Genetic variability in the Skyros pony and its relationship with other Greek and foreign horse breeds

Abstract

In Greece, seven native horse breeds have been identified so far. Among these, the Skyros pony is outstanding through having a distinct phenotype. In the present study, the aim was to assess genetic diversity in this breed, by using different types of genetic loci and available genealogical information. Its relationships with the other Greek, as well as foreign, domestic breeds were also investigated. Through microsatellite and pedigree analysis it appeared that the Skyros presented a similar level of genetic diversity to the other European breeds. Nevertheless, comparisons between DNA-based and pedigree-based results revealed that a loss of genetic diversity had probably already occurred before the beginning of breed registration. Tests indicated the possible existence of a recent bottleneck in two of the three main herds of Skyros pony. Nonetheless, relatively high levels of heterozygosity and Polymorphism Information Content indicated sufficient residual genetic variability, probably useful in planning future strategies for breed conservation. Three other Greek breeds were also analyzed. A comparison of these with domestic breeds elsewhere, revealed the closest relationships to be with the Middle Eastern types, whereas the Skyros itself remained isolated, without any close relationship, whatsoever.

Major inconsistencies of inferred population genetic structure estimated in a large set of domestic horse breeds using microsatellites

“…Most studies of horses that have utilized STRUCTURE have examined a small number of breeds, often from a specific geographic locality (Barcaccia et al, 2013; Berber et al, 2014; Bömcke, Gengler, & Cothran, 2011; Conant et al, 2012; Cothran et al, 2011; Galov et al, 2013; Janova et al, 2013; Khanshour, Conant, et al, 2013; Khanshour et al, 2015; Koban et al, 2012; Kusza et al, 2013; Lopes et al, 2015; Mackowski, Mucha, Cholewinski, & Cieslak, 2015; Mujica, 2006; Pablo Gómez et al, 2017; Pires et al, 2016; Prystupa, Juras, Cothran, Buchanan, & Plante, 2012; Rendo, Iriondo, Manzano, & Estonba, 2012; Sereno, Sereno, Vega‐Pla, Kelly, & Bermejo, 2008; Tozaki et al, 2003; Uzans, Lucas, McLeod, & Frasier, 2015). The ∆ K obtained in these studies appeared reasonable for the number of breeds.…”

Morphological and genetic characterization of an emerging Azorean horse breed: the Terceira Pony

“…Microsatellites are accepted as the most suitable molecular markers to investigate breed genetic diversity ( Takezaki and Nei, 1996 ) and differentiation, to estimate the genetic structure of populations ( Pritchard et al, 2000 ) and comprise an attractive potential source of information about population histories and evolutionary processes ( Aberle and Distl, 2004 ). The evaluation of genetic variability is one of the first steps in the process of species genetic conservation aimed at preserving both genetic variability and population viability ( Bömcke et al, 2011 ).…”

Genetic variability of Akhal-Teke horses bred in Italy

“…The breed during the last 100 years has been selected strongly for speed ( Leisson et al, 2011 ). As reported by several authors using protein markers, microsatellites, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) and mitochondrial DNA, the AKH belongs to the clade of Middle Eastern Breeds that includes Arabian, Caspian pony and Turkoman horses ( Cothran, van Dyk & van der Merwe, 2001 ; Luis et al, 2007 ; Bömcke, Gengler & Cothran, 2011 ; Priskin et al, 2010 ; Achilli et al, 2012 ; Petersen et al, 2013 ).…”

“…In the recent past, several molecular markers and techniques have been used to investigate the genetic origin and variability within and across local endangered populations to disclose biodiversity and to support conservation plans ( Cothran, van Dyk & van der Merwe, 2001 ; Bömcke, Gengler & Cothran, 2011 ; Kusza et al, 2013 ).…”