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The Journal of heredity2005; 96(6); 670-678; doi: 10.1093/jhered/esi123

Genetic diversity within and among four South European native horse breeds based on microsatellite DNA analysis: implications for conservation.

Abstract: In the present study, genetic analyses of diversity and differentiation were performed on four Basque-Navarrese semiferal native horse breeds. In total, 417 animals were genotyped for 12 microsatellite markers. Mean heterozygosity was higher than in other horse breeds, surely as a consequence of management. Although the population size of some of these breeds has declined appreciably in the past century, no genetic bottleneck was detected in any of the breeds, possibly because it was not narrow enough to be detectable. In the phylogenetic tree, the Jaca Navarra breed was very similar to the Pottoka, but appeared to stand in an intermediate position between this and the meat breeds. Assuming that Pottoka is the breed less affected by admixture, the others gradually distanced themselves from it through varying influences from outside breeds, among other factors. In a comparative study with other breeds, the French breeds Ardanais, Comtois, and Breton were the closest to the four native breeds. Three different approaches for evaluating the distribution of genetic diversity were applied. The high intrabreed variability of Euskal Herriko Mendiko Zaldia (EHMZ) was pointed out in these analyses. In our opinion, cultural, economic, and scientific factors should also be considered in the management of these horse breeds.
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Publication Date: 2005-11-02 PubMed ID: 16267169DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esi123Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 investigates the genetic diversity among four horse breeds native to South Europe through microsatellite DNA analysis, to inform for their conservation. It found a high degree of heterozygosity, indicative of diversity, despite population decline and suggests genetic, cultural, economic, and scientific factors should influence breed management.

Study Objectives and Methodology

  • The purpose of this study was to examine the genetic diversity within and among four semi-feral horse breeds native to the Basque-Navarrese region – in South Europe. The main goal was to uncover information that could aid in the conservation of these breeds.
  • The research focused on four breeds and genotyped 417 individual animals using 12 microsatellite markers, which are segments of DNA that can be used to identify species, individuals, and genetic diversity.

Findings and Analysis

  • The average heterozygosity, which indicates genetic diversity, was found to be higher in these breeds than in other horse breeds. This might be a result of management practices designed to maintain diversity.
  • In spite of the fact that the population size of these breeds has declined significantly over the past century, the analysis did not detect any genetic bottleneck – a reduction in genetic diversity due to factors like hunting or habitat loss. It’s possible that a bottleneck occurred, but not at a scale that was detectable with the methods used.
  • Based on a phylogenetic tree, which visually represents genetic relationships between species, the Jaca Navarra breed was found to be closely related to the Pottoka breed. However, it appears to sit at an intermediate position between the Pottoka and meat breeds, indicating varying influences from outside breeds.
  • When compared to other breeds, the French breeds Ardanais, Comtois, and Breton were discovered to be the closest to the four native breeds.
  • The Euskal Herriko Mendiko Zaldia (EHMZ) breed stood out for its high intrabreed variability, or diversity within a single breed.

Recommendations and Implications

  • The researchers suggest that, in addition to genetic factors, cultural, economic, and scientific considerations should be taken into account in the conservation and management of these breeds.
  • The high observed genetic diversity, in spite of significant population decline, underscores the potential for successful conservation strategies if implemented effectively.

Cite This Article

APA
Solis A, Jugo BM, Mériaux JC, Iriondo M, Mazón LI, Aguirre AI, Vicario A, Estomba A. (2005). Genetic diversity within and among four South European native horse breeds based on microsatellite DNA analysis: implications for conservation. J Hered, 96(6), 670-678. https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esi123

Publication

The Journal of heredity
ISSN: 0022-1503
NlmUniqueID: 0375373
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 96
Issue: 6
Pages: 670-678

Researcher Affiliations

Solis, A
  • Genetika, Antropología Fisikoa eta Animali Fisiologia Saila, Zientzia eta Teknologia Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain.
Jugo, B M
    Mériaux, J C
      Iriondo, M
        Mazón, L I
          Aguirre, A I
            Vicario, A
              Estomba, A

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Breeding
                • Conservation of Natural Resources
                • Gene Frequency
                • Genetic Variation
                • Horses / genetics
                • Microsatellite Repeats / genetics
                • Spain

                Citations

                This article has been cited 19 times.
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