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Home / Equine Research Bank / Anim Genet / Microsatellite diversity, pedigree relatedness and the contr...
Animal genetics2001; 32(6); 360-364; doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2052.2001.00785.x

Microsatellite diversity, pedigree relatedness and the contributions of founder lineages to thoroughbred horses.

Abstract: The thoroughbred (TB) horse is one of the oldest breeds of domestic animals, with pedigree records spanning three centuries. Because the population is essentially closed, there is concern about loss of genetic variation. Here we report two parallel analyses. In the first, genetic variation in the current population is measured using data from 13 microsatellite loci in 211 horses with relationships calculated based on allele sharing. In the second analysis, pedigree information is used to calculate genetic relationships between animals based on shared ancestry. These two measures of relationship are compared and shown to be closely related. Together, they provide an estimate of the amount of genetic variation which existed in founder animals. This study confirms the narrow genetic base of the breed and provides comprehensive analysis of contributions of founder animals. Seventy-eight percent of alleles in the current population are derived from 30 founders, 27 of these male. Ten founder females account for 72% of maternal lineages, while one founder stallion is responsible for 95% of paternal lineages.
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Publication Date: 2001-12-12 PubMed ID: 11736806DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2052.2001.00785.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • 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 research article investigates the genetic diversity in thoroughbred horses, finding that the breed has a narrow genetic base, and much of the current genetic makeup can be traced back to a small number of founder animals.

Analysis of Genetic Variation

The study conducts two parallel analyses to measure genetic variation. The first uses data from 13 microsatellite loci from 211 horses. Microsatellite loci are sections of DNA that are prone to mutation, hence can measure genetic variation.

  • Relationships between the horses were calculated based on allele sharing. Alleles are versions of a gene, and how much they are shared between horses can indicate their genetic similarity.

Pedigree Information

In the second analysis, the study uses pedigree information to compute genetic relationships between horses based on shared ancestry.

  • Pedigree information essentially refers to the family tree of the horses. This information can help researchers identify how closely related horses are through shared ancestors.

Comparison of Findings

The results from the two methods — microsatellite diversity and pedigree relatedness — are then compared and shown to be closely related.

  • This correlation strengthens the findings of the study because it suggests that the genetic variation measured from the DNA sections aligns well with the known family tree information.

Contributions of Founder Lineages

Overall, the results indicate that the genetic variation in the thoroughbred horse population can be greatly traced back to a small number of founder animals.

  • 78% of alleles in the current population are derived from 30 founders, with 27 of them being male.
  • Ten founder females account for 72% of maternal lineages.
  • One particular founder stallion is astonishingly credited with 95% of paternal lineages.

The comprehensive analysis of the study confirms the narrow genetic base of the thoroughbred breed and provides valuable insights into the genetic contributions of its founder animals.

Cite This Article

APA
Cunningham EP, Dooley JJ, Splan RK, Bradley DG. (2001). Microsatellite diversity, pedigree relatedness and the contributions of founder lineages to thoroughbred horses. Anim Genet, 32(6), 360-364. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2052.2001.00785.x

Publication

Animal genetics
ISSN: 0268-9146
NlmUniqueID: 8605704
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 32
Issue: 6
Pages: 360-364

Researcher Affiliations

Cunningham, E P
  • Department of Genetics, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland. epcnnghnn@tcd.ie
Dooley, J J
    Splan, R K
      Bradley, D G

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Female
        • Founder Effect
        • Genetic Variation
        • Horses / genetics
        • Male
        • Microsatellite Repeats / genetics
        • Pedigree

        Citations

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