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Home / Equine Research Bank / Front Genet / Morphological and genetic characterization of an emerging Az...
Frontiers in genetics2015; 6; 62; doi: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00062

Morphological and genetic characterization of an emerging Azorean horse breed: the Terceira Pony.

Abstract: The Terceira Pony is a horse indigenous to Terceira Island in the Azores. These horses were very important during the colonization of the island. Due to their very balanced proportions and correct gaits, and with an average withers height of 1.28 m, the Terceira Pony is often confused with a miniature pure-bred Lusitano. This population was officially recognized as the fourth Portuguese equine breed by the national authorities in January, 2014. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphology and the genetic diversity by means of microsatellite markers of this emerging horse breed. The biometric data consisted of 28 body measurements and nine angles from 30 animals (11 sires, 19 dams). The Terceira Pony is now a recognized horse breed and is gaining in popularity amongst breeders and the younger riding classes. The information obtained from this study will be very useful for conservation and management purposes, including maximizing the breed's genetic diversity, and solidifying the desirable phenotypic traits.
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Publication Date: 2015-02-27 PubMed ID: 25774165PubMed Central: PMC4343030DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00062Google 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 article focuses on the scientific analysis of a newly recognized breed of horse from Terceira Island in the Azores, the Terceira Pony. It examines the physical characteristics and genetic makeup of this breed, which was officially recognized by Portuguese authorities in 2014.

Objective of the Study

  • The main aim of this study was to investigate the physical and genetic characteristics of the Terceira Pony, a recently recognized breed of horse native to the Terceira Island in the Azores. The authors hoped that the data collected through this study would assist in the breed’s conservation and management, in particular helping to maximize its genetic diversity and reinforce its phenotypic traits.

Morphological Analysis

  • The researchers analyzed the physical attributes of the Terceira Pony. They collected biometric data comprised of 28 body measurements and nine angles from a sample of 30 horses (11 males and 19 females) to analyze their proportions and gaits.
  • The physical attributes showed the Terceira Pony to be often mistaken for a miniature pure-bred Lusitano due to its balanced proportions and correct gaits. The average height of the breed at the withers was noted as being 1.28 meters.

Genetic Analysis

  • Alongside the morphological analysis, the study also explored the genetic diversity of these horses. Microsatellite markers, a type of DNA sequence used in genetic linkage analysis, were used for this purpose. This would inform breeders about the genetic diversity within the breed, which can influence decisions about breeding pairs to avoid incestuous relationships and thus maintain genetic health.

Implications

  • The Terceira Pony was officially recognized as the fourth Portuguese equine breed in 2014. As this breed garners more popularity among breeders and young riders, the data from this study can prove helpful in the breed’s conservation efforts.
  • The study’s findings about the breed’s physical characteristics and genetic makeup can be used to help maintain its genetic diversity, promote desired physical traits, and assist in management and conservation efforts.

Cite This Article

APA
Lopes MS, Mendonça D, Rojer H, Cabral V, Bettencourt SX, da Câmara Machado A. (2015). Morphological and genetic characterization of an emerging Azorean horse breed: the Terceira Pony. Front Genet, 6, 62. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2015.00062

Publication

Frontiers in genetics
ISSN: 1664-8021
NlmUniqueID: 101560621
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 6
Pages: 62

Researcher Affiliations

Lopes, Maria S
  • Biotechnology Centre of Azores, Department of Agriculture, University of Azores, Angra do Heroísmo Portugal.
Mendonça, Duarte
  • Biotechnology Centre of Azores, Department of Agriculture, University of Azores, Angra do Heroísmo Portugal.
Rojer, Horst
  • Biotechnology Centre of Azores, Department of Agriculture, University of Azores, Angra do Heroísmo Portugal.
Cabral, Verónica
  • Biotechnology Centre of Azores, Department of Agriculture, University of Azores, Angra do Heroísmo Portugal.
Bettencourt, Sílvia X
  • Biotechnology Centre of Azores, Department of Agriculture, University of Azores, Angra do Heroísmo Portugal.
da Câmara Machado, Artur
  • Biotechnology Centre of Azores, Department of Agriculture, University of Azores, Angra do Heroísmo Portugal.

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