Mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequence variation among 5 maternal lines of the Zemaitukai horse breed

E Gus Cothran,Vale Macijauskiene,Rytis Juras

doi:10.1590/s1415-47572005000500006

E Gus Cothran, Vale Macijauskiene + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1415-47572005000500006

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Abstract

Genetic variation in Zemaitukai horses was investigated using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing. The study was performed on 421 bp of the mitochondrial DNA control region, which is known to be more variable than other sections of the mitochondrial genome. Samples from each of the remaining maternal family lines of Zemaitukai horses and three random samples for other Lithuanian (Lithuanian Heavy Draught, Zemaitukai large type) and ten European horse breeds were sequenced. Five distinct haplotypes were obtained for the five Zemaitukai maternal families supporting the pedigree data. The minimal difference between two different sequence haplotypes was 6 and the maximal 11 nucleotides in Zemaitukai horse breed. A total of 20 nucleotide differences compared to the reference sequence were found in Lithuanian horse breeds. Genetic cluster analysis did not shown any clear pattern of relationship among breeds of different type.

Highlights

Until recently conservation efforts have focused on wild species, but domesticated animals are recognized as an important part of biodiversity and more efforts to save rare breeds are made
Sequence analysis of 421bp revealed five different haplotypes in the Zemaitukai horse breed supporting the presumed maternal pedigree lineages for existing horses
A total of 20 nucleotide differences compared to the reference sequence were found in Lithuanian horse breed

Summary

Introduction

Until recently conservation efforts have focused on wild species, but domesticated animals are recognized as an important part of biodiversity and more efforts to save rare breeds are made. We present a study designed to examine the validity of the breed pedigree, measure mtDNA diversity, and examine interbreed relationships, as this information could be useful in conservation and management of this rare horse breed. In order to determine phylogenetic relationship three random samples from Finn horse (FH), Gotland (GT), Hanovarian (HA), Holstein (HO), Hucul (HU), Polish Heavy (PH), Wielkopolski (PI), Polish Primative (PO), Posavina (PV) and Trakehner (TK) breeds were sequenced.

Results

Conclusion