Genetic relationship between Neck and Limb defects in Pura Raza Española
Horses.
Abstract
Background: Defects affecting the horse’s neck and limb
conformation can negatively impact a horse’s performance and suitability
for equestrian activities. Objectives: to assess the prevalence
of the simultaneous occurrence of defects in the limbs and neck and to
estimate the genetic correlations between these defects Study
design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Prevalence and
genetic correlations between 12 conformational limb defects and 2 neck
defects were analyzed in 56644 Pura Raza Española horses. Different
approaches were used: A) two-class for neck and limb defects (0-no
defect, 1-presence of defect); B) three-class for limb defects (0-no
defect, 1-slight defect, 2-serious defect) and four-class for neck
defects (0-no defect, 1-slight defect, 2-serious defect, 3-disqualifying
defect). Genetic correlations between conformational defects were
estimated using a multivariate animal model within a Bayesian framework
with the BLUPF90 software family, including age as a covariate, and
gender, coat color, management of breeder’s stud farm and inbreeding as
fixed effects Results: The most prevalent limb defect in horses
affected with Cresty neck (CN) and Ewe neck (EN) was Splay-footed rear
limb (SFR) (80.2% and 72.5%, respectively). The genetic correlations
ranged from -0.22 + 0.090 for EN- SFR to 0.44 + 0.123 for
CN-Divergent hock, and in approach B, -0.25 + 0.028 for CN-Convergent
hock to 0.51 + 0.228 for CN- Splay-footed forelimb Main
limitations: The veterinarians responsible for evaluating the horses
are unknown. Data were only collected once during the animal’s lifetime,
making it impossible to determine how the defects evolved over time.
Conclusions: This study revealed a moderate relationship
between limb and neck defects, emphasizing the need for meticulous
planning to improve these defects in the PRE breed.