The genetics of equine osteochondrosis
1Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17p, 30559 Hannover, Germany. ottmar.distl@tiho-hannover.de
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|July 2, 2013
Summary
Osteochondrosis (OC) in horses is a cartilage development issue. Genetic research identifies quantitative trait loci (QTL) and suggests breeding strategies to improve equine musculoskeletal health.
Area of Science:
- Equine genetics
- Orthopedics
- Animal breeding
Background:
- Osteochondrosis (OC) affects growing horses, impacting cartilage development at key joints.
- OC lesions increase the risk of future orthopedic problems in horses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review heritability estimates for equine osteochondrosis.
- To explore genetic selection strategies for reducing OC incidence in horses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of published heritability estimates for OC in Warmblood and Standardbred horses.
- Utilizing whole genome scans with microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL).
- Comparative genomics and next-generation sequencing for deeper genetic insights.
Main Results:
- Heritability estimates for OC range from 0.1-0.4 in threshold models.
- 14 QTL have been identified, with 8 refined using dense marker maps.
- Limited overlap of QTL across different horse breeds was observed.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors significantly influence equine osteochondrosis.
- Genomic selection and breeding value-based schemes are viable options for improving equine health.
- Further research using comparative genomics may elucidate OC's molecular pathogenesis.
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