Implementation of Optimum Contributions Selection in endangered local breeds: the case of the Menorca Horse population

Abstract

Limiting the inbreeding rate (∆F) while maximizing genetic gain for any trait of economic interest is especially important in small populations of local breeds, like the Menorca Horse. In this breed, dressage performance is important for the profitability of the breed and should be accounted in the selection criterion. The aim of this study was to assess if a breeding programme aiming at improved dressage performance is feasible in such a small breed. To perform the analysis, animals that were currently available for breeding (between 3 and 20 years) were used. Selection was based on the estimated breeding values for dressage obtained by BLUP. The pedigree and molecular coancestry between potential breeding horses was used (separately or in combination) to account for the restriction on ∆F. Results show that it is possible to avoid large increases in inbreeding while obtaining acceptable levels of genetic gain (i.e. a ∆F of 1% would imply a maximum loss in genetic gain of 2%). Thus, the Menorca Horse population is suitable for a management procedure which jointly optimizes the response to selection and the levels of variability and inbreeding (Optimal Contribution selection). Regarding the source of information used to calculate the relationships, molecular information would provide a greater range of solutions to increase genetic gain than using pedigree coancestry (gain was 1-4% higher for the same levels of restriction on the increase in inbreeding).

Morphological and genetic diversity of Pura Raza Español horse with regard to the coat colour

“…Lipizzaner (Zechner et al, 2001), but lower than in another grey breed such as Old Kladruby (Petlachová et al, 2012). On the contrary, MM values in chestnut and black subpopulations were higher than in other same coated breeds such as Arabian Purebred (Cervantes et al, 2009) and Menorca Purebred (Solé, Valera, Gómez, Cervantes, & Fernández, 2013). Besides, bay PRE MM results were lower than in other bay populations such as Dutch Warmblood,…”

“…Our results showed that PRE MM values differed depending on coat colour; they were higher in the grey PRE group compared with the other grey breeds with common origins such as Lipizzaner (Zechner et al., ), but lower than in another grey breed such as Old Kladruby (Petlachová et al., ). On the contrary, MM values in chestnut and black subpopulations were higher than in other same coated breeds such as Arabian Purebred (Cervantes et al., ) and Menorca Purebred (Solé, Valera, Gómez, Cervantes, & Fernández, ). Besides, bay PRE MM results were lower than in other bay populations such as Dutch Warmblood, Hanoverian, Oldenburg and Trakehner (Brooks, Makvandi‐Nejad, et al., ).…”

Genetic parameters estimation in an Italian horse native breed to support the conversion from agricultural uses to riding purposes

“…Since local breeds are nowadays recognized as an important part of biodiversity, conservation efforts have been attempted to save endangered breeds. Within the framework of breed conservation, several studies have explored genetic diversity to safeguard breed integrity (Ablondi, Vasini, Beretti, Superchi, & Sabbioni, ; Dorji, Tamang, Tshewang, Dorji, & Dorji, ; Druml, Baumung, & Sölkner, ; Onogi, Shirai, & Amano, ; Senju et al, ; Solé, Valera, Gómez, Cervantes, & Fernández, ). However, there is a scarcity of research on genetic parameters estimation in local horse breeds, even though they could be used to create new genetic indices and be used to exploit the unique value of those breeds.…”

Estimation of genetic parameters for morphological and functional traits in a Menorca horse population

“…Stallions mainly participate in exhibitions, festivals and equestrian exercises, especially dressage, which is a tough test of their functional skills, especially in a type of dressage called "Menorca Dressage". The recovery of the traditional festivities where the horse is involved and its skills for Menorca Dressage have helped the Menorca horse population to gradually increase its census (Solé et al, 2013).…”