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Genetic relationship between Neck and Limb defects in Pura Raza Española Horses.
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  • Maria Ripollés-Lobo,
  • Davinia Isabel Perdomo-González,
  • Rute Santos,
  • M.J. Sánchez-Guerrero,
  • Pedro Azor,
  • Mercedes Valera
Maria Ripollés-Lobo
Universidad de Sevilla Escuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieria Agronomica

Corresponding Author:marriplob@alum.us.es

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Davinia Isabel Perdomo-González
Universidad Complutense de Madrid Facultad de Veterinaria
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Rute Santos
Instituto Politecnico de Portalegre Escola Superior Agraria de Elvas
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M.J. Sánchez-Guerrero
Universidad de Sevilla Escuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieria Agronomica
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Pedro Azor
Real Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española(ANCCE
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Mercedes Valera
Universidad de Sevilla Escuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieria Agronomica
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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.
19 Dec 2024Submitted to Equine Veterinary Journal
19 Dec 2024Submission Checks Completed
19 Dec 2024Assigned to Editor
19 Dec 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Dec 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned