Facts About Equine Genetics

8. Equine genetic ancestry tests are available, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Equine ancestry tests, or “breed prediction” tests, compare a horse’s DNA to horses in a reference panel. Results are dependent upon the breeds and number of horses of each breed in that panel (which can vary by test provider). Some horse breeds are not very genetically distinct from one another, and many breeds have influenced the creation of other breeds, which can complicate results. These tests can report the probability that a certain breed is an ancestral breed for a horse, but not the proportion or percent of that breed in a horse’s genetic makeup. The larger the number of breeds involved in a cross, the lower the probability of a clear result.

9. Genetic testing can be performed for embryos. Embryos recovered from uterine flushes as part of embryo transfer procedures can be tested to determine gender and genetic traits prior to implantation in the recipient uterus. This allows for selection of embryos that have the desired sex, coat colour variants, or that are free of known genetic diseases.

10. In the future, whole genome sequencing of individual horses will be more accessible. Whole genome sequencing of modern and ancient horses has provided a wealth of information to researchers. As this technology becomes more affordable (current cost is about $1600 USD per animal), whole genome sequencing of individual horses is likely to become more accessible. Coupled with advanced knowledge in equine health, whole genome sequencing will provide veterinarians, owners, and breeders with a powerful tool to tailor training, management, and health care to the individual animal.