Non-Synonymous Substitutions in Cadherin 13, Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 4, and Monoamine Oxidase A Genes are Associated with Personality Traits in Thoroughbred Horses.
Abstract: Retraining retired racehorses for various purposes can help correct behavioral issues. However, ensuring efficiency and preventing accidents present global challenges. Based on the hypothesis that a simple personality assessment could help address these challenges, the present study aimed to identify genetic markers associated with personality. Eight genes were selected from 18 personality-related candidate genes that are orthologs of human personality genes, and their association with personality was verified based on actual behavior. A total of 169 Thoroughbred horses were assessed for their tractability (questionnaire concerning tractability in 14 types of situations and 3 types of impressions) during the training process. Personality factors were extracted from the data using principal component analysis and analyzed for their association with single nucleotide variants as non-synonymous substitutions in the target genes. Three genes, CDH13, SLC6A4, and MAOA, demonstrated significant associations based on simple linear regression, marking the identification of these genes for the first time as contributors to temperament in Thoroughbred horses. All these genes, as well as the previously identified HTR1A, are involved in the serotonin neurotransmitter system, suggesting that the tractability of horses may be correlated with their social personality. Assessing the genotypes of these genes before retraining is expected to prevent problems in the development of a racehorse's second career and shorten the training period through individual customization of training methods, thereby improving racehorse welfare.
© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Publication Date: 2024-06-10 PubMed ID: 38856811PubMed Central: 5623013DOI: 10.1007/s10519-024-10186-xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research paper analyzes the genetic markers associated with personality traits in Thoroughbred horses, in an attempt to tailor racehorse retraining by understanding their behavior better. People may be able to better manage and train retired racehorses, improving the animals’ welfare, if they further understand the role of the genetic markers identified in this study, namely CDH13, SLC6A4, and MAOA genes.
Objectives and Hypothesis of the Research
- The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic markers that may influence a horse’s personality and behavior. The researchers aimed to simplify the retraining process of retired Thoroughbred horses by pinpointing these genetic influences on behavior.
- The hypothesis presented was that a basic personality assessment could aid in mitigating the global challenges posed by the retraining process of retired racehorses.
Selection and Verification of Genes
- Eight genes were selected from an original pool of 18 personality-associated candidate genes. These candidate genes were chosen because they had similar counterparts in human genes that influenced personality.
- The genes’ association with personality traits was verified through assessments of the horses’ real-time behavior.
Personality Analysis of Thoroughbred Horses
- The researchers studied 169 thoroughbred horses assessing their tractability through a questionnaire which recorded their reactions in 14 different situations and to 3 types of impressions.
- Additional investigation of the personality factors was achieved by using principal component analysis. The researchers then analyzed the relationship between these factors and single nucleotide variants or non-synonymous substitutions in the target genes.
Identification of Genetic Markers and their Associations
- Three genes – Cadherin 13 (CDH13), Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 4 (SLC6A4), and Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA) – demonstrated significant associations with the horses’ personality traits according to a simple linear regression analysis. This marks the first time these genes have been associated with temperament in Thoroughbred horses.
- All identified genes, including another previously discovered gene known as HTR1A, are involved in the serotonin neurotransmitter system. This finding suggests a correlation between the horses’ social personalities and their tractability or responsiveness to handling and training.
Projecting the Practical Applications
- The finding expects that, with these genotypes’ assessments before retraining, the second career development problems in racehorses may be prevented. This process can also help in shortening the training period by customizing training techniques per individual horse based on their identified personality factors.
- This approach will aid in better horse management, accelerate retraining timelines and ultimately improve the welfare of the horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Yokomori T, Tozaki T, Ohnuma A, Ishimaru M, Sato F, Hori Y, Segawa T, Itou T.
(2024).
Non-Synonymous Substitutions in Cadherin 13, Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 4, and Monoamine Oxidase A Genes are Associated with Personality Traits in Thoroughbred Horses.
Behav Genet.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10519-024-10186-x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan.
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan. ttozaki@lrc.or.jp.
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan.
- Japan Racing Association, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Urakawa, Hokkaido, Japan.
- Japan Racing Association, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Urakawa, Hokkaido, Japan.
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan.
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Nihon University Veterinary Research Center, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan. itou.takuya@nihon-u.ac.jp.
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