Abstract
Genetic variation at 7 blood-group and 10 biochemical genetic loci was examined in 30 horses from a feral herd from the Namib Desert of Namibia, Africa. The observed genetic variability was extremely low compared with that found in domestic horse breeds. The low variation was most probably a result of recent small population size and a small founding population size. Genetic comparison of the Namib horses, which were of unknown origins, to domestic horse breeds, showed that the Namib horses had the highest genetic similarity to Arabian type horses, although they did not closely resemble this type of horse in conformation.
Highlights
Feral horse populations frequently live in harsh environments, because they are forced into these areas to prevent competition with grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep
In this study we examine genetic variation in the Namib horses based on 7 blood-group and 10 biochemical genetic loci
One variant observed at the Pi locus (P–q in Table 1) is, in our experience, unique, as we have not seen it in any other horse breed
Summary
Feral horse populations frequently live in harsh environments, because they are forced into these areas to prevent competition with grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep. The horse population is concentrated around a well (the Garub water hole, the only permanent source of water in the area) about 20 km from the village of Aus in Namibia[22]. No written records exist, the horses are known to have been in this area for at least 80 years and appear to have adapted well to these difficult conditions. During favourable years the horses appear to be in good condition and show evidence of being well-bred, quality horses, they show evidence of stress in dry years. According to Greyling[10] and Rutherford and Westfall[18], the area where the horses are found varies in topology, geology and climate. The surface of the region varies aDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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