Genetic diversity of a large set of horse breeds raised in France assessed by microsatellite polymorphism

• Published in: http://www.gsejournal.org
• Main Authors: Leroy , Grégoire (INRA , Jouy-En-Josas (France). UMR 1236 Génétique et Diversité Animales), Callède , Lucille (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy-en-Josas(France). UMR 1236 Génétique et Diversité Animales), Verrier , Etienne (INRA , Jouy-En-Josas (France). UMR 1236 Génétique et Diversité Animales), Meriaux , J-Claude (INRA , Jouy-En-Josas (France). 0774 Laboratoire d'Analyse Génétique pour les Espèces Animales), Ricard , Anne (INRA , Auzeville (France). UR 0631 Station d'Amélioration Génétique des Animaux), Danchin-Burge , Coralie (INRA , Jouy-En-Josas (France). UMR 1236 Génétique et Diversité Animales), Rognon , Xavier (INRA , Jouy-En-Josas (France). UMR 1236 Génétique et Diversité Animales)
• Format: Publication
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: cheval; diversité génétique; genetic diversity; horse

The genetic diversity and structure of horses raised in France were investigated using 11 microsatellite markers and 1679 animals belonging to 34 breeds. Between-breed differences explained about ten per cent of the total genetic diversity (Fst = 0.099). Values of expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.43 to 0.79 depending on the breed. According to genetic relationships, multivariate and structure analyses, breeds could be classified into four genetic differentiated groups: warm-blooded, draught, Nordic and pony breeds. Using complementary maximisation of diversity and aggregate diversity approaches, we conclude that particular efforts should be made to conserve five local breeds, namely the Boulonnais, Landais, Merens, Poitevin and Pottok breeds. .