Genetic relationship between Neck and Limb defects in Pura Raza Española Horses.
Abstract: Neck and limb conformational defects can impair functionality and performance in Pura Raza Española (PRE) horses. However, their potential genetic relationship has not been previously explored. Objective: To estimate the genetic correlations between two types of neck defects (Cresty neck -CN-, Ewe neck -EN-) and twelve conformational limb defects: Forelimb (Buck knee -BUK-, Calf knee -CK-, Bench knee -BEK-, Knock knee -KK-, Splay-footed forelimb -SFF-, Pigeon-toed forelimb -PTF-), rear limb (Closed hock -CH-, Open hock -OH-, Convergent hock -CVH-, Divergent hock -DVH-, Splay-footed rear limb -SFR-, Pigeon-toed rear limb -PTR-). We hypothesized that a genetic relationship exists between neck and limb morphology. Methods: This study analyzed 56,644 PRE horses evaluated between 2012 and 2023. Neck and limb conformation traits were scored using two approaches: A) two-class scale (0-no defect, 1-presence of defect); B) three-class scale for limb defects (0-no defect, 1-slight defect, 2-serious defect) and four-class scale for neck defects (0-no defect, 1-slight defect, 2-serious defect, 3-disqualifying defect). Genetic parameters were estimated, including age as a covariate, and sex, genetic origin, management of breeder's stud farm and inbreeding as fixed effects. Results: The most frequent limb defect among horses with neck defects was SFR (80.15 % in CN and 72.45 % in EN). Genetic correlations showed moderate relationships, ranging from -0.22(s.d.: 0.090) for EN-SFR to 0.44(s.d.: 0.123) for CN-DVH in approach A, and oscillating from -0.25(s.d.: 0.028) for CNCVH to 0.51(s.d.: 0.228) for CN-SFF in approach B. Conclusions: Results support the need for integrated selection strategies targeting both anatomical regions.
Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2025-06-10 PubMed ID: 40505788DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105630Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research studied the potential genetic relationship between neck and limb defects in Pura Raza Española (PRE) horses. The results highlight the need for selection strategies that target both areas, as they may be genetically linked.
Objective and Hypothesis
- This study aimed to estimate the genetic relationships between two types of neck defects (Cresty neck and Ewe neck) and twelve limb defects in Pura Raza Española horses. The team hypothesized that there may be a genetic relationship between neck and limb morphology in these horses which, if proven, highlights the need for more holistic breeding strategies.
Methods
- The study analyzed 56,644 PRE horses which were evaluated between 2012 and 2023. The horses were scored for neck and limb conformation traits using either a two-class scale (0 for no defect, 1 for the presence of defect) or a three-class scale for limb defects (0 for no defect, 1 for a slight defect, 2 for serious defect) combined with a four-class scale for neck defects (0 for no defect, 1 for a slight defect, 2 for a serious defect, 3 for a disqualifying defect).
- The team estimated genetic parameters, factoring in age as a covariate, sex, genetic origin, management of breeder’s stud farm, and inbreeding as fixed effects.
Results
- The most frequent limb defect in horses with neck defects was SFR (Splay-footed rear limb), seen in 80.15% of the horses with Cresty neck and 72.45% of horses with Ewe neck.
- The genetic correlations showed moderate relationships. For Cresty neck and Divergent hock, the correlation was 0.44 in the first scoring approach, and for Cresty neck and Splay-footed forelimb, it was 0.51 in the second approach. Ewe neck and Splay-footed rear limb showed a correlation of -0.22 in the first approach, while Cresty neck and Convergent hock showed -0.25 in the second approach.
Conclusions
- The results supported the initial hypothesis by revealing a potential genetic relationship between neck and limb morphology in Pura Raza Española horses.
- This highlights the need for integrated selection strategies that consider both anatomical regions, enabling breeders to potentially reduce the incidence of these defects through informed breeding choices.
Cite This Article
APA
Ripollés-Lobo M, Perdomo-González DI, Dos Santos R, Sánchez-Guerrero MJ, Azor P, Valera M.
(2025).
Genetic relationship between Neck and Limb defects in Pura Raza Española Horses.
J Equine Vet Sci, 151, 105630.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105630 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Departamento de Agronomía, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, ETSIA, Universidad de Sevilla. Ctra. Utrera Km 1, Sevilla, 41013 Spain. Electronic address: marriplob@alum.us.es.
- Departamento Producción Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
- Centro de Investigação para a Valorização de Recursos Endógenos, Campus Politécnico, 10, Portalegre, 7300-555, Portugal.
- Departamento de Agronomía, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, ETSIA, Universidad de Sevilla. Ctra. Utrera Km 1, Sevilla, 41013 Spain.
- Real Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española(ANCCE). Av. del Reino Unido, 11, 3°,2, Sevilla,41012, Spain.
- Departamento de Agronomía, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, ETSIA, Universidad de Sevilla. Ctra. Utrera Km 1, Sevilla, 41013 Spain.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest None of the authors has any financial or personal relationships that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.
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