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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2026; 16(8); 1190; doi: 10.3390/ani16081190

Morphometric Characterization and Preliminary Heritability Estimates of Body Measurements in the Polish Konik Populations.

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the morphometric diversity of 172 Polish Koniks from the largest Polish breeding centers and to assess their genetic diversity by estimating the effective population size () and heritabilities () of the studied traits. The animals were bred under a stable housing system. Horses of both sexes aged 3 to 24 years were analyzed. Each horse was characterized with 40 metric traits. Multifactorial analyses (PCA, DA) and the REML method were applied to reveal the exterior differentiation and the development of distinct morphometric types. The findings established that the metric traits with high discriminant power include sections constituting segments of limbs. The elongation of segments, especially the pelvic limb-which serves a driving function-may be associated with deliberate breeding efforts aimed at improving the motor abilities of these horses. Estimates of heritability were high for eight traits, including sternal height ( = 0.81) and withers height ( = 0.75), while the effective population size was = 651. Although estimated with large standard errors due to the limited number of individuals studied, these results indicate the possibility of effectively conducting the genetic part of the conservation program for this breed. Koniks are a conservative breed, which creates an obligation for a comprehensive assessment of their current suitability for various forms of saddle and light draft use. Research using the methodology presented in this paper is worth repeating regularly to provide particularly valuable insights from a long-term perspective.
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Publication Date: 2026-04-14 PubMed ID: 42071957PubMed Central: PMC13114266DOI: 10.3390/ani16081190Google 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.

Overview

  • This research characterizes the physical body measurements of the Polish Konik horse breed and estimates the genetic factors influencing these traits, aiming to understand their diversity and potential for breeding improvements.

Study Objectives

  • To demonstrate the morphometric diversity of 172 Polish Konik horses from major Polish breeding centers.
  • To assess genetic diversity by estimating the effective population size and heritability of various body measurements.

Subjects and Data Collection

  • 172 Polish Konik horses were studied, including both sexes, aged 3 to 24 years.
  • Horses were bred under a stable housing system to ensure consistent environmental conditions.
  • Each individual was characterized by 40 metric body traits, focusing on detailed external measurements.

Methodology

  • Multifactorial analyses including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Discriminant Analysis (DA) were applied to explore exterior differentiation and to identify distinct morphometric types within the breed.
  • The Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method was used to estimate heritability of the studied traits, which helps in understanding how much of the variation in these traits can be attributed to genetics.
  • Effective population size (Ne), a key indicator of genetic diversity and breeding viability, was estimated.

Key Findings

  • Metric traits related to limb segments were found to have high discriminant power, meaning these traits effectively differentiate individuals and groups within the population.
  • The elongation of the pelvic limb, which is important for locomotion and driving force, may have been influenced by deliberate breeding to enhance motor abilities.
  • Eight traits showed high heritability, which suggests that these traits are strongly controlled by genetic factors. Notably:
    • Sternal height had a heritability estimate (h²) of 0.81.
    • Withers height had a heritability estimate of 0.75.
  • The effective population size was estimated at 651, indicating a moderate genetic diversity within the population.
  • Even though the heritability estimates came with large standard errors due to sample size limitations, they still provide promising insights for genetic conservation programs.

Implications and Recommendations

  • High heritability in key traits implies that selective breeding can effectively improve desired physical characteristics in Polish Koniks.
  • The effective population size suggests the population is large enough to sustain genetic health, but continuous monitoring is important.
  • Polish Koniks are a conservative breed, important for both conservation and practical uses such as saddle or light draft work.
  • The authors recommend regular repetition of this morphometric and genetic research methodology to track long-term trends and maintain the breed’s suitability for various uses.

Cite This Article

APA
Pasicka E, Sobek Z, Wierzbicki H, Różańska-Zawieja J, Nienartowicz-Zdrojewska A. (2026). Morphometric Characterization and Preliminary Heritability Estimates of Body Measurements in the Polish Konik Populations. Animals (Basel), 16(8), 1190. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16081190

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 8
PII: 1190

Researcher Affiliations

Pasicka, Edyta
  • Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 1/3, 51-631 Wroclaw, Poland.
Sobek, Zbigniew
  • Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wołyńska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland.
Wierzbicki, Heliodor
  • Department of Genetics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, 51-631 Wroclaw, Poland.
Różańska-Zawieja, Jolanta
  • Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wołyńska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland.
Nienartowicz-Zdrojewska, Anna
  • Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wołyńska 33, 60-637 Poznan, Poland.

Grant Funding

  • NN 31137013 / Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education
  • Grant/I/17/2008. / European Social Fund and the Lower Silesian Voivodeship budget in framework of the Human Capital Operational Programme

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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