MHC-correlated preferences in diestrous female horses (Equus caballus).
- Journal Article
Summary
The research article primarily investigates the influence of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes on the preferences of female horses during their reproductive cycle, specifically focusing on when they are in diestrus or non-breeding phase.
MHC-Related Study with Horses
The study involved 19 mare horses that were exposed to seven sexually experienced stallions. Each mare was tested four times across two reproductive cycles, twice during estrus (fertile phase) and twice during diestrus (non-fertile phase).
MHC genes, known to influence communication and attraction in many vertebrates, were the main point of analysis. These genes are significant as they help determine the immune system’s ability to fight off pathogens.
The researchers sought to uncover any potential correlation between MHC dissimilarity and sexual preferences in female horses, with particular focus on the diestrus phase. They hypothesized that the mares might show a higher preference for MHC-dissimilar stallions.
- The stallions’ testosterone levels and equine leukocyte antigen (ELA) class I and II alleles (specific genetic markers frequently associated with the MHC) were closely monitored throughout the experiment. Testosterone measurements were regularly recorded through weekly blood samples, while ELA allele types were serologically identified after the experiments.
Key Findings
The researchers found distinct differences in the mares’ preferences that were linked to the phase of their reproductive cycle.
- Attraction towards stallions was notably variable and heightened during the estrus (fertility phase), while during the diestrus phase, it was more constant and significantly influenced by the MHC composition.
- During the diestrus, the mares demonstrated a heightened interests towards MHC-dissimilar stallions. This preference was not evident during the estrus phase.
Conclusion and Further Research
While the results confirmed an impact of the MHC on horse attraction and partner selection, it also emphasized that non-MHC linked male characteristics significantly influenced female preferences during the estrus phase of the cycle.
The results provided important insights into understanding the bio-chemical factors influencing mating preferences in horses, but further research is needed to thoroughly understand all the factors that could override or magnify the MHC’s impact during different stages of the reproductive cycle.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Agroscope and University of Bern, Avenches, Switzerland. Electronic address: dominik.burger@vetsuisse.unibe.ch.
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Agroscope and University of Bern, Avenches, Switzerland.
- Department of Clinical Research, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute for Reproductive Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hanover, Germany.
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine-Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hanover, Germany.
- Department of Clinical Research, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine-Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hanover, Germany.
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Estrous Cycle
- Female
- Horses / genetics
- Major Histocompatibility Complex / genetics
- Male
- Mating Preference, Animal
- Testosterone / blood
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Vasoya D, Tzelos T, Benedictus L, Karagianni AE, Pirie S, Marr C, Oddsdóttir C, Fintl C, Connelley T. High-Resolution Genotyping of Expressed Equine MHC Reveals a Highly Complex MHC Structure. Genes (Basel) 2023 Jul 10;14(7).
- Górecka-Bruzda A, Jaworska J, Stanley CR. The Social and Reproductive Challenges Faced by Free-Roaming Horse (Equus caballus) Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2023 Mar 24;13(7).
- Jeannerat E, Marti E, Thomas S, Herrera C, Sieme H, Wedekind C, Burger D. Embryo survival in the oviduct not significantly influenced by major histocompatibility complex social signaling in the horse. Sci Rep 2020 Jan 23;10(1):1056.
- Burger D, Meuwly C, Thomas S, Sieme H, Oberthür M, Wedekind C, Meinecke-Tillmann S. Cycle-specific female preferences for visual and non-visual cues in the horse (Equus caballus). PLoS One 2018;13(2):e0191845.
- Burger D, Thomas S, Aepli H, Dreyer M, Fabre G, Marti E, Sieme H, Robinson MR, Wedekind C. Major histocompatibility complex-linked social signalling affects female fertility. Proc Biol Sci 2017 Dec 6;284(1868).
- Sadeghi R, Moradi-Shahrbabak M, Miraei Ashtiani SR, Miller DC, Antczak DF. MHC haplotype diversity in Persian Arabian horses determined using polymorphic microsatellites. Immunogenetics 2018 May;70(5):305-315.
- Jeannerat E, Janett F, Sieme H, Wedekind C, Burger D. Quality of seminal fluids varies with type of stimulus at ejaculation. Sci Rep 2017 Mar 13;7:44339.
