| 1. |
- Fegraeus, K. Jaderkvist, et al.
(författare)
-
Different DMRT3 Genotypes Are Best Adapted for Harness Racing and Riding in Finnhorses
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Journal of Heredity. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0022-1503 .- 1465-7333. ; 106:6, s. 734-740
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Previous studies showed a positive effect of the DMRT3 "gait keeper" mutation on harness racing performance in Standardbreds, French-, and Nordic trotters. The mutation has also been shown to influence riding traits in multiple breeds. This study investigated the effect of the DMRT3 mutation on harness racing performance and riding traits in Finnhorses. Finnhorses used for harness racing (n = 180) and for riding (n = 59) were genotyped for the DMRT3 mutation. For the trotters the genotypes were evaluated for association with racing performance (number of starts, victories, placings, earnings, and race times). At 3-6 years of age the AA genotype was superior compared with the CA and CC genotypes. The AA horses had a significantly higher proportion of victories (P = 1.4 x 10(-6)) and placings (P = 4.1 x 10(-7)), better race times (P = 0.01), and earned more money (P = 0.009) compared with C-horses. For the Finnhorses used for riding the owners answered a questionnaire to score how well the horse performed the gaits walk, trot, and canter on a scale from 1 to 6. These scores were tested for association with the DMRT3 genotypes. Although AA horses were more successful as racehorses, the CC and CA horses appear more adapted for classical riding disciplines. The AA horses received significantly lower gait scores compared with C-horses for the majority of gaits. Except for rhythm in extended canter (P = 0.05), there were no significant differences between CA and CC horses. This study shows that there are different optimal genotypes for different disciplines and the DMRT3 mutation clearly influences gaits and performance in Finnhorses.
|
|
| 2. |
- Velie, Brandon, et al.
(författare)
-
Frequencies of polymorphisms in myostatin vary in Icelandic horses according to the use of the horses
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Animal Genetics. - : Wiley. - 0268-9146 .- 1365-2052. ; 46, s. 467-468
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The recent association of the myostatin gene (MSTN) with best race distance has provided valuable insight into the influence of MSTN on racing performance. However, the importance of MSTN in horses is unlikely to be limited to racing performance. First described in mice, the effects of mutations in MSTN have long been associated with heavily muscled cattle. In cattle, some of the morphological variability between breeds can be attributed to MSTN and its effects on muscle fiber development. As such, it is highly probable that MSTN polymorphisms influence not only racing performance, but also the general use of a horse or breed. This variability would likely be reflected in the genotype frequencies of horses used for specific purposes, as certain genotypes would undoubtedly yield more desirable phenotypes. The aim of this study was to explore this idea by estimating the genotype frequencies of three SNPs in MSTN in the Icelandic horse breed, a breed traditionally used for both meat production and riding.
|
|
| 3. |
|
|
| 4. |
- Velie, Brandon, et al.
(författare)
-
Horses: an underutilized animal model
- 2015
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Horses provide an opportunity to study unique phenotypes that can lead to fundamental biological insights as well as help to decipher mechanisms underlying biological and disease processes. At present, we have three horse projects with preliminary results that may serve as models for investigating gene functions in mammals.A GWAS of equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), an allergic recurrent seasonal dermatitis classed as a type I and type IV hypersensitive reaction, suggests the importance of two genomic regions on Chromosome 8 (ECA8). An increased knowledge of the genes involved in the manifestation of IBH is expected to not only improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of equine IBH, but may also broaden our understanding of the biology underlying type I and type IV hypersensitive reactions across species.Observed in a wide range of species including humans, a second project concerns polydactyly, a genetic defect that presents as an increased number of digits. Preliminary analyses of a family of ponies suggest a recessive mode of inheritance in horses. Through whole-genome re-sequencing of this family (n=5) we aimed to confirm this mode of inheritance and identify the causative locus.Additionally, Delta F STanalyses of harness racing breeds have identified specific candidate regions that harbor genes selected for athletic performance. These regions contain genes known to be involved in energy metabolism and cell growth. Genes that regulate energy metabolism and other biological processes that impact racing performance have the potential to improve our understanding of metabolic defects and diseases in horses as well as in other species.At the meeting we will present results from the three aforementioned studies and comment on the fact that in some circumstances the horse may provide unique knowledge of biological pathways that may not otherwise be fully understood.
|
|
| 5. |
|
|
| 6. |
|
|
