Memories, museum artefacts and excavations in resolving the history of maternal lineages in the Finnhorse.

This study analyses historical DNA samples of the Finnhorse, a native horse breed, to investigate the history and evolution of its maternal lineage, using samples from private collections, museums, schools and excavations collected over different historical periods. It identifies high diversity in maternal DNA during the breed’s formation, decreasing subsequently, and some early haplotypes no longer present, with nominal geographical or temporal population structure.

Research Methodology

• The researchers collected historical DNA samples of the Finnhorse from various sources. These range from private collections to museums, schools and archeological excavations.
• The samples span different periods in the horse breed’s history, from before, during, and after its establishment, covering the late 19th to 20th century.
• These historical samples were then sequitced focusing on a particular fragment of mitochondrial DNA, responsible for tracing maternal lineage.
• The researchers did not only focus on the horse breed’s past but also compared the mitochondrial DNA sequence variability across different historical eras with the present Finnhorser population.

Findings of the Research

• The researchers observed a high degree of haplotype and nucleotide variation during the forming of the breed, signifying a vast and diverse base of maternal lineage.
• However, a decrease in both haplotype and nucleotide diversity was evidenced during the period of 1931-1970. This suggests that there may have been influences or factors at play that resulted in a less diverse maternal lineage over time.
• Interestingly, the team also discerned loss of certain haplotypes that were present in the earlier stages of the breed, suggesting some maternal lineages have disappeared over time.
• The research also aimed to uncover possible temporal or geographical genetic structure in the breed’s population. However, only slight evidence was found supporting this speculation.

Significance of the Study

• This study is significant as it is the first to use such temporal sampling, assessing the various timespan DNA samples, to disclose the history of a specific animal breed.
• Understanding the genetic diversity and history of maternal lineages in horse breeds like the Finnhorse provides valuable insights into the forces shaping populations, whether they be natural or man made and can contribute to improved breeding strategies.
• Findings about a sudden decrease in genetic diversity or disappearance of certain lineages can stimulate further research to discern the causative factors and potential ways to revive lost diversity.