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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(21); 3415; doi: 10.3390/ani13213415

Historic Horse Family Displaying Malformations of the Cervicothoracic Junction and Their Connection to Modern German Warmblood Horses.

Abstract: Malformations of the equine cervicothoracic junction affect the C6 and C7 cervical vertebrae, the T1 thoracic vertebra and in variable extent the first and second sternal ribs. To date, the clinical impact of this malformation, its prevalence and mode of inheritance in equine populations are not yet determined. We examined five skeletons for signs of malformation of the cervicothoracic junction, including three skeletons from widely used Thoroughbred stallions affected with the malformation and two skeletons serving as a comparison. The three affected historical horses were the Thoroughbred stallions Der Loewe XX, Birkhahn XX and their common great grandsire Dark Ronald XX. Malformations of C6 and C7 showed a large variation between the three stallions, as Dark Ronald XX, Der Loewe XX and Birkhahn XX were affected uni-laterally at C6 and C7, uni-laterally at C6 and bi-laterally at C6 and C7, respectively, with varying grades. In order to evaluate whether or not these malformations are incidental, we took a random sample of 20 living German Warmblood horses, which are distant descendants of these stallions. This sample consisted of ten controls and ten horses with malformations of C6/C7. Blood proportions of the historical sires in the modern Warmblood horses ranged from 0.10 to 6.25%. The contribution to inbreeding in each individual horse of our selected horse group by those sires was expressed as a percentage of the total inbreeding coefficient and ranged from 0.01 to 17.96%, demonstrating their influence on the modern Warmblood. In the present study, we were able to describe the variability of the malformation of C6/C7 within a horse family including historic and modern horses. Additionally, we detected variations appearing in connection with malformations of the cervicothoracic junction that have not been described in the literature yet. This is the first time that the malformations of C6 and C7 have been described within a familial context, providing hints on inheritance in Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods. It is worthwhile to carry out further studies in a larger setting to gain more comprehensive insights into the inheritance of the malformation and the role of important ancestors.
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Publication Date: 2023-11-03 PubMed ID: 37958170PubMed Central: PMC10650596DOI: 10.3390/ani13213415Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research involves studying horse skeletons to explore malformations in specific vertebrae known to cause issues. The study also uses blood samples of modern horses sharing lineage with the original skeletons, to draw connections between these abnormalities and the likelihood of them being passed down generations.

Study Overview

  • The research focuses on malformations in the cervicothoracic junction, specifically the C6 and C7 cervical vertebrae and the T1 thoracic vertebra in horses. The extent of the malformations of these bones directly impacts the first two sternal ribs of horses.
  • The clinical impact, prevalence, and inheritance method of this malformation remain largely undetermined within equine populations. The researchers aim to bridge this knowledge gap using skeletal analysis and blood sampling.

Experiment Method

  • Five horse skeletons were analyzed in the study. Three of these belonged to Thoroughbred stallions displaying signs of the malformations, while the remaining two served as a comparison against these malformations.
  • The Thoroughbred stallions featured in the research were Der Loewe XX, Birkhahn XX, and their common ancestor Dark Ronald XX.
  • Apart from skeletal analysis, the study included a random sample of blood from 20 living German Warmblood horses, directly descended from these stallions. Half of these were control specimens, while the remaining were samples from horses with the identified malformations.

Research Findings

  • The degree and extent of the malformations varied significantly among the three stallions. Following the lineage, variations were also noted in the Warmblood horse specimens.
  • The presence of the stallions’ blood in Warmblood horses ranged between 0.10 to 6.25%, suggesting that these ancient stallions have made a substantial genetic contribution to the modern German Warmblood horses.
  • Various forms of malformations were identified in connection with the cervicothoracic junction that had not been documented earlier, expanding the scope of the research.

Research Significance

  • This is the first study identifying and describing these specific malformations within a familial context in the study of Thoroughbred and Warmblood horses. This exploration implies that these malformations can possibly be inherited.
  • It provides foundational knowledge for further exploration. Further research, particularly involving a broader sample size would help provide a comprehensive understanding of the inheritance of these malformations and the contributions of significant ancestors.

Cite This Article

APA
Zimmermann E, Ros KB, Pfarrer C, Distl O. (2023). Historic Horse Family Displaying Malformations of the Cervicothoracic Junction and Their Connection to Modern German Warmblood Horses. Animals (Basel), 13(21), 3415. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213415

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 21
PII: 3415

Researcher Affiliations

Zimmermann, Elisa
  • Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30559 Hannover, Germany.
Ros, Katharina B
  • Veterinary Clinic PZZ Döhle, 21272 Egestorf, Germany.
Pfarrer, Christiane
  • Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30559 Hannover, Germany.
Distl, Ottmar
  • Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30559 Hannover, Germany.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. DeClue A, Workman K, May-Davis S. Identifying by Radiograph Grade 4 Aplasia of the Caudal Lamina Ventralis in the Equine Sixth Cervical Vertebra and Three Coinciding Morphological Variations. Animals (Basel) 2026 Feb 4;16(3).
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