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Cino Pertoldi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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population viability analysis on domestic Horse Breeds equus caballus
Journal of Animal Science, 2009Co-Authors: Janne Pia Thirstrup, Lars A Bach, Volker Loeschcke, Cino PertoldiAbstract:In this study, we performed a population viability analysis on 3 domestic Horse Breeds (Equus caballus) of Danish origin, namely, the Frederiksborg, the Knabstrupper, and the Jutland Breeds. Because of their small population sizes, these Breeds are considered endangered. The Vortex software simulation package was used for the population viability analysis. First, we investigated the future viability of these Breeds based on present demographic and environmental parameters. Second, a sensitivity analysis revealed the most important variables for the viability of these Breeds. Third, we examined management scenarios in which one of the studbooks was closed. According to the Vortex analysis, 2 of the Breeds (Knabstrupper and Jutland) will persist for the next 200 yr, whereas the smaller breed (Frederiksborg) could become extinct within 40 yr. The sensitivity analyses indicated that the variables concerning reproduction of the mares had the greatest impact, with the number of mares actively breeding being the most influential on the population forecasts. The results suggest that closing the Knabstrupper studbooks can be done only if increasing the number of mares actively breeding counteracts the loss of genetic variation attributable to such a management strategy. It is recommended, based on these results, that the number of Frederiksborg and Knabstrupper mares actively breeding must be increased to approximately 30% in the 2 Breeds that are presently using only 13%, while leaving the third (Frederiksborg) at its present 30% level. Monitoring of the Breeds in the future, however, may be exploited to adjust the breeding strategies. We suggest that the large amount of data required by Vortex makes it very useful for analyzing domestic animals because of the comprehensive data material often available. The results of this analysis accord with other studies on the Prezwalski Horse, indicating robustness in the parameter sensitivity for Horses. (Less)
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population viability analysis on domestic Horse Breeds equus caballus
Journal of Animal Science, 2009Co-Authors: Janne Pia Thirstrup, Lars A Bach, Volker Loeschcke, Cino PertoldiAbstract:In this study, we performed a population viability analysis on 3 domestic Horse Breeds (Equus caballus) of Danish origin, namely, the Frederiksborg, the Knabstrupper, and the Jutland Breeds. Because of their small population sizes, these Breeds are considered endangered. The Vortex software simulation package was used for the population viability analysis. First, we investigated the future viability of these Breeds based on present demographic and environmental parameters. Second, a sensitivity analysis revealed the most important variables for the viability of these Breeds. Third, we examined management scenarios in which one of the studbooks was closed. According to the Vortex analysis, 2 of the Breeds (Knabstrupper and Jutland) will persist for the next 200 yr, whereas the smaller breed (Frederiksborg) could become extinct within 40 yr. The sensitivity analyses indicated that the variables concerning reproduction of the mares had the greatest impact, with the number of mares actively breeding being the most influential on the population forecasts. The results suggest that closing the Knabstrupper studbooks can be done only if increasing the number of mares actively breeding counteracts the loss of genetic variation attributable to such a management strategy. It is recommended, based on these results, that the number of Frederiksborg and Knabstrupper mares actively breeding must be increased to approximately 30% in the 2 Breeds that are presently using only 13%, while leaving the third (Frederiksborg ) at its present 30% level. Monitoring of the Breeds in the future, however, may be exploited to adjust the breeding strategies. We suggest that the large amount of data required by Vortex makes it very useful for analyzing domestic animals because of the comprehensive data material often available. The results of this analysis accord with other studies on the Prezwalski Horse, indicating robustness in the parameter sensitivity for Horses.
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Genetic analysis, breed assignment and conservation priorities of three native Danish Horse Breeds.
