Microsatellite Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of the Iranian Kurdish Horse.
Authors: Amjadi Motahareh Ala, Yeganeh Hassan Mehrbani, Sadeghi Mostafa, Abbas Raza Sayed Haidar, Yang Jinmeng, Najafabadi Hamed Amirpour, Batool Uzma, Shoorei Hamed, Abdelnour Sameh A, Ahmed Jam Zaheer
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Researchers used microsatellite analysis across 12 genetic markers to assess the genetic diversity of Iranian Kurdish horses, sampling 58 animals from eight provinces across Kurdistan and surrounding regions. The population demonstrated substantial genetic variation, with an average of 7.58 alleles per locus and notably high heterozygosity levels (observed 0.77, expected 0.78), alongside a Shannon diversity index of 1.67—all indicators of healthy within-breed genetic richness. Importantly, the Iranian Kurdish breed exhibited distinct genetic markers differentiating it from other documented Iranian horse populations, suggesting it represents a genetically distinct native stock worthy of preservation. For breeding programmes and conservation efforts, these findings provide a genetic baseline that should inform selection strategies and help identify true purebred animals; the high allelic diversity means this population retains considerable adaptive potential if managed with informed breeding decisions. This work underscores why systematic genetic characterisation of indigenous horse breeds matters—without such documentation, countries risk losing unique genetic resources that may harbour traits valuable for future resilience and breeding goals.
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Practical Takeaways
- •The Iranian Kurdish horse maintains high genetic diversity, reducing immediate extinction risk and supporting viability of breeding programs
- •Genetic markers identified can be used to verify purebred status and guide selective breeding decisions to maintain genetic integrity
- •Unique allelic profile of Kurdish horses compared to other Iranian breeds supports preservation as a distinct genetic resource with potential adaptive advantages
Key Findings
- •Mean observed and effective number of alleles were 7.58 and 4.95 across 12 microsatellite loci in Iranian Kurdish horses
- •High genetic diversity observed with mean heterozygosity of 0.77 (observed) and 0.78 (expected), and Shannon's Information Index of 1.67
- •Iranian Kurdish horse breed exhibits unique allelic variants differing from other Iranian horse breeds, indicating distinct genetic structure
- •All 12 microsatellite loci revealed polymorphisms, suggesting substantial genetic variation within the population