Advances in Genetic Variability and Selection of Equines

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 768

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Animal Husbandry, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Interests: population genetics; gene conservation; selection response; genetic improvement

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advances in genetics have enabled new insights into genetic variability, gene conservation, and evaluations of selection responses in horses. Applications of new methods and software to maintain genetic variability of native and commercial breeds could provide new insights. The inclusion of new technology during the selection of livestock species could also support breeders in improving their breeding programs and give relevant information during the selection process. Important topics of study in this field include population genetics, molecular genetics, biodiversity, selection against genetic disorders, and understanding the inheritance of complex traits. The application of precision livestock farming in selection may also enhance genetic progress.

The aim of this Special Issue of Animals is to collate the latest advances and insights from the fields of population genetics and selection methods of horses. We strive for this Special Issue to contribute to a better understanding of the genetic variability of endangered populations and commercial breeds, as well as provide new approaches to maintaining genetic variability and selection progress in horses. Submissions of multiple article types, such as original research articles, reviews, and methods, are welcome.

Dr. János Posta
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • population genetics
  • gene conservation
  • selection response
  • genetic improvement

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 6161 KB  
Article
Differential Expression and Analysis of TBX3 Gene in Skin Tissues of Dun Mongolian Horses with and Without Bider Markings
by Tana An and Manglai Dugarjaviin
Animals 2026, 16(2), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020297 - 18 Jan 2026
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Abstract
(1) Background: The dun coat color, a wild-type phenotype in horses characterized by pigment dilution and primitive markings, is regulated by TBX3. This study explored the expression and localization of TBX3 in the Bider marking (a primitive mark unique to the shoulder [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The dun coat color, a wild-type phenotype in horses characterized by pigment dilution and primitive markings, is regulated by TBX3. This study explored the expression and localization of TBX3 in the Bider marking (a primitive mark unique to the shoulder of horses); (2) Methods: We compared skin tissues from Bider-marked and non-Bider dun Mongolian horses. Samples were collected from the Bider area (dark-colored/light-colored shoulder), dorsal midline, and croup. Histological staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were used to analyze pigment distribution and TBX3 expression at mRNA and protein levels; (3) Results: Histology revealed asymmetric pigment deposition in hair shafts from light-colored areas of both Bider and non-Bider horses, whereas dark areas showed symmetric distribution. qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed TBX3 expression was significantly higher in the shoulder of non-Bider horses compared to Bider horses. Conversely, Bider horses exhibited higher TBX3 levels in all other sampled areas. Immunohistochemistry localized TBX3 protein to the epidermis and hair follicle bulbs in both groups; (4) Conclusions: In dun Mongolian horses, TBX3 expression differences between dark and light skin areas correlate with Bider markings. TBX3 is implicated in this specific pigment marking, though its upstream regulation requires further study. These findings provide key insights into the mechanism behind Bider marking formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genetic Variability and Selection of Equines)
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Review

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21 pages, 1647 KB  
Review
The Donkey Genome: From Evolutionary Insights to Sustainable Breeding Strategies
by Qifei Zhu, Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Yadi Jing, Mingyang Geng, Xuemin Zhang, Yunfan Zheng, Xianggang Cao, Yongdong Peng and Changfa Wang
Animals 2026, 16(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16010093 - 29 Dec 2025
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Abstract
Donkeys (Equus asinus) are economically and ecologically important livestock species whose genetic potential remains underexplored. This review synthesizes recent advances in donkey genomics, tracing their evolutionary history while evaluating current applications in selective breeding, conservation genetics, and agricultural management. By integrating [...] Read more.
Donkeys (Equus asinus) are economically and ecologically important livestock species whose genetic potential remains underexplored. This review synthesizes recent advances in donkey genomics, tracing their evolutionary history while evaluating current applications in selective breeding, conservation genetics, and agricultural management. By integrating evidence from population genomics, functional genomics, and comparative evolutionary studies, we summarize major genomic discoveries and identify persistent knowledge gaps, with a focus on translating genomic information into practical breeding outcomes. High-quality reference genomes, population resequencing, and ancient DNA analyses have clarified the African origin, global dispersal history, and environmental adaptation of donkeys. Genome-wide approaches, including GWAS, QTL mapping, and multi-omics analyses, have further identified genes and regulatory pathways associated with thermotolerance, metabolism, reproduction, and milk production. Nevertheless, progress is still limited by small sample sizes, variable sequencing depth, and inconsistencies in phenotyping and bioinformatic pipelines, which constrain cross-population comparisons and practical applications. Addressing these challenges through standardized phenotyping, improved data integration, and collaborative research frameworks will lay the groundwork for effective conservation strategies and sustainable genomic breeding of global donkey populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genetic Variability and Selection of Equines)
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