Phenotypic characterisation and production system of the Nordestino horse from a multivariate perspective.
Abstract: Zootechnical data is a big challenge in the extensive rearing system of Brazilian locally adapted breeds once smallholdings with limited resources and funds rear them. So, information on Brazil's breeding system of locally adapted breeds is still scarce; this situation is more challenging for equine breeds. The present study aimed to describe the local rearing systems and the phenotypic profile of the Nordestino horse breed in Paraíba state and contribute to breed conservation. Data from males (entire and castrated) and females from 50 municipalities in Paraíba state were used. Two hundred sixty-nine animals (111 females, 121 castrated males, and 37 entire males) from 129 breeders were analyzed. A questionnaire consisting of direct and objective questions was applied to understand the breeding system adopted. There was a predominance of the extensive breeding system (85%), which reflects the adaptation of the Nordestino Horse to the region's natural conditions. The lower frequency of use of cultivated pastures may be related to issues of economic viability since the maintenance of cultivated pastures may require additional investments compared to the use of natural pastures. Entire males had a minimum withers height (WH) of 135 cm. Of the 11 morphometric measurements, only five were considered discriminating by the stepwise analysis. The remaining Nordestino horses have morphological characteristics within the breed standard.
© 2024. The Author(s).
Publication Date: 2024-01-12 PubMed ID: 38216575PubMed Central: PMC10786842DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-51018-yGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research study provides an overview of the rearing systems and phenotypic profile of the locally adapted Nordestino horse breed in Brazil’s Paraíba state. The findings contribute to the conservation of the breed and shed light on its adaptation to the region’s conditions.
Study Background and Objectives
- This research focuses on identifying and understanding the breeding systems used for the Nordestino horse breed in the state of Paraíba in Brazil.
- There is limited information on the breeding systems and phenotypic profile of locally adapted breeds in Brazil, especially horses. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap and contribute towards the breed’s conservation.
Research Method
- Data for this study was gathered from males (both entire and castrated) as well as females from 50 municipalities in Paraíba.
- In total, 269 horses (111 females, 121 castrated males, and 37 entire males) belonging to 129 breeders were analyzed.
- The researchers used a questionnaire with direct objective questions to gather data on the breeding system being used for these horses.
Key Findings of the Study
- An extensive breeding system was predominantly used, practiced by 85% of the respondents – this indicates the adaptability of the Nordestino horse to the region’s natural conditions.
- The use of cultivated pastures was less frequent, likely due to economic reasons, as maintaining such pastures might entail additional investments compared to using natural pastures.
- In terms of phenotypic profile and morphological measurements, entire male Nordestino horses had a minimum withers height of 135 cm.
- Out of 11 morphometric measurements considered in the study, only five were deemed discriminating by the stepwise analysis – indicating a typical standard within the breed.
Significance of the Research
- This study is essential in providing a clearer understanding of the breeding practices and phenotypic characteristics of the Nordestino horse breed in Paraíba.
- The information helps in preserving the breed and gives insight into its adaptation to its natural environment.
- Finding and documenting such data may aid in better planning and strategy designing for breed conservation.
Cite This Article
APA
Ribeiro NL, de Medeiros GR, da Silva NMV, Soares KO, Arandas JKG, do Nascimento GV, Ribeiro MN.
(2024).
Phenotypic characterisation and production system of the Nordestino horse from a multivariate perspective.
Sci Rep, 14(1), 1173.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-51018-y Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Pesquisador bolsista PCI/CNPq do Instituto Nacional do Semiárido - INSA, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. neilalr@hotmail.com.
- Pesquisador do Instituto Nacional do Semiárido - INSA, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
- Pesquisador bolsista PCI/CNPq do Instituto Nacional do Semiárido - INSA, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
- Pesquisador bolsista PCI/CNPq do Instituto Nacional do Semiárido - INSA, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
- Pesquisador bolsista PCI/CNPq do Instituto Nacional do Semiárido - INSA, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
MeSH Terms
- Male
- Female
- Animals
- Horses
- Allergens
- Body Weights and Measures
- Brazil
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no competing interests.
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