists to make informed breeding decisions and conservation efforts to maintain or even increase genetic diversity within these breeds.

Cite This Article

APA
Leroy G, Callède L, Verrier E, Mériaux JC, Ricard A, Danchin-Burge C, Rognon X. (2009). Genetic diversity of a large set of horse breeds raised in France assessed by microsatellite polymorphism. Genet Sel Evol, 41(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/1297-9686-41-5

Publication

Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE
ISSN: 1297-9686
NlmUniqueID: 9114088
Country: France
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 1
Pages: 5

Researcher Affiliations

Leroy, Grégoire
  • AgroParisTech, UMR1236 Génétique et Diversité Animales, 16 rue Claude Bernard, Paris, France. gregoire.leroy@agroparistech.fr
Callède, Lucille
    Verrier, Etienne
      Mériaux, Jean-Claude
        Ricard, Anne
          Danchin-Burge, Coralie
            Rognon, Xavier

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Breeding
              • Female
              • France
              • Genetic Variation
              • Horses / classification
              • Horses / genetics
              • Male
              • Microsatellite Repeats
              • Phylogeny
              • Polymorphism, Genetic

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