Whole-Genome Signatures of Selection in Sport Horses Revealed Selection Footprints Related to Musculoskeletal System Development Processes.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research investigates the genetic changes brought about by selective breeding in sport horses. It identifies regions within their genomes that have been influenced by this breeding, particularly presenting an emphasis on processes related to the development of the musculoskeletal system.
Research Aim
The goal of the research was to identify genomic regions and biological pathways under selective pressures in sport horses. This is to understand how breeding strategies employed over the course of history have altered the sport horse genome.
Methodology
- The research used whole-genome sequences from 16 modern sport horses and 35 non-sport horses. This comparison between sport and non-sport horse genomes allows researchers to isolate genomic signals associated specifically with sport performance.
- The researchers applied three different scientific methods to their analysis: fixation index, nucleotide diversity, and Tajima’s D approaches.
- The fixation index measures population differentiation due to genetic structure. It can be used to identify areas of the genome under selective pressure.
- Nucleotide diversity is a measure of genetic variation within a population. It can be used to identify regions of the genome that have undergone selection because these areas often show lower diversity.
- Tajima’s D is a test of neutrality of mutations. It can identify regions of the genome that have experienced recent selection pressure resulting in skewed mutation rates.
Findings
- A total of 49 shared genes were identified across the genomes of sport horses using the above methods. These genes are likely to have undergone genetic changes based on breeding practices that favor sport performance traits.
- The findings suggest that selective pressure is evident in genes associated with the musculoskeletal system’s development, highlighting processes such as limb development and morphogenesis. This indicates that breeding strategies have targeted these aspects to enhance physical attributes beneficial for sport horses, like strength, speed, and endurance.
Conclusions
This research provides valuable insights into the genomic impact of selective breeding on sport horses. By identifying and understanding how selection pressures have acted on their genomes, it can help pinpoint what biological processes and traits have been emphasized in their development over time. Notably, these findings further reinforce the perception of selective breeding as a potent force in shaping physical characteristics needed for sporting performance in horses.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran.
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran.
- Department of Animal Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan 4537138791, Iran.
- Department of Biotechnology, Animal Science Research Institute of Iran (ASRI), Agricultural Research, Education & Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj 3146618361, Iran.
- Department of Pathobiology, Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG2W1, Canada.
- Select Sires Inc., Plain City, OH 43064, USA.
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N5E3, Canada.
Conflict of Interest Statement
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