Analyze Diet
Journal of equine veterinary science2020; 93; 103202; doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103202

Variation in the SLC16A1 and the ACOX1 Genes Is Associated with Gallop Racing Performance in Arabian Horses.

Abstract: Arabian horses are not only one of the most ancient breeds in the world, but they are also one of the most appreciated racehorse breeds today. The breed generates attention for their phenomenal endurance ability and their capability for gallop racing. Consequently, genetic testing to select the best individuals is attracting ever increasing interests from the Arabian industry. As such, the aim of this study was to further investigate associations between performance and variation at candidate genes suspected of having a key role in Arabian gallop racing performance. Generalized linear models were fit to test associations between eight candidate gene variants and a variety of gallop racing performance traits in a sample of Arabian racehorses (n = 287). Two genes, solute carrier family 16 member 1 (SLC16A1) and acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), were significantly associated with multiple gallop racing performance traits, whereas another gene, actinin alpha 3 (ACTN3) was associated with best race distance. Previously established associations between these three genes and equine metabolism strongly suggest further investigation of these genes, and their relationship with Arabian horse performance is warranted.
Publication Date: 2020-08-05 PubMed ID: 32972674DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103202Google 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.
  • 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.

The research study investigates the association of specific gene variants (SLC16A1 and ACOX1) with the gallop racing performance of Arabian horses. Two genes were found significantly linked to multiple performance traits, providing a potential basis for further genetic testing.

Objective of the Research

  • The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the performance of Arabian horses in gallop racing and variations in certain genes suspected to play a significant role in this performance.

Methodology

  • The research was conducted using a sample of 287 Arabian racehorses.
  • Eight candidate gene variants, thought to be potentially related to gallop racing performance, were selected and studied.
  • To test for associations between these genes and various performance traits, Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were utilized.

Observations and Findings

  • Out of the eight genes studied, two namely, SLC16A1 (solute carrier family 16 member 1) and ACOX1 (acyl-CoA oxidase 1), showed a significant association with multiple gallop racing performance traits.
  • Another gene known as ACTN3 (actinin alpha 3) appeared to be related to the best racing distance.

Implication of the Findings

  • The significant association of SLC16A1 and ACOX1 genes with multiple performance traits indicates that these two genes may play crucial roles in Arabian horse performance.
  • The relationship of these genes with equine metabolism that is already established in previous studies supports the results of this research and suggests further detailed investigation into these genes.
  • The findings can stimulate the interest of the Arabian horse industry in genetic testing, aiding them in selecting the best individuals for racing.

Cite This Article

APA
Fontanel M, Todd E, Drabbe A, Ropka-Molik K, Stefaniuk-Szmukier M, Myćka G, Velie BD. (2020). Variation in the SLC16A1 and the ACOX1 Genes Is Associated with Gallop Racing Performance in Arabian Horses. J Equine Vet Sci, 93, 103202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103202

Publication

ISSN: 0737-0806
NlmUniqueID: 8216840
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 93
Pages: 103202
PII: S0737-0806(20)30293-8

Researcher Affiliations

Fontanel, Marie
  • Equine Genetics & Genomics Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Agrosup Dijon, Institut national supérieur des sciences agronomiques et de l'alimentation et de l'environnement, Dijon Cedex, France.
Todd, Evelyn
  • Equine Genetics & Genomics Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Drabbe, Alize
  • Equine Genetics & Genomics Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Ropka-Molik, Katarzyna
  • Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice, Poland.
Stefaniuk-Szmukier, Monika
  • Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Kraków, Poland.
Myćka, Grzegorz
  • University of Agriculture in Krakow, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, Kraków, Poland.
Velie, Brandon D
  • Equine Genetics & Genomics Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: brandon.velie@sydney.edu.au.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses / genetics
  • Phenotype

Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Han H, McGivney BA, Allen L, Bai D, Corduff LR, Davaakhuu G, Davaasambuu J, Dorjgotov D, Hall TJ, Hemmings AJ, Holtby AR, Jambal T, Jargalsaikhan B, Jargalsaikhan U, Kadri NK, MacHugh DE, Pausch H, Readhead C, Warburton D, Dugarjaviin M, Hill EW. Common protein-coding variants influence the racing phenotype in galloping racehorse breeds.. Commun Biol 2022 Dec 13;5(1):1320.
    doi: 10.1038/s42003-022-04206-xpubmed: 36513809google scholar: lookup
  2. Önder H, Şen U, Piwczyński D, Kolenda M, Drewka M, Abacı SH, Takma Ç. Comparison of Random Regression Models with Different Order Legendre Polynomials for Genetic Parameter Estimation on Race Completion Speed of Arabian Horses.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Sep 30;12(19).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12192630pubmed: 36230370google scholar: lookup
  3. Myćka G, Musiał AD, Stefaniuk-Szmukier M, Piórkowska K, Ropka-Molik K. Variability of ACOX1 Gene Polymorphisms across Different Horse Breeds with Regard to Selection Pressure.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Nov 27;10(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10122225pubmed: 33260884google scholar: lookup