Genomics in the Horse Industry: Discovering New Questions at Every Turn

Unlocking Horse Y Chromosome Diversity

“…However, the information included in studbooks is not always error free, and genetic analyses are essential for an accurate characterization of patrilines in a breed [ 77 ]. Indeed, for horses, as for many other species, it is crucial to know the animal’s founders; thus, today, the accuracy of pedigrees recorded in modern horse studbook/registries is based on the parentage verification [ 123 ].…”

“…These analyses could ensure the accuracy of studbook data and prevent the loss of genetic diversity, thus representing a crucial factor for the preservation and management of indigenous breeds. In any case, the results of molecular analysis depend on the sample received from individuals which could tamper with the material to have a specific result [ 123 ]. As many horse breeds were improved with the Arabian Horse, this breed was subject to accurate molecular analyses.…”

“…Furthermore, the contribution from these three stallions to the genome of an English Thoroughbred is probably overestimated [ 127 ], and even if Arabian and English Thoroughbred breeds share a common ancestry that has not been deepened, there is a small proportion of Arabian DNA in the modern Thoroughbred [ 126 , 128 ]. The identification of the prohibited outcrossing (a practice of crossing between different breeds made to introduce distantly related genetic material into a breeding line) in most of Arabian samples created many controversies among breeders and buyers [ 123 ]. Thus, they cannot count on the pedigree of all modern horses to be accurate, and the matter does not concern the qualities of the animal, but rather the violation of breed definitions and the tampering of registries.…”

“…Thus, they cannot count on the pedigree of all modern horses to be accurate, and the matter does not concern the qualities of the animal, but rather the violation of breed definitions and the tampering of registries. Genetic tools could rapidly improve the accuracy of studbooks and registries, tell the history of each horse and also acquire a cultural significance only if based on the integrity of all subjects involved in the equine industry [ 123 ].…”

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure among Arabian Horse Genealogical Lineages in Bulgaria

“…Among over 500 famous horse breeds in the world [8,9], the Arabian horse is one of the oldest light, warm-blooded horse breeds [10][11][12]. The origin of Arabian horse is well documented [13][14][15]. According to archaeological evidence, the first horse bones appeared in burials on Syrian sites during the Akkad period (c. 2350-2150 BC) in the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex or Oxus Civilization (c. 2100-1800) in southern Central Asia [16,17].…”