Prevalence, risk factors and genetic parameters of cresty neck in Pura Raza Español horses.
Authors: Sánchez M J, Azor P J, Molina A, Parkin T, Rivero J L L, Valera M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Cresty Neck in Pura Raza Español Horses: Prevalence, Heritability and Breeding Implications Cresty neck represents a significant morphological concern within Pura Raza Español and other Baroque breeds, with nearly 9% of horses in this study exceeding the studbook penalty threshold (cresty neck score ≥5 on a 9-point scale). Using data from over 10,900 horses across 24 countries, researchers employed Bayesian genetic modelling to evaluate cresty neck alongside other conformation measurements, whilst accounting for environmental factors including age, sex, coat colour and stud location. The condition demonstrated moderate heritability (0.37), indicating that selective breeding can meaningfully reduce its incidence, though genetic correlations with other traits—particularly neck-body junction conformation (−0.21)—suggest that selection decisions require careful consideration of broader conformational goals. Age, sex and geographical distribution emerged as significant risk factors, with implications for management and breeding stock evaluation across different studs. For breed societies, breeders and veterinary professionals involved in pre-purchase or breeding assessments, these findings support the implementation of targeted selective breeding programmes whilst highlighting the need to evaluate cresty neck within the context of overall conformation rather than in isolation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Cresty neck is a heritable trait with moderate heritability (0.37), making it a viable target for selective breeding programs to reduce prevalence in Baroque-type breeds
- •Age and sex are significant risk factors; stallions and older horses show higher prevalence, which should inform breeding decisions and selection criteria
- •The trait is negatively correlated with other conformational features (particularly neck-body junction), so breeders should evaluate whole-body conformation rather than isolating single traits
Key Findings
- •8.91% of Pura Raza Español horses had cresty neck scores ≥5, meeting penalty or disqualification thresholds in studbook regulations
- •Heritability of cresty neck score was moderate at 0.37 (s.d. = 0.034), indicating selective breeding can reduce prevalence
- •Age, sex, coat colour, and geographical location of stud were significantly associated with cresty neck expression
- •Genetic correlations between cresty neck and other conformational traits ranged from -0.06 to -0.21, suggesting pleiotrophic effects on neck-body morphology