scholarly journals Phenotypic diversity of horse breeds used in sports activities, employing multivariate analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. e0401
Author(s):  
Marcos P. G. Rezende ◽  
Julio C. Souza ◽  
Carlos H. M. Malhado ◽  
Paulo L. S. Carneiro ◽  
Johnny I. M. Araujo ◽  
...  

Aim of study: Sports involving horses have notable financial importance. Breeds are evaluated to find the best-suited ones for a specific sport category. Phenotypic diversity using biometric markers was evaluated for Quarter Horse (QH), Arabic (AR), English Thoroughbred (ET), and Brazilian Equestrian (BE) horse breeds.Area of study: Mato Grosso do Sul-Brazil.Material and methods: Lengths, widths, and circumference measures of 268 horses were collected. These measures were used to estimate conformation indexes. The size-free canonical discriminant analysis was used to remove the size effect on the animal's shape. The similarity among breeds (by sex) was evaluated employing multivariate analysis (canonical analysis, MANOVA, principal components, Euclidean distances, and grouping through complete linkage), considering all linear measures and conformation indexes (included in the analysis of principal components).Main results: Four canonical variables (CANs), each one representing an equation to interpret the morpho-functionality of breeds “sustentation”, “structure”, “frame”, and “equilibrium”, were retained. The breeds presented differences when the CANs were simultaneously considered. Differences mainly were the size and the thickness of the body as well as the ability of the animal to move. ET, QH, and BE demonstrate a well-defined biometric profile. These three breeds clustered separately from AR breed.Research highlights: Canonical variables allow to verify the functional aptitudes since the responses were close to conformation indices commonly used as horse skill estimators. The implementation of these variables as selection criteria in horse breeding programs require further studies in larger populations of horses for a confirmation of the present results.

Author(s):  
Thuanny Lins Monteiro Rosa ◽  
Caroline Palacio de Araujo ◽  
Rodrigo Sobreira Alexandre ◽  
Edilson Romais Schmildt ◽  
José Carlos Lopes

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the biometry of fruit and seed, and the diversity of paradise nut (Lecythis pisonis) genotypes. Fruit of 12 paradise nut genotypes were collected from plants in the northern region of the state of Espírito Santo and in the eastern region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were subjected to the analysis of variance, and means of the different genotypes were compared by Scott-Knott’s mean clustering test. The phenotypic diversity was analyzed using Mahalanobis’ generalized distance, and clustering, by Tocher’s optimization method and the graphical dispersion of canonical variables. The relative contribution of the characters to diversity was assessed by Singh’s method. The paradise nut genotypes differed regarding the morphological characteristics of fruit and seed. Genotype 1 produced the largest number of seed per fruit, and genotypes 2 and 7 produced the largest seed. These genotypes were clustered into different groups, which is indicative of their potential combination for use in genetic breeding programs.


Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiya Fang ◽  
Zhenyu Lai ◽  
Jie Liu ◽  
Chunlan Zhang ◽  
Shipeng Li ◽  
...  

Nuclear receptor subfamily 6, group A, member 1 (NR6A1), as an important member of the nuclear receptor family, plays an important role in regulating growth, metabolism, and differentiation of embryonic stem cells. For this reason, the NR6A1 gene is considered to be a promising candidate for economic traits and was found to be associated with body size traits in many livestock. However, no studies have been conducted on NR6A1 in donkeys so far. Thus, in this research, we focused on donkeys and identified a 13 bp deletion in intron-1 of the NR6A1 gene among 408 individuals from Guanzhong and Dezhou donkeys using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Three genotypes were identified, namely II, ID, and DD. The association analysis indicated that the body lengths and body heights5f genotype II individuals were significantly different to those of genotype ID in Dezhou donkeys. Conclusively, the 13 bp deletion was associated with growth traits in both Guanzhong donkeys and Dezhou donkeys, indicating that the NR6A1 gene could be a possible candidate gene in marker-assisted selection for donkey breeding programs.


2004 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 1524-1535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grégoire Courtine ◽  
Marco Schieppati

We tested the hypothesis that common principles govern the production of the locomotor patterns for both straight-ahead and curved walking. Whole body movement recordings showed that continuous curved walking implies substantial, limb-specific changes in numerous gait descriptors. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to uncover the spatiotemporal structure of coordination among lower limb segments. PCA revealed that the same kinematic law accounted for the coordination among lower limb segments during both straight-ahead and curved walking, in both the frontal and sagittal planes: turn-related changes in the complex behavior of the inner and outer limbs were captured in limb-specific adaptive tuning of coordination patterns. PCA was also performed on a data set including all elevation angles of limb segments and trunk, thus encompassing 13 degrees of freedom. The results showed that both straight-ahead and curved walking were low dimensional, given that 3 principal components accounted for more than 90% of data variance. Furthermore, the time course of the principal components was unchanged by curved walking, thereby indicating invariant coordination patterns among all body segments during straight-ahead and curved walking. Nevertheless, limb- and turn-dependent tuning of the coordination patterns encoded the adaptations of the limb kinematics to the actual direction of the walking body. Absence of vision had no significant effect on the intersegmental coordination during either straight-ahead or curved walking. Our findings indicate that kinematic laws, probably emerging from the interaction of spinal neural networks and mechanical oscillators, subserve the production of both straight-ahead and curved walking. During locomotion, the descending command tunes basic spinal networks so as to produce the changes in amplitude and phase relationships of the spinal output, sufficient to achieve the body turn.


1972 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ch. Susanne

SummaryThe results are presented of a method of generalized distances calculated by a noncentral χ2 test and applied to compare 63 twin pairs and 196 sib pairs. The advantage of this method in biometrical analysis lies in the fact that several measurements can be utilised simultaneously. Besides, it takes into account the distance of each relative to the centre of the population and also has the advantage of permitting the comparison of distances between pairs of relatives whatever their age or sex.Generalized distances were calculated for four measurements of the head, five of the body and eleven of the face. For all three sets of measurements the influence of genetical factors was demonstrated. The body seems less influenced by environmental factors and more conditioned by genetic ones.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-329
Author(s):  
Randy J. Schmitz ◽  
John C. Cone ◽  
Timothy J. Copple ◽  
Robert A. Henson ◽  
Sandra J. Shultz

Context:Potential biomechanical compensations allowing for maintenance of maximal explosive performance during prolonged intermittent exercise, with respect to the corresponding rise in injury rates during the later stages of exercise or competition, are relatively unknown.Objective:To identify lower-extremity countermovement-jump (CMJ) biomechanical factors using a principal-components approach and then examine how these factors changed during a 90-min intermittent-exercise protocol (IEP) while maintaining maximal jump height.Design:Mixed-model design.Setting:Laboratory.Participants:Fifty-nine intermittent-sport athletes (30 male, 29 female) participated in experimental and control conditions.Interventions:Before and after a dynamic warm-up and every 15 min during the 1st and 2nd halves of an individually prescribed 90-min IEP, participants were assessed on rating of perceived exertion, sprint/cut speed, and 3-dimensional CMJ biomechanics (experimental). On a separate day, the same measures were obtained every 15 min during 90 min of quiet rest (control).Main Outcome Measures:Univariate piecewise growth models analyzed progressive changes in CMJ performance and biomechanical factors extracted from a principal-components analysis of the individual biomechanical dependent variables.Results:While CMJ height was maintained during the 1st and 2nd halves, the body descended less and knee kinetic and energetic magnitudes decreased as the IEP progressed.Conclusions:The results indicate that vertical-jump performance is maintained along with progressive biomechanical changes commonly associated with decreased performance. A better understanding of lower-extremity biomechanics during explosive actions in response to IEP allows us to further develop and individualize performance training programs.


2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 415-429
Author(s):  
M. Baban ◽  
M. Sakac ◽  
N. Korabi ◽  
B. Antunovic ◽  
P. Mijic ◽  
...  

