Genomic Characterization as a Tool Towards Sustainable Breeding of Nordic Native Horse Breeds
1 Formål
The main aim of the project is to detect genetic diversity, and/or lack thereof, on a genomic level using both individual and pooled whole genome sequencing (WGS) data, within and between Nordic native horse breeds. The main focus will be on the Norwegian and Swedish native horse breeds, as several of these breeds share genetic background and history across the border.
2 Skadevirkninger
Samples are 5ml EDTA blood samples. These will be taken by the veterinarian responsible for health control at the horse show for the respective breed. The veterinarian is employed by Norsk Hestesenter.
3 Forventet nytteverdi
There are broad knowledge gaps regarding our native breeds, and the true status of their genetic diversity and relatedness. Pedigree information is not sufficient to completely describe the diversity of the breeds and is not useful for comparison of genetic diversity across breeds. Our project will help bridge those knowledge gaps. Genomic characterisation using WGS is a tool that serves multiple purposes to benefit the conservation of native breeds for the future, for example accurate detection of unique variants, or potentially deleterious alleles.
4 Antall dyr og art
Horse
Up to 40 per breed from the four native Norwegian native breeds, a total maximum of 160 horses. Fewer horses will be sampled if relevant samples are available. Especially for the cold blooded trotters a part of the 40 horses are Swedish and available from previous studies. Nordlands/Lyngshest has a biobank with blood samples. As far as possible we will use samples from this biobank.
Ethical permit for samples on Swedish horses is obtained by SLU.
5 Hvordan etterleve 3R
Replacement: The objectives requires access to DNA from horses being representative of genetic diversity within the breeds included. We use the least invasive samples that ensures sufficiently high quality of DNA extracted. Hair samples or mouth swaps was considered but current extraction protocols does not ensure sufficient amounts of DNA for sequencing.
Reduction: The number of horses sequences per breed is optimised to be as low as possible while still ensuring a representative sample of genetic diversity within the breed. To further reduce the number of horses sampled we have and continue to search for samples available from previous studies that can reduce the number of blood samples taken within the project.
Refinement: To minimise the impact of sampling we have chosen to take samples at health controls in horse exhibitions. This reduces the marginal impact of sampling
The main aim of the project is to detect genetic diversity, and/or lack thereof, on a genomic level using both individual and pooled whole genome sequencing (WGS) data, within and between Nordic native horse breeds. The main focus will be on the Norwegian and Swedish native horse breeds, as several of these breeds share genetic background and history across the border.
2 Skadevirkninger
Samples are 5ml EDTA blood samples. These will be taken by the veterinarian responsible for health control at the horse show for the respective breed. The veterinarian is employed by Norsk Hestesenter.
3 Forventet nytteverdi
There are broad knowledge gaps regarding our native breeds, and the true status of their genetic diversity and relatedness. Pedigree information is not sufficient to completely describe the diversity of the breeds and is not useful for comparison of genetic diversity across breeds. Our project will help bridge those knowledge gaps. Genomic characterisation using WGS is a tool that serves multiple purposes to benefit the conservation of native breeds for the future, for example accurate detection of unique variants, or potentially deleterious alleles.
4 Antall dyr og art
Horse
Up to 40 per breed from the four native Norwegian native breeds, a total maximum of 160 horses. Fewer horses will be sampled if relevant samples are available. Especially for the cold blooded trotters a part of the 40 horses are Swedish and available from previous studies. Nordlands/Lyngshest has a biobank with blood samples. As far as possible we will use samples from this biobank.
Ethical permit for samples on Swedish horses is obtained by SLU.
5 Hvordan etterleve 3R
Replacement: The objectives requires access to DNA from horses being representative of genetic diversity within the breeds included. We use the least invasive samples that ensures sufficiently high quality of DNA extracted. Hair samples or mouth swaps was considered but current extraction protocols does not ensure sufficient amounts of DNA for sequencing.
Reduction: The number of horses sequences per breed is optimised to be as low as possible while still ensuring a representative sample of genetic diversity within the breed. To further reduce the number of horses sampled we have and continue to search for samples available from previous studies that can reduce the number of blood samples taken within the project.
Refinement: To minimise the impact of sampling we have chosen to take samples at health controls in horse exhibitions. This reduces the marginal impact of sampling