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Genes2021; 12(4); doi: 10.3390/genes12040546

Genetic Variability and Population Structure of Polish Konik Horse Maternal Lines Based on Microsatellite Markers.

Abstract: The aim of the conservation programme is to maintain the population size of endangered livestock breeds of less economic importance at a level that ensures the survival of the breed, the preservation of genetic diversity, and the preservation of as many pedigree lines as possible. The Polish Konik, a native Polish primitive-type horse breed and is one of the breeds included in such a programme in Poland. Presently, there are only 16 (of the 35 maternal lines known in 1962), some of which are endangered. We examined the genetic variability and structure of the Polish Konik maternal lines (176 individuals) on the basis of the pedigree data and 17 microsatellite markers (STRs) from parentage testing. The overall mean number of alleles was 7.647 (±0.411), the effective number of alleles was 3.935 (±0.271), the mean number of alleles for which the frequency was equal to or lower than 5% was 4.471 (±0.286), and the mean information index was 1.506 (±0.087). The structure of the population and admixture patterns were calculated with the Structure and Structure Harvester software. The structural analysis indicated three likely genetic clusters; as the most optimal K value was estimated as 3, with ∆K of 15.4188. The F-statistics results indicated a low level of inbreeding (average inbreeding coefficient FIT was 0.0188, coefficient of differentiation FST was 0.0304, and mean inbreeding index value FIS was -0.0119). Variability monitoring should be carried out in order to avoid inbreeding depression, while breeding strategies should be designed to prevent the decrease of genetic variability in the Polish horse breed and to sustain the active female lines.
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Publication Date: 2021-04-09 PubMed ID: 33918718PubMed Central: PMC8069725DOI: 10.3390/genes12040546Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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 study evaluates the genetic variability and population structure of Polish Konik horse maternal lines, in efforts to support their conservation. The researchers utilized pedigree data and 17 microsatellite markers to analyze 176 individual horses, deriving insights on their genetic clusters and patterns, along with the prevalence of inbreeding.

Study Goals and Context

  • This research aims to support the conservation of Polish Konik horses, a native breed in Poland. Part of a category of livestock breeds of lesser economic importance yet high cultural and biological value, these horse breeds are in danger of disappearing. Of the known 35 maternal lines in 1962, only 16 remain and some of these are under threat.
  • Conservation initiatives strive to maintain populations at a level securing their survival, while also preserving genetic diversity and as many pedigree lines as possible.

Methodology

  • The researchers examined 176 Polish Konik horses from the surviving maternal lines.
  • Their analysis was based on pedigree data and the usage of 17 microsatellite markers or STRs (Short Tandem Repeats), commonly used in parentage testing.
  • They used software like Structure and Structure Harvester to calculate population structure and admixture patterns (the genetic mixing of different populations).

Key Findings

  • From their analysis, the mean number of alleles (which are versions of the same gene) were determined along with the effective number of alleles and the mean information index. The study also noted statistics on alleles with frequency equal to or lower than 5%.
  • The structural analysis suggested the existence of three likely genetic clusters within the breed. The most optimal K value, which determines the number of genetic populations in the data, was estimated as 3.
  • In terms of inbreeding, the levels were deemed low but not absent. Indices such as the average inbreeding coefficient F, the coefficient of differentiation F, and the mean inbreeding index value F were used to gauge this.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • Overall, the study underscores the need for continued monitoring of genetic variability within the population to prevent inbreeding depression (the reduction of fitness resulting from inbreeding).
  • The authors recommend the design and implementation of breeding strategies aimed at halting the decrease of genetic variability within the Polish Konik horse population and maintaining the active female lines.

Cite This Article

APA
Fornal A, Kowalska K, Zabek T, Piestrzynska-Kajtoch A, Musiał AD, Ropka-Molik K. (2021). Genetic Variability and Population Structure of Polish Konik Horse Maternal Lines Based on Microsatellite Markers. Genes (Basel), 12(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12040546

Publication

Genes
ISSN: 2073-4425
NlmUniqueID: 101551097
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 4

Researcher Affiliations

Fornal, Agnieszka
  • Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Krakow, Poland.
Kowalska, Katarzyna
  • Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Krakow, Poland.
Zabek, Tomasz
  • Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Krakow, Poland.
Piestrzynska-Kajtoch, Agata
  • Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Krakow, Poland.
Musiał, Adrianna D
  • Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Krakow, Poland.
Ropka-Molik, Katarzyna
  • Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Krakow, Poland.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genetics, Population
  • Horses / genetics
  • Inbreeding / methods
  • Male
  • Microsatellite Repeats
  • Poland
  • Population Density

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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This article has been cited 9 times.
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