Horse breeding in the Republic of Croatia, before its entrance into European Union, is in the transitional period. In the breeding sense, Croatian horse breeding is set according to the model of European countries and is trying to counteract with ?modern horse breeding countries?. Croatian Center for Horse Breeding - Djakovo and Lipik State Stud Farms (CCHB), with the Central register of equidae is, as the head national institution, responsible for running and maintaining national central equidae database (49 registers of horses and 27 registers of breeding types). Croatia has registered total of 21.796 equidae, from which 19.306 animals are horses. Registered horses according to groups make the total proportion of 37% warmblood horses, 59% coldblood horses and 4% ponies. Horse breeders are organized in breeders associations, which form federations of associations referring to separate horse breeds. Currently in Croatia there are four federations of breeders associations (with 43 associations and 11 private stud farms). Those verified breeding organizations are conducting independently breeding programs and fully maintain breeding and selection obligations for horse breeds for which they have approval of the Croatian Ministry. Native breeds in Croatia are Croatian Coldblood, Croatian Posavac and Medjimurje horse (Murinsulaner), while Lipizzan horse is considered as protected breed. Development of horse breeding is considerably supported with national subsidies. Internationally verified breeds which are bred in Croatia are Lipizzan horse, Pure Arabian horses, Thoroughbred, Haflinger and Gidran horses. The horse breeding in Croatia is developing in four different directions. Ecological breeding implies native horse breeds and is spread on the areas of protected nature resorts in Croatia. Croatians are through their history connected to horse breeding, which is even today irreplaceable in traditional cultural manifestations (Djakovacki vezovi, Vinkovacke jeseni, Sinjska alka, etc.), various horse shows and fairs and also in more ?modern? ways through recreation and entertainment. The third direction of development of horse breeding in Croatia is therapeutic riding, which includes 26 associations, over one hundred horses and over one thousand users organized under the Therapeutic Riding Association of Croatia. Sports horse breeding represents fourth direction in Croatian horse breeding. It is formed by four federations: Croatian Trotting Federation (trotting), Croatian Gallop Federation (gallop sport) and Croatian Equestrian Federation (endurance, dressage, military, show jumping, driving). Croatian Equestrian Federation includes 49 equestrian clubs. In the last four years between 455 and 582 competitors and between 495 and 581 horses (for show jumping 45%, dressage 31%, endurance 19%, driving 5% and military) were licensed annually. Croatia achieved noticeable results on the international scene in driving sports and in Paralympics. In all mentioned directions of Croatian horse breeding, the tendency should be directed to achieving higher breeding standards (nutrition, stabling, transport, training) and more rational using of horses. Such breeding and using of horses will lead to top bred horses and successful sport horses. This implies synchronized work through long period of time, respecting institutional and breeding rules.


2006 ◽  
Vol 131 (6) ◽  
pp. 770-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Pereira-Lorenzo ◽  
María Belén Díaz-Hernández ◽  
Ana María Ramos-Cabrer

Morphological characters (six traits) and isozymes (four systems, five loci) were used to discriminate between Spanish chestnut cultivars (Castanea sativa Mill.) from the Iberian Peninsula. A total of 701 accessions (representing 168 local cultivars) were analyzed from collections made between 1989 and 2003 in the main chestnut growing areas: 31 were from Andalucía (12 cultivars), 293 from Asturias (65 cultivars), 25 from Castilla-León (nine cultivars), four from Extremadura (two cultivars) and 348 from Galicia (80 cultivars). Data were synthesized using multivariate analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis. A total of 152 Spanish cultivars were verified: 58 cultivars of major importance and 94 of minor importance, of which 18 had high intracultivar variation. Thirty-seven cultivars were clustered into 14 synonymous groups. Six of these were from Galicia, one from Castilla-León (El Bierzo), four from Asturias, one from Asturias and Castilla-León (El Bierzo), and two from Asturias, Castilla-León (El Bierzo), and Galicia. The chestnut cultivars from Galicia and Asturias were undifferentiated in genetic terms, indicating that they are not genetically isolated. Overall, chestnut cultivars from southern Spain showed the least variation. Many (58%) of Spanish cultivars produced more than 100 nuts/kg; removing this low market-value character will be a high priority. The data obtained will be of use in chestnut breeding programs in Spain and elsewhere.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-33
Author(s):  
E.A. Rossi ◽  
M. Ruiz ◽  
M. Di Renzo ◽  
N.C. Bonamico