Animal genetics, 2008Co-Authors: Janne Pia Thirstrup, Cino Pertoldi, Volker LoeschckeAbstract:Summary A genetic analysis was performed on three indigenous Danish Horse Breeds using 12 microsatellite markers from a standard kit for parental testing. These three Breeds are all considered endangered based on their small population sizes. Genetic variation in these three Breeds was comparable to other Horse Breeds in Europe, and they do not seem to be at immediate danger of extinction caused by genetic deterioration. The Knabstrupper breed had more genetic variation, as measured by expected heterozygosity and allelic richness, than the other two Breeds (Frederiksborg and Jutland). FST statistics and population assignments confirmed population differentiation into three distinct Breeds. The Frederiksborg and Knabstrupper Breeds were closer to each other than to the Jutland breed. When establishing conservation priorities for the Breeds, the priorities will depend on the conservation goals. Different methods for establishing conservation priorities are also discussed.
Ida Moltke - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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recalibrating equus evolution using the genome sequence of an early middle pleistocene Horse
Nature, 2013Co-Authors: Ludovic Orlando, Aurelien Ginolhac, Guojie Zhang, Duane G Froese, Anders Albrechtsen, Mathias Stiller, Mikkel Schubert, Enrico Cappellini, Bent Petersen, Ida MoltkeAbstract:A low-coverage draft genome sequence from a Horse bone recovered from permafrost dated to approximately 560–780 thousand years ago is presented; this represents the oldest full genome sequence to date by almost an order of magnitude. A low-coverage draft genome sequence has been obtained from a Horse bone recovered from a permafrost site in the Yukon Territory, Canada, dated to around 560,000–780,000 years before present. This is by far the earliest genome sequence so far determined. The data were compared to draft genome sequences for a Late Pleistocene Horse, those of five contemporary domestic Horse Breeds, a Przewalski's Horse and a donkey. Comparative genomics suggest that the Equus lineage that gave rise to all contemporary Horses, zebras and donkeys originated about 4.0–4.5 million years ago — much earlier than previously suspected. The data support the contention that Przewalski's Horses — an endangered subspecies native to the Mongolian steppes — represent the last surviving wild Horse population. The rich fossil record of equids has made them a model for evolutionary processes1. Here we present a 1.12-times coverage draft genome from a Horse bone recovered from permafrost dated to approximately 560–780 thousand years before present (kyr bp)2,3. Our data represent the oldest full genome sequence determined so far by almost an order of magnitude. For comparison, we sequenced the genome of a Late Pleistocene Horse (43 kyr bp), and modern genomes of five domestic Horse Breeds (Equus ferus caballus), a Przewalski’s Horse (E. f. przewalskii) and a donkey (E. asinus). Our analyses suggest that the Equus lineage giving rise to all contemporary Horses, zebras and donkeys originated 4.0–4.5 million years before present (Myr bp), twice the conventionally accepted time to the most recent common ancestor of the genus Equus4,5. We also find that Horse population size fluctuated multiple times over the past 2 Myr, particularly during periods of severe climatic changes. We estimate that the Przewalski’s and domestic Horse populations diverged 38–72 kyr bp, and find no evidence of recent admixture between the domestic Horse Breeds and the Przewalski’s Horse investigated. This supports the contention that Przewalski’s Horses represent the last surviving wild Horse population6. We find similar levels of genetic variation among Przewalski’s and domestic populations, indicating that the former are genetically viable and worthy of conservation efforts. We also find evidence for continuous selection on the immune system and olfaction throughout Horse evolution. Finally, we identify 29 genomic regions among Horse Breeds that deviate from neutrality and show low levels of genetic variation compared to the Przewalski’s Horse. Such regions could correspond to loci selected early during domestication.
