FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Anim Genet / Morphological variation in the horse: defining complex trait...
Animal genetics2010; 41 Suppl 2; 159-165; doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2010.02127.x

Morphological variation in the horse: defining complex traits of body size and shape.

Abstract: Horses, like many domesticated species, have been selected for broad variation in skeletal size. This variation is not only an interesting model of rapid evolutionary change during domestication, but is also directly applicable to the horse industry. Breeders select for complex traits like body size and skeletal conformation to improve marketability, function, soundness and performance in the show ring. Using a well-defined set of 35 measurements, we have identified and quantified skeletal variation in the horse species. We collected measurements from 1215 horses representing 65 breeds of diverse conformation such as the American Miniature, Shetland Pony, Arabian Horse, Thoroughbred, Shire and Clydesdale. Principal components analysis has identified two key dimensions of skeletal variation in the horse. Principal component 1 is positively correlated with every measurement and quantifies overall body size. Principal component 2 captures a pattern of bone widths vs. lengths and thus quantifies variation in overall bone thickness. By defining these complex skeletal traits, we have created a framework for whole genome association studies to identify quantitative trait loci that contribute to this variation.
© 2010 The Authors, Journal compilation © 2010 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2010-11-26 PubMed ID: 21070291DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2010.02127.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • 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 explores the varied skeletal dimensions in different breeds of horses, and how these variations contribute to their physical size and structure. Using a comprehensive set of measurements across 65 breeds, the study provides a quantifiable analysis of body size and bone structure which can be applied in future genome studies to understand the genetic basis for these traits.

Introduction of the study

This study delves into the wide array of morphological variations across different horse breeds. Domesticated horses have been subjected to different forms of selective breeding over the years resulting in various body sizes and skeletal formations. These traits are significant in the horse industry where breeders consider various factors like body size and bone conformation for improving the animal’s function, marketability, performance, and soundness.

The Process of the Study

  • The researchers adopted a systematic approach where they used a set of 35 well-defined measurements to identify and quantify skeletal variations in horses.
  • Data was collected from a large sample size, i.e., 1215 horses from 65 diverse breeds. The breeds included the American Miniature, Shetland Pony, Arabian Horse, Thoroughbred, Shire, and Clydesdale.

Key Findings of the Study

  • Through principal components analysis, the researchers identified two main dimensions related to skeletal variation in horses.
  • The first component was correlated positively with every measurement, thereby capturing the trait of overall body size.
  • The second component represented the pattern of bone widths vs. lengths, signifying the aspect of bone thickness in horses.

Significance and Applications of the Study

  • The study is significant as it manages to define these complex skeletal traits, thereby creating a framework that can be utilized in future genome studies.
  • These findings can help in identifying quantitative trait loci that contribute to these variations, thus explaining the genetic basis for these physical traits.

Cite This Article

APA
Brooks SA, Makvandi-Nejad S, Chu E, Allen JJ, Streeter C, Gu E, McCleery B, Murphy BA, Bellone R, Sutter NB. (2010). Morphological variation in the horse: defining complex traits of body size and shape. Anim Genet, 41 Suppl 2, 159-165. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2052.2010.02127.x

Publication

Animal genetics
ISSN: 1365-2052
NlmUniqueID: 8605704
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 41 Suppl 2
Pages: 159-165

Researcher Affiliations

Brooks, S A
  • Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Makvandi-Nejad, S
    Chu, E
      Allen, J J
        Streeter, C
          Gu, E
            McCleery, B
              Murphy, B A
                Bellone, R
                  Sutter, N B

                    MeSH Terms

                    • Animals
                    • Body Size
                    • Bone and Bones / anatomy & histology
                    • Genetic Variation
                    • Horses / anatomy & histology
                    • Horses / genetics
                    • Phenotype

