Landscape Genetics for Brazilian Equines.
Authors: Pimentel Felipe, McManus Concepta, Soares Kaifer, Caetano Alexandre Rodrigues, de Faria Danielle Assis, Paiva Samuel Rezende, Ianella Patrícia
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
Brazilian horse breeds show distinct genetic clustering across the country that doesn't always align with simple geographic distance, according to a 2023 landscape genetics analysis of eight native breeds using SNP markers and spatial distribution data. Researchers from the Federal University of Brasília examined genetic and geographic relationships in Baixadeiro, Crioulo, Campeiro, Lavradeiro, Marajoara, Mangalarga Marchador, Pantaneiro and Puruca populations, finding significant north–south and east–west genetic divisions through Mantel correlations and spatial autocorrelation testing. The study recommends a minimum sampling distance of 530 km for effective gene bank collection and highlights that breeds like Pantaneiro and those in the North/Northeast region may require tailored sampling strategies, as physical proximity alone doesn't predict genetic similarity. For conservation programmes and gene bank curators, these findings mean that sampling design should incorporate both geographic and genetic structuring data rather than relying on arbitrary distance thresholds, potentially improving the representativeness of stored genetic material and the long-term viability of breeding programmes for these locally adapted breeds.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •When planning conservation breeding or genetic sampling programs for Brazilian local breeds, use 530 km minimum spacing between collection sites rather than relying on visual geographic proximity
- •Recognize that some breeds separated by moderate distances may be genetically more similar than expected, while others in the same region may be genetically distinct—genetic testing should inform conservation priorities
- •Gene bank collection strategies should account for regional genetic structure rather than assuming uniform distribution across the country
Key Findings
- •Genetic distribution of 8 Brazilian horse breeds shows nonrandom spatial patterns with clear North/South and East/West genetic divisions
- •Minimum collection distance for national Gene Bank optimization should be 530 km to capture genetic diversity
- •Physical geographic distance does not necessarily correlate with genetic differentiation, particularly between Pantaneiro and North/Northeastern breeds