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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Vet Intern Med / Mixed inheritance of equine recurrent airway obstruction.
Journal of veterinary internal medicine2009; 23(3); 626-630; doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0292.x

Mixed inheritance of equine recurrent airway obstruction.

Abstract: Mode of inheritance of equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is unknown. Objective: Major genes are responsible for RAO. Methods: Direct offspring of 2 RAO-affected Warmblood stallions (n = 197; n = 163) and a representative sample of Swiss Warmbloods (n = 401). Methods: One environmental and 4 genetic models (general, mixed inheritance, major gene, and polygene) were tested for Horse Owner Assessed Respiratory Signs Index (1-4, unaffected to severely affected) by segregation analyses of the 2 half-sib sire families, both combined and separately, using prevalences estimated in a representative sample. Results: In all data sets the mixed inheritance model was most likely to explain the pattern of inheritance. In all 3 datasets the mixed inheritance model did not differ significantly from the general model (P= .62, P= 1.00, and P= .27) but was always better than the major gene model (P < .01) and the polygene model (P < .01). The frequency of the deleterious allele differed considerably between the 2 sire families (P= .23 and P= .06). In both sire families the displacement was large (t= 17.52 and t= 12.24) and the heritability extremely large (h(2)= 1). Conclusions: Segregation analyses clearly reveal the presence of a major gene playing a role in RAO. In 1 family, the mode of inheritance was autosomal dominant, whereas in the other family it was autosomal recessive. Although the expression of RAO is influenced by exposure to hay, these findings suggest a strong, complex genetic background for RAO.
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Publication Date: 2009-08-04 PubMed ID: 19645845DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0292.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.

The research has examined the genetic inheritance patterns of equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), commonly found in horses. The study suggests that although the environment, specifically exposure to hay, can influence the condition, a major gene plays a significant role in its occurrence. The mode of genetic transfer, however, varies between autosomal dominant in one family and autosomal recessive in another, indicating a complex genetic background for RAO.

Objective and Methods of the Research

  • The primary objective of the research was to determine the genetic factors responsible for equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). This was done by analysing the offspring of two RAO-affected Warmblood stallions and a sample of Swiss Warmbloods.
  • The researchers used both environmental and genetic models, including general, mixed inheritance, major gene, and polygene, to investigate the Horse Owner Assessed Respiratory Signs Index in the animals.
  • Segregation analyses were carried out on the data sets to evaluate the different models of inheritance and confirm the involvement of a major gene in the course of RAO.

Results of the Research

  • The analysis revealed that the best explanation for the pattern of inheritance was the mixed inheritance model. While it did not significantly differ from the general model, it was found to be better fitting than the major gene and polygene models.
  • The frequency of the harmful allele varied considerably between the two sire families, with large displacement observed in both groups. The heritability of the condition was also found to be extremely high.

Conclusions of the Research

  • The study concluded that a major gene plays a role in the development of equine RAO, thereby affirming the influence of genetic factors in its occurrence.
  • The mode of genetic transfer varied between the families analysed, with autosomal dominant inheritance observed in one family and autosomal recessive inheritance in another. This finding suggests a complex genetic background for the condition.
  • The researchers noted that despite the significant role of genetics, the condition’s expression is influenced by environmental factors, such as exposure to hay.

Cite This Article

APA
Gerber V, Baleri D, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Swinburne JE, Dolf G. (2009). Mixed inheritance of equine recurrent airway obstruction. J Vet Intern Med, 23(3), 626-630. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0292.x

Publication

Journal of veterinary internal medicine
ISSN: 0891-6640
NlmUniqueID: 8708660
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 23
Issue: 3
Pages: 626-630

Researcher Affiliations

Gerber, V
  • Equine Clinic, Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Berne, Switzerland. vinzenz.gerber@knp.unibe.ch
Baleri, D
    Klukowska-Rötzler, J
      Swinburne, J E
        Dolf, G

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
          • Horse Diseases / genetics
          • Horses
          • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / genetics
          • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / veterinary
          • Models, Genetic

          Citations

          This article has been cited 23 times.
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