CIMMYT maize inbred lines (CMLs) are freely distributed to breeding programs around the world. Better information on phenotypic and genotypic diversity may provide guidance to breeders on how to use more efficiently the CMLs in their breeding programs. In this study a group of 291 CIMMYT maize inbred lines, was phenotyped by nine agro-morphological traits in south Córdoba, Argentina and genotyped using 18,082 SNPs. Based on the geographic information and the environmental adaptation, 291 CMLs were classified into eight subgroups. Anthesis-silking interval (IAE) was the trait with higher phenotypic diversity. A 40% of maize inbred lines, with IAE less than five days, show a good adaptation to growing conditions in south Córdoba, Argentina. The low phenotypic variation explained by environmental adaptation subgroups indicates that population structure is only a minor factor contributing to phenotypic diversity in this panel. Principal component analysis (ACP) allowed us to obtain phenotypic and genotypic orderings. Generalized procrustes analysis (APG) indicated a 60% consensus between both data type from the total panel of maize lines. In each environmental adaptation subgroup, the APG consensus was higher. This result, which might indicate linkage disequilibrium between SNPs markers and the genes controlling these agro-morphological traits, is promising and could be used as an initial tool in the identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL). Information on genetic diversity, population structure and phenotypic diversity in local environments will help maize breeders to better understand how to use the current CIMMYT maize inbred lines group. Key words: broad-sense heritability, multivariate analysis, SNPs, agro-morphological traits.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Rafik Belabbas ◽  
Maria de la Luz García ◽  
Hacina AinBaziz ◽  
Ali Berbar ◽  
Maria José Argente

<p>The aim of this study was to estimate the limiting litter size components in rabbit females from a Synthetic line (n=32) and a Local population (n=34). Ovulation rate, number of implanted and live embryos were counted by laparoscopy at 12 d after mating. Prolificacy (total newborn, number born alive and mortality) and embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival at day of birth of the 3<sup>rd</sup> gestation were measured. The analysed traits were body weight of the female at mating, ovulation rate, implanted, live and resorbed embryos, embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival, as well as total newborn, number born alive and mortality at birth. Synthetic line females had a higher ovulation rate compared to the Local population (11.03±0.23 vs. 8.41±0.23 corpora lutea; <em>P</em>&lt;0.0001). Synthetic line displayed a higher number of implanted embryos (10.00±0.25 vs. 7.85±0.25 embryos; <em>P</em>&lt;0.0001). No difference was found between groups for number of resorbed embryos. Similar embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival rates were reported between the Synthetic line and the Local population. Additionally, total newborn was higher in the Synthetic line than in the Local population (+1.46 kits; <em>P</em>&lt;0.05). A principal components analysis was performed. The first four principal components (PC) explained more than 90% of the total variation in both lines. Total newborn, number born alive and live embryos were the main variables defining the 1<sup>st</sup> PC. Resorbed embryos and foetal survival were located in the 2<sup>nd</sup> PC. Ovulation rate and embryonic survival were the predominant variables defining the 3<sup>rd</sup> PC. The body weight of females was located in the 4<sup>th</sup> PC. The phenotypic correlation between total newborn and its components were high and positive in both lines, except for ovulation rate and total newborn, where it was moderate in Synthetic line. In conclusion, the females from Synthetic line have a higher total newborn than those from Local population, as a consequence of a higher number of released oocytes and embryos that successfully reach implantation. However, a higher uterine crowding in Synthetic line seems to limit survival of foetuses that reach term of gestation, while ovulation rate is the principal limiting factor of total newborn in Local population.</p>


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