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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.
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Publication Date: 2010-11-26 PubMed ID: 21070291DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2010.02127.xGoogle 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.

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

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