2009/01/05 by Grégoire Leroy, Lucille Callède, Étienne Verrier +4 · 3 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Genetic diversity and population structure #Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock #Botanical Studies and Applications
paper · pdf · doi:10.1186/1297-9686-41-5
openalex publication_date 2009/01/05 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The genetic diversity and structure of horses raised in France were investigated using 11 microsatellite markers and 1679 animals belonging to 34 breeds. Between-breed differences explained about ten per cent of the total genetic diversity (Fst = 0.099). Values of expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.43 to 0.79 depending on the breed. According to genetic relationships, multivariate and structure analyses, breeds could be classified into four genetic differentiated groups: warm-blooded, draught, Nordic and pony breeds. Using complementary maximisation of diversity and aggregate diversity approaches, we conclude that particular efforts should be made to conserve five local breeds, namely the Boulonnais, Landais, Merens, Poitevin and Pottok breeds.