Evaluation of the genetic structure of the Polesskaya horse population

As part of the research, an assessment of the genetic diversity of the Polesskaya horse population was carried out based on multiplex genotyping of DNA samples for 17 STR loci. The number of identified alleles (Na), observed (Ho), and expected (He) heterozygosity, the effective allele number (polymorphism level, Ae), and the Fis fixation index were analyzed. A relatively high genetic identity (0.91) was found between the subpopulations of Polesskaya horses of OJSC “Polesskaya Niva” in the Stolin District and the “Gorodoksky” Collective Farming Unitary Enterprise in the Luninets District, indicating their close genetic relationship and common origin. Based on the studied features of STR loci genetic polymorphism, rare and unique genotypes were identified, defining the value of the gene pool for stud breeding and biodiversity conservation. Overall, the results of the conducted studies show the preservation of genetic diversity with moderate manifestations of inbreeding, which is an important factor for the further development of programs to stabilize the reserves of plasticity of the Polesskaya horse population bred in the Republic of Belarus.

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