Profiling of genetic markers useful for breeding decision in Selle Francais horse.
Authors: Ayad Abdelhanine, Besseboua Omar, Aissanou Sofiane, Stefaniuk-Szmukier Monika, Piórkowska Katarzyna, Musiał Adriana D, Długosz Boguslawa, Kozłowska Agnieszka, Ropka-Molik Katarzyna
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Genetic Disease Screening in Selle Francais Horses Hereditary diseases represent a substantial economic burden in horse breeding, yet comprehensive genetic profiling remains limited in many sport horse breeds. Researchers genotyped 91 Selle Francais horses for mutations associated with four conditions—Fragile Foal Syndrome (FFS), Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA), Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM1), and the DMRT3 gait variant—using PCR-based molecular methods to establish baseline prevalence data for informed breeding decisions. The study identified concerning carrier frequencies: 6% carried the FFS-associated T allele (TOE1 gene) and 4% carried the PSSM1-associated A allele (GYST1 gene), whilst approximately 1% carried the DMRT3 A allele affecting gait characteristics; notably, no cases of Cerebellar Abiotrophy were detected in the sample population. These findings provide Selle Francais breeders, veterinarians, and breeding programme managers with critical frequency data for genetic risk stratification, enabling parentage screening and informed mating decisions that could substantially reduce the incidence of inherited disorders and associated foal losses. Wider adoption of pre-breeding genetic profiling protocols, particularly in populations with documented carrier prevalence, represents a practical, cost-effective strategy to improve population health and long-term breed sustainability.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Selle Francais breeders should implement genetic testing for PSSM1 and FFS mutations before breeding decisions to reduce foal losses and treatment costs
- •DMRT3 genotyping can inform breeding for specific gait characteristics in sport horses
- •The low prevalence of these mutations in Selle Francais suggests the breed has relatively good genetic health status for these specific disorders
Key Findings
- •Mutant allele A for PSSM1 was present in 4% of 91 Selle Francais horses studied
- •Allele T associated with Fragile Foal Syndrome was identified in 6% of horses
- •No cases of Cerebellar Abiotrophy genetic disorder were detected in the surveyed population
- •Approximately 1% of Selle Francais horses carried the DMRT3 A allele affecting gait type