Genetic characterization of Akhal-Teke horse subpopulations using 17 microsatellite loci

Abstract

Akhal-Teke is the ancient cultural horse breed of oriental origin. The study of genetic features different subpopulations of Akhal-Teke breed was carried out on 17 loci of DNA microsatellites (VHL20, HTG4, AHT4, HMS7, HTG6, AHT5, HMS6, ASB23, ASB2, HTG10, HTG7, HMS3, HMS2, ASB17, LEX3, HMS1 and CA425) to assess their genetic differentiation. The results of DNA typing of 5457 Akhal-Teke horses on 17 microsatellite loci show that gene pool of world population is represented by 121 alleles, among which 98 are found in all countries. Comparative analysis of genotypes of horses representing different subpopulations indicates that they differ in the number of alleles (100-117), allele frequencies, the level of polymorphism Ae (3.40-3.91) and the degree of observed heterozygosity Ho (0.661-0.724). The genetic distances between the subpopulations varied in range from 0.007 (Russia – CIS) to 0.051 (Czechia – Turkmenistan). Correspondence to HWE was maintained in all countries, which confirms the negative value Fis. Genetic options of the Akhal-Teke by index Fst varied in a range 0.001 -0.078 at the mean value Fst=0.022. Cluster analysis demonstrated more close relationship between Russian, CIS and European subpopulations.