The future of breeding begins in DNA.
What is genomics?
Genomic evaluation represents a modern method for estimating the genetic value of horses based on DNA analysis. Unlike classical genetic evaluation, which primarily uses pedigree, performance, and information about relatives, genomics allows for the use of information directly from the genetic makeup of each individual.
Genomic information can refine the estimation of genetic potential, especially in young horses that do not yet have their own sports results or offspring. However, the accuracy of this estimate depends primarily on the size and quality of the reference population.
Every horse carries millions of genetic information in its DNA that influence its performance, health, conformation, and other traits. Genomic evaluation uses thousands of genetic markers known as SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) distributed throughout the horse's genome.
DNA can be imagined as a very long text composed of genetic "letters." An SNP marker is a place where two horses may differ, for example, in a single letter of genetic information.
One SNP marker usually does not, by itself, determine performance or other traits. However, if we analyze tens of thousands of these tiny differences simultaneously, we obtain a horse's genetic profile that can help refine the estimate of its genetic potential.
How does genomic evaluation work?
Sample collection – hair with roots.
Genotyping – determination of tens of thousands of SNP markers.
Calculation of genomic breeding value.
Comparison with the reference population.
By analyzing these markers, it is possible to estimate which genetic variants a horse has inherited and what impact they may have on the observed traits.
What is a reference population?
A reference population is a group of horses for which we know both their genetic profile obtained from DNA and their performance, pedigree, conformation, or other observed traits.
It is based on these horses that statistical models are created, linking genetic information with specific traits.
When a young horse without its own sports performance or offspring is subsequently genotyped, its genetic profile can be compared with the reference population to estimate its genetic potential.
The larger and higher quality the reference population, the more accurate the genomic evaluation can be.
Classical vs. Genomic Breeding Value
Classical evaluation uses pedigree, performance, and offspring.
Genomic evaluation supplements this information with data obtained directly from the horse's DNA. Genomic information can refine the estimate of genetic potential, especially in young horses, but accuracy depends on the size and quality of the reference population.
Instead of information about the average of ancestors, it uses information about truly inherited genetic variants.
Why is genomics important?
Siblings are not genetically identical. Although they have the same parents, each offspring inherits a different combination of genes.
Genomics allows us to determine which genetic combination a specific individual has actually inherited, thus refining the estimate of its genetic potential.
Advantages of Genomic Evaluation
possibility of refining the estimate of genetic potential in young horses,
faster genetic progress,
better decision-making for breeders,
more objective selection of stallions and mares.
What genomics cannot do?
Genomic evaluation is not a "crystal ball." It cannot definitively determine a future sports career, a horse's character, or the influence of training and environment.
DNA represents only the genetic basis. The final outcome is always also influenced by environment, nutrition, management, health status, and quality of training.
Genomics in Global Sport Horse Breeding
Genomic evaluation is used by many significant breeding organizations and research institutions.
The importance of genomics grows with the expansion of reference populations and the increasing accuracy of estimates.
Genomics and the Czech Sport Horse
In the Czech Sport Horse population, the goal is to gradually create conditions for the use of genomic methods, especially by building a reference population and linking genotypic, pedigree, and performance data.
In the future, genomic information can supplement traditional breeding values and contribute to more accurate genetic evaluation of sport horses.
What benefits can genotyping bring to breeders?
In addition to its use in calculating genomic breeding values, genotyping also offers a number of other practical advantages.
Verification of Parentage
The genotype obtained using SNP markers can be used to verify the parentage of foals.
In the future, this may bring:reduction of duplicate laboratory analyses,
higher reliability of parentage control,
use of one genetic test for multiple purposes.
More Accurate Genetic Evaluation
Genotyping allows for obtaining information about a horse's genetic makeup at a young age.Building a Reference Population
Each newly genotyped horse expands the database used for genomic evaluation.Support for Modern Breeding
Genomic data represent an important source of information for the future development of the breeding program.
Support for Genotyping in PK CS
The development of genomic methods represents a significant step towards more accurate genetic evaluation of sport horses.
Building a reference population and gradually expanding genomic data can contribute in the future to increasing the accuracy of genetic evaluation and supporting modern, data-driven breeding in the Czech Sport Horse population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does genomic breeding value mean that a horse will be successful in sport?
No.
Can siblings have different genomic evaluations?
Yes.
Does genomics replace classical breeding values?
No.
Is genomics the future of sport horse breeding?
Yes, but its benefit depends primarily on the size and quality of the reference population.
Glossary of Terms
DNA – the horse's genetic information stored in every cell of the organism.
Genome – the complete set of a horse's genetic information.
SNP marker – a small difference in DNA. DNA can be imagined as a long text composed of letters, and an SNP is a place where individual horses may differ in one "letter" of genetic information.
Genotyping – a laboratory DNA test that identifies genetic variants at thousands of locations in the genome.
Genotype (genetic profile) – a set of genetic variants identified in a specific horse.
Reference population – a group of horses with DNA data and known performance, pedigree, or other observed traits. It serves as the basis for genomic evaluation.
Genomic breeding value – an estimate of genetic potential using information from DNA in addition to traditional data.
