Abstract
Colombian Paso horses have been classified into four categories based on gait performance: Colombian Paso Fino, Colombian Trocha, Colombian Trocha and Gallop, and Colombian Trot and Gallop. Selective breeding has led to the emergence of the Colombian Paso Fino as a distinct population. We describe the split of the Colombian Paso Horse breed into two genetic and phenotypic differentiated groups using 220,000 pedigree records, 132,637 microsatellites genotypes, 198 mtDNA d-loop haplotypes, and several conformation measurements from 178 horses. The first category, the Colombian Paso Fino subgroup was recognized as a new breed by the Colombian breeders and government since 2017 and the second category consists of the other three subgroups of Colombian Paso horses that perform different gaits and have different conformation traits. The breed splitting has been carried out through increased genetic differentiation between these two populations, mainly by intensive artificial selection on gaits and some anatomical conformation traits related to performance and is revealed by analysis of 30 years of traced genetic data, 60 years of pedigree records, and phenotypic differences. In addition, our phylogenetic reconstruction showed that the Colombian Paso horses have shared an evolutionary history that led to a complex breed origin. Some haplotypes represent an old Iberian haplogroup, even older than the domestication of horses. Finally, this study shows support for the designation of a distinct breed based on the use of genetic information as scientific support to breeding associations and governments for decision making about breeding management, genetic conservation, and genetic improvement.
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Data availability
We have deposited the primary data underlying these analyses as follows: (1) Conformation data is available from the figshare database (accession number 10.6084/m9.figshare.7040066). (2) Mitochondrial d-loop DNA sequences: Genbank accessions MH318582-MH318607. (3) STR and pedigree data not publically available.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the Federación Nacional de Asociaciones Equinas—Fedequinas for providing the pedigree, conformation, hair samples and microsatellite data, and their support during the last years, especially to Beatriz Salgado, Eliana Serrano, Yovanny Avendaño, Enrique Neira, Fabio Jaramillo, Héctor Vergara, Eliseo Cárdenas, Mónica Jimenez and all the members of the Board of Directors who supported this project. In addition, we thank Felipe Jaramillo for obtaining conformation measurements by Fedequinas. Finally, we acknowledge Dr. Gabriella Lindgren, Dr. Cristina Luis, and Dr. Jaime Lira, Mr. Héctor Barriga, and anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments.
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This research was supported by Colfuturo-Colciencias, National PhD program (Grant 6172).
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MN-B, LFG, and EB designed research; MN-B performed research; MN-B and EB contributed with reagents or analytical tools. MN-B analyzed data. MN-B wrote the paper. LFG and EB reviewed the paper.
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Novoa-Bravo, M., Bernal-Pinilla, E. & García, L.F. Microevolution operating in domestic animals: evidence from the Colombian Paso horses. Mamm Biol 101, 181–192 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-021-00103-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-021-00103-8