                    Citations

                    This article has been cited 38 times.
                    1. Han H, Randhawa IAS, MacHugh DE, McGivney BA, Katz LM, Dugarjaviin M, Hill EW. Selection signatures for local and regional adaptation in Chinese Mongolian horse breeds reveal candidate genes for hoof health. BMC Genomics 2023 Jan 19;24(1):35.
                      doi: 10.1186/s12864-023-09116-8pubmed: 36658473google scholar: lookup
                    2. Landry Z, Roloson MJ, Fraser D. Investigating the reliability of metapodials as taxonomic Indicators for Beringian horses. J Mamm Evol 2022;29(4):863-875.
                      doi: 10.1007/s10914-022-09626-4pubmed: 36438779google scholar: lookup
                    3. Salamanca-Carreño A, Parés-Casanova PM, Monroy-Ochoa NI, Vélez-Terranova M. Would the Cephalic Development in the Purebred Arabian Horse and Its Crosses Indicate a Paedomorphic Process?. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 16;12(22).
                      doi: 10.3390/ani12223168pubmed: 36428393google scholar: lookup
                    4. Busechian S, Turini L, Sgorbini M, Pieramati C, Pisello L, Orvieto S, Rueca F. Are Horse Owners Able to Estimate Their Animals' Body Condition Score and Cresty Neck Score?. Vet Sci 2022 Oct 3;9(10).
                      doi: 10.3390/vetsci9100544pubmed: 36288157google scholar: lookup
                    5. Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, Miranda de La Lama GC, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of equidae during transport. EFSA J 2022 Sep;20(9):e07444.
                      doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7444pubmed: 36092762google scholar: lookup
                    6. Gmel AI, Burren A, Neuditschko M. Estimates of Genetic Parameters for Shape Space Data in Franches-Montagnes Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Aug 25;12(17).
                      doi: 10.3390/ani12172186pubmed: 36077906google scholar: lookup
                    7. Maśko M, Wierzbicka M, Zdrojkowski Ł, Jasiński T, Sikorska U, Pawliński B, Domino M. Comparison of Donkey, Pony, and Horse Dorsal Profiles and Head Shapes Using Geometric Morphometrics. Animals (Basel) 2022 Apr 5;12(7).
                      doi: 10.3390/ani12070931pubmed: 35405919google scholar: lookup
                    8. Gündemir O, Szara T, Pazvant G, Erdikmen DO, Duro S, Perez W. Radiogrametric Analysis of the Thoracic Limb Phalanges in Arabian Horses and Thoroughbred Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jul 26;11(8).
                      doi: 10.3390/ani11082205pubmed: 34438663google scholar: lookup
                    9. Posbergh CJ, Huson HJ. All sheeps and sizes: a genetic investigation of mature body size across sheep breeds reveals a polygenic nature. Anim Genet 2021 Feb;52(1):99-107.
                      doi: 10.1111/age.13016pubmed: 33089531google scholar: lookup
                    10. Ripolles M, Sánchez-Guerrero MJ, Perdomo-González DI, Azor P, Valera M. Survey of Risk Factors and Genetic Characterization of Ewe Neck in a World Population of Pura Raza Español Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020 Oct 1;10(10).
                      doi: 10.3390/ani10101789pubmed: 33019702google scholar: lookup
                    11. Asadollahpour Nanaei H, Esmailizadeh A, Ayatollahi Mehrgardi A, Han J, Wu DD, Li Y, Zhang YP. Comparative population genomic analysis uncovers novel genomic footprints and genes associated with small body size in Chinese pony. BMC Genomics 2020 Jul 20;21(1):496.
                      doi: 10.1186/s12864-020-06887-2pubmed: 32689947google scholar: lookup
                    12. Grilz-Seger G, Druml T, Neuditschko M, Mesarič M, Cotman M, Brem G. Analysis of ROH patterns in the Noriker horse breed reveals signatures of selection for coat color and body size. Anim Genet 2019 Aug;50(4):334-346.
                      doi: 10.1111/age.12797pubmed: 31199540google scholar: lookup
                    13. Metzger J, Rau J, Naccache F, Bas Conn L, Lindgren G, Distl O. Genome data uncover four synergistic key regulators for extremely small body size in horses. BMC Genomics 2018 Jun 25;19(1):492.
                      doi: 10.1186/s12864-018-4877-5pubmed: 29940849google scholar: lookup
                    14. Heck L, Wilson LAB, Evin A, Stange M, Sánchez-Villagra MR. Shape variation and modularity of skull and teeth in domesticated horses and wild equids. Front Zool 2018;15:14.
                      doi: 10.1186/s12983-018-0258-9pubmed: 29713365google scholar: lookup
                    15. Hanot P, Herrel A, Guintard C, Cornette R. The impact of artificial selection on morphological integration in the appendicular skeleton of domestic horses. J Anat 2018 Apr;232(4):657-673.
                      doi: 10.1111/joa.12772pubmed: 29315551google scholar: lookup
                    16. Sevane N, Dunner S, Boado A, Cañon J. Polymorphisms in ten candidate genes are associated with conformational and locomotive traits in Spanish Purebred horses. J Appl Genet 2017 Aug;58(3):355-361.
                      doi: 10.1007/s13353-016-0385-ypubmed: 27917442google scholar: lookup
                    17. Librado P, Fages A, Gaunitz C, Leonardi M, Wagner S, Khan N, Hanghøj K, Alquraishi SA, Alfarhan AH, Al-Rasheid KA, Der Sarkissian C, Schubert M, Orlando L. The Evolutionary Origin and Genetic Makeup of Domestic Horses. Genetics 2016 Oct;204(2):423-434.
                      doi: 10.1534/genetics.116.194860pubmed: 27729493google scholar: lookup
                    18. Metzger J, Karwath M, Tonda R, Beltran S, Águeda L, Gut M, Gut IG, Distl O. Runs of homozygosity reveal signatures of positive selection for reproduction traits in breed and non-breed horses. BMC Genomics 2015 Oct 9;16:764.
                      doi: 10.1186/s12864-015-1977-3pubmed: 26452642google scholar: lookup
                    19. Caspar GL, Dhand NK, McGreevy PD. Human Preferences for Conformation Attributes and Head-And-Neck Positions in Horses. PLoS One 2015;10(6):e0131880.
                      doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131880pubmed: 26126209google scholar: lookup
                    20. Marchini M, Sparrow LM, Cosman MN, Dowhanik A, Krueger CB, Hallgrimsson B, Rolian C. Impacts of genetic correlation on the independent evolution of body mass and skeletal size in mammals. BMC Evol Biol 2014 Dec 14;14:258.
                      doi: 10.1186/s12862-014-0258-0pubmed: 25496561google scholar: lookup
                    21. Metzger J, Tonda R, Beltran S, Agueda L, Gut M, Distl O. Next generation sequencing gives an insight into the characteristics of highly selected breeds versus non-breed horses in the course of domestication. BMC Genomics 2014 Jul 4;15(1):562.
                      doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-562pubmed: 24996778google scholar: lookup
                    22. Metzger J, Philipp U, Lopes MS, da Camara Machado A, Felicetti M, Silvestrelli M, Distl O. Analysis of copy number variants by three detection algorithms and their association with body size in horses. BMC Genomics 2013 Jul 18;14:487.
                      doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-487pubmed: 23865711google scholar: lookup
                    23. Metzger J, Schrimpf R, Philipp U, Distl O. Expression levels of LCORL are associated with body size in horses. PLoS One 2013;8(2):e56497.
                      doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056497pubmed: 23418579google scholar: lookup
                    24. Petersen JL, Mickelson JR, Rendahl AK, Valberg SJ, Andersson LS, Axelsson J, Bailey E, Bannasch D, Binns MM, Borges AS, Brama P, da Câmara Machado A, Capomaccio S, Cappelli K, Cothran EG, Distl O, Fox-Clipsham L, Graves KT, Guérin G, Haase B, Hasegawa T, Hemmann K, Hill EW, Leeb T, Lindgren G, Lohi H, Lopes MS, McGivney BA, Mikko S, Orr N, Penedo MC, Piercy RJ, Raekallio M, Rieder S, Røed KH, Swinburne J, Tozaki T, Vaudin M, Wade CM, McCue ME. Genome-wide analysis reveals selection for important traits in domestic horse breeds. PLoS Genet 2013;9(1):e1003211.
                      doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003211pubmed: 23349635google scholar: lookup
                    25. Makvandi-Nejad S, Hoffman GE, Allen JJ, Chu E, Gu E, Chandler AM, Loredo AI, Bellone RR, Mezey JG, Brooks SA, Sutter NB. Four loci explain 83% of size variation in the horse. PLoS One 2012;7(7):e39929.
                      doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039929pubmed: 22808074google scholar: lookup
                    26. Doan R, Cohen ND, Sawyer J, Ghaffari N, Johnson CD, Dindot SV. Whole-genome sequencing and genetic variant analysis of a Quarter Horse mare. BMC Genomics 2012 Feb 17;13:78.
                      doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-78pubmed: 22340285google scholar: lookup
                    27. Webster AP, Wright RK, Hammond JB, Kotey NA, Gleason CB, White RR. Assessment of thermal imaging to objectively body condition score mature horses and multiparous gestating beef cows. Transl Anim Sci 2025;9:txaf121.
                      doi: 10.1093/tas/txaf121pubmed: 41245604google scholar: lookup
                    28. Aboelmaaty AM, Ahdy AM, El-Khodery S, Elgioushy M. Investigations on metabolic diseases of horses in Egypt. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1591090.
                      doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1591090pubmed: 40901060google scholar: lookup
                    29. Han J, Shao H, Sun M, Gao F, Hu Q, Yang G, Jafari H, Li N, Dang R. Genomic insights into the genetic diversity and genetic basis of body height in endangered Chinese Ningqiang ponies. BMC Genomics 2025 Mar 24;26(1):292.
                      doi: 10.1186/s12864-025-11484-2pubmed: 40128652google scholar: lookup
                    30. Dash SK, Panda S, Karna DK, Mishra C, Kalaignazhal G. Multivariate analysis of morphometric traits of Malkangiri pony - a heritage germplasm of Odisha. Trop Anim Health Prod 2025 Mar 18;57(3):129.
                      doi: 10.1007/s11250-025-04386-8pubmed: 40100467google scholar: lookup
                    31. Karna DK, Mishra C, Dash SK, Acharya AP, Panda S, Chinnareddyvari CS. Exploring body morphometry and weight prediction in Ganjam goats in India through principal component analysis. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024 Sep 28;56(8):298.
                      doi: 10.1007/s11250-024-04114-8pubmed: 39340693google scholar: lookup
                    32. Liswaniso S, Mwambilwa K, Odubote K, Tyasi TL, Mweni M, Sun X, Xu R, Qin N. Zambian indigenous chicken genetic resources: phenotypic characteristics and their production systems among small-scale farmers. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1429869.
                      doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1429869pubmed: 39135895google scholar: lookup
                    33. Bordin C, Raspa F, Greppi M, Harris P, Ellis AD, Roggero A, Palestrini C, Cavallini D, Bergero D, Valle E. Pony feeding management: the role of morphology and hay feeding methods on intake rate, ingestive behaviors and mouth shaping. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1332207.
                      doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1332207pubmed: 38681853google scholar: lookup
                    34. Alymann AA, Alymann IA, Ong SQ, Rusli MU, Ahmad AH, Salim H. Morphometric dataset of Varanus salvator for non-invasive sex identification using machine learning. Sci Data 2024 Apr 5;11(1):337.
                      doi: 10.1038/s41597-024-03172-9pubmed: 38580692google scholar: lookup
                    35. Tani T. Immortalization of American miniature horse-derived fibroblast by cell cycle regulator with normal karyotype. PeerJ 2024;12:e16832.
                      doi: 10.7717/peerj.16832pubmed: 38288466google scholar: lookup
                    36. Ribeiro NL, de Medeiros GR, da Silva NMV, Soares KO, Arandas JKG, do Nascimento GV, Ribeiro MN. Phenotypic characterisation and production system of the Nordestino horse from a multivariate perspective. Sci Rep 2024 Jan 12;14(1):1173.
                      doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-51018-ypubmed: 38216575google scholar: lookup
                    37. Choudhury MP, Wang Z, Zhu M, Teng S, Yan J, Cao S, Yi G, Liu Y, Liao Y, Tang Z. Genome-Wide Detection of Copy Number Variations Associated with Miniature Features in Horses. Genes (Basel) 2023 Oct 13;14(10).
                      doi: 10.3390/genes14101934pubmed: 37895283google scholar: lookup
                    38. Selvan AS, Thangaraj S, Dash S, Karthikeyan A, Karthickeyan SMK. Multivariate analysis of morphometric traits of Malaimadu cattle-autochthonous draft cattle of south India. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023 Oct 21;55(6):369.
                      doi: 10.1007/s11250-023-03790-2pubmed: 37864734google scholar: lookup
                    Subscribe to our newsletter
                    Join 99,344 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.