Genotype distribution and allele frequencies of the genes associated with body composition and locomotion traits in Myanmar native horses.

The research studied the variation and frequency of specific genes in native horse populations in Myanmar, focusing on genes linked with body composition and movement patterns. Surprisingly, they found a lower than expected presence of certain traits, suggesting these horses haven’t been strongly bred for specific traits.

Understanding the Research Study

• The researchers were investigating the genotype distributions and allele frequencies of three genes (LCORL/NCAPG, MSTN, and DMRT3) in seven local populations of Myanmar native horses. These genes are associated with body composition and different gait patterns in horses.
• The researchers identified the presence and distribution of the LCORL/NCAPG, MSTN, and DMRT3 genes. These genes are known for their influence on certain traits – LCORL/NCAPG gene is associated with withers height (a measure of size in horses), MSTN gene with muscle fibre composition, and DMRT3 with ambling gait.

Research Findings

• The frequency of the LCORL/NCAPG gene, known to be associated with higher withers height, ranged between 0.08 to 0.27, averaging at 0.13. This indicates the presence and expression of this gene is relatively lower than might be expected if this trait had been specifically bred for.
• The MSTN gene, known to be linked with a higher proportion of Type 2B muscular fiber, had allele frequencies that varied between 0.05 to 0.23, and averaged at 0.09. A lower than expected frequency of this gene could suggest fewer horses with a large percentage of this fast-twitch muscle fiber.
• The DMRT3 gene, which is associated with an ambling gait, had allele frequencies ranging from 0 to 0.04, and averaged at 0.01. This low frequency suggests the ‘ambling gait’ trait is quite rare in Myanmar native horse populations.
• The lower than anticipated presence of the minor alleles of these genes suggests that these horse populations have not been selectively bred for these specific traits related to body composition and gait.

Significance of the Findings

• The findings of this study suggest that the native horse populations in Myanmar have not been under strong selective pressure for these particular traits. This could be due to a variety of factors, including the uses these horses are put to in their local environments.
• The study contributes valuable data about horse genetics, particularly the prevalence and variation of specific genes associated with body composition and locomotion traits in horse populations. This can be insightful for understanding the origins and evolution of these traits in global horse populations.