China Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (1): 238-248.doi: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2025.01.021

• Genetics and Breeding • Previous Articles    

Construction of Specific Genetic Markers for Tibetan Horses Through Population Structure Analysis of Global Domestic Horses

WANG Xintong1,2, ZHANG Yanli2, GONG Ying2, LIU Xuexue2, JIANG Lin2, MA Yuehui2, LIU Shuqin2, PU Yabin1   

  1. 1. College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China;
    2. Institute of Animal Science of CAAS, Beijing 100193, China
  • Received:2024-05-15 Published:2024-12-30

Abstract: 【Objective】 This study was aimed to construct specific genetic markers for Tibetan horses based on the analysis of the population structure and genetic diversity of domestic horses,so as to provide a theoretical basis for identification of Tibetan horses. 【Method】 This study conducted population structure and genetic diversity analysis of global domestic horses and construct specific genetic markers for Tibetan horses utilizing genome sequences data of 404 horses from 47 breeds. 【Result】 The whole-genome resequencing yielded a total of 8 917 800 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).The results of the global domestic horse population structure analysis revealed significant ancestral genetic differences between Shetland ponies and other groups.The population genetic diversity analysis indicated that compared with Middle Eastern,European and American horses,as well as other Asian horse breeds,which had experienced strong selective breeding pressure and consequently a decrease in genetic diversity,Chinese domestic horses had maintained good genetic diversity.A set of 110 SNPs specific markers for Tibetan horses was constructed,which could effectively distinguish Tibetan horses from other domestic horses worldwide,with an identification accuracy rate of 100%. 【Conclusion】 In summary,the global domestic horse population structure was complex.Western horse populations had more similar genetic backgrounds and lower genetic diversity,whereas Chinese domestic horses possessed higher genetic diversity,offering greater breeding potential.The specific genetic markers for Tibetan horses developed in this study provided a theoretical basis for the identification of Tibetan horse breeds worldwide and offered new technical support for the conservation and development of local Chinese horse breeds.

Key words: domestic horses; Tibetan horse; population structure; genetic diversity; genetic markers

CLC Number: