Genetic relationship between Neck and Limb defects in Pura Raza Española Horses
Background: Neck and limb conformational defects can impair functionality and performance in Pura Raza Espa˜ nola (PRE) horses. However, their potential genetic relationship has not been previously explored. Aims/Objectives: To estimate the genetic correlations between two types of neck defects (Cre...
| Autores: | , , , , , |
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| Formato: | artículo |
| Estado: | Versión publicada |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Recursos: | Universidad de Sevilla (US) |
| Repositorio: | idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:dnet:idus________::b7538a61cc46a1b37db61e575cbafa04 |
| Acesso em linha: | https://hdl.handle.net/11441/186081 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105630 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palavra-chave: | Equine Genetic correlations Genetic selection Leg defects Morphological defects |
| Resumo: | Background: Neck and limb conformational defects can impair functionality and performance in Pura Raza Espa˜ nola (PRE) horses. However, their potential genetic relationship has not been previously explored. Aims/Objectives: To estimate the genetic correlations between two types of neck defects (Cresty neck -CN-, Ewe neck -EN-) and twelve conformational limb defects: Forelimb (Buck knee -BUK-, Calf knee -CK-, Bench knee -BEK- , Knock knee -KK-, Splay-footed forelimb -SFF-, Pigeon-toed forelimb -PTF-), rear limb (Closed hock -CH-, Open hock -OH-, Convergent hock -CVH-, Divergent hock -DVH-, Splay-footed rear limb -SFR-, Pigeon-toed rear limb -PTR-). We hypothesized that a genetic relationship exists between neck and limb morphology. Methods: This study analyzed 56,644 PRE horses evaluated between 2012 and 2023. Neck and limb conformation traits were scored using two approaches: A) two-class scale (0-no defect, 1-presence of defect); B) three-class scale for limb defects (0-no defect, 1-slight defect, 2-serious defect) and four-class scale for neck defects (0-no defect, 1-slight defect, 2-serious defect, 3-disqualifying defect). Genetic parameters were estimated, including age as a covariate, and sex, genetic origin, management of breeder’s stud farm and inbreeding as fixed effects. Results: The most frequent limb defect among horses with neck defects was SFR (80.15 % in CN and 72.45 % in EN). Genetic correlations showed moderate relationships, ranging from -0.22(s.d.: 0.090) for EN-SFR to 0.44(s.d.: 0.123) for CN-DVH in approach A, and oscillating from -0.25(s.d.: 0.028) for CNCVH to 0.51(s.d.: 0.228) for CN-SFF in approach B. Conclusion: Results support the need for integrated selection strategies targeting both anatomical regions. |
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