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recalibrating equus evolution using the genome sequence of an early middle pleistocene Horse
Nature, 2013Co-Authors: Ludovic Orlando, Aurelien Ginolhac, Guojie Zhang, Duane G Froese, Anders Albrechtsen, Mathias Stiller, Mikkel Schubert, Enrico Cappellini, Bent O Petersen, Ida MoltkeAbstract:The rich fossil record of equids has made them a model for evolutionary processes. Here we present a 1.12-times coverage draft genome from a Horse bone recovered from permafrost dated to approximately 560-780 thousand years before present (kyr BP). Our data represent the oldest full genome sequence determined so far by almost an order of magnitude. For comparison, we sequenced the genome of a Late Pleistocene Horse (43 kyr BP), and modern genomes of five domestic Horse Breeds (Equus ferus caballus), a Przewalski's Horse (E. f. przewalskii) and a donkey (E. asinus). Our analyses suggest that the Equus lineage giving rise to all contemporary Horses, zebras and donkeys originated 4.0-4.5 million years before present (Myr BP), twice the conventionally accepted time to the most recent common ancestor of the genus Equus. We also find that Horse population size fluctuated multiple times over the past 2 Myr, particularly during periods of severe climatic changes. We estimate that the Przewalski's and domestic Horse populations diverged 38-72 kyr BP, and find no evidence of recent admixture between the domestic Horse Breeds and the Przewalski's Horse investigated. This supports the contention that Przewalski's Horses represent the last surviving wild Horse population. We find similar levels of genetic variation among Przewalski's and domestic populations, indicating that the former are genetically viable and worthy of conservation efforts. We also find evidence for continuous selection on the immune system and olfaction throughout Horse evolution. Finally, we identify 29 genomic regions among Horse Breeds that deviate from neutrality and show low levels of genetic variation compared to the Przewalski's Horse. Such regions could correspond to loci selected early during domestication.
Ottmar Distl - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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genetic risk factors for osteochondrosis in various Horse Breeds
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2018Co-Authors: Fanny Naccache, Julia Metzger, Ottmar DistlAbstract:Osteochondrosis (OC) is an injury to cartilage canals with a following necrosis in the growth cartilage, from there it can develop to osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD). Due to its high impact in the equine industry, new insights into predisposing factors and potential high-risk genetic variants are warranted. This article reviews advancements in quantitative and molecular genetics in refining estimation of genetic parameters and identifying predisposing genetic loci. Heritabilities were highest for hock OC with estimates at 0.29-0.46 in Hanoverian warmblood and Norwegian trotters, whereas in Thoroughbreds only very low genetic variation seemed to be present in hock OC lesions. Whole genome scans using the Illumina Equine SNP50 or SNP70 Beadchip were performed in Thoroughbred, Standardbred, French and Norwegian trotter, Hanoverian and Dutch warmblood. Validation studies in Spanish Purebred and Hanoverian warmblood Horses corroborated OC risk loci on ECA 3, 14, 27 and 29. Particularly, a strong association with hock-OCD was found for a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on Horse chromosome (ECA) 3 upstream to the LCORL gene. Gene expression and microRNA analyses may be helpful to understand pathophysiological processes in equine OC and to connect OCD-associated genomic regions with potential candidate genes. Furthermore progress in elucidating the underlying genetic variants and pathophysiological changes in OC may be expected from whole genome DNA and RNA next-generation sequencing studies.
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Analysis of breed effects on semen traits in light Horse, warmblood, and draught Horse Breeds
Theriogenology, 2015Co-Authors: Maren Gottschalk, H. Sieme, G. Martinsson, Ottmar DistlAbstract:In the present study, systematic effects on semen quality traits were investigated in 381 stallions representing 22 Breeds. All stallions were used for AI either at the Lower Saxon National Stud Celle or the North Rhine-Westphalian National Stud Warendorf. A total of 71,078 fresh semen reports of the years 2001 to 2014 were edited for analysis of gel-free volume, sperm concentration, total number of sperm, progressive motility, and total number of progressively motile sperm. Breed differences were studied for warmblood and light Horse Breeds of both national studs (model I) and for warmblood Breeds and the draught Horse breed Rhenish German Coldblood from the North Rhine-Westphalian National stud (model II) using mixed model procedures. The fixed effects of age class, year, and month of semen collection had significant influences on all semen traits in both analyses. A significant influence of the Horse breed was found for all semen traits but gel-free volume in both statistical models. Comparing warmblood and light Horse stallions of both national studs, we observed highest sperm concentrations, total numbers of sperm, and total numbers of progressively motile sperm in Anglo-Arabian stallions. The draught Horse breed Rhenish German Coldblood had the highest least squares means for gel-free volume, whereas all other investigated semen traits were significantly lower in this breed compared to the warmblood stallions under study. The variance components among stallions within Breeds were significant for all semen traits and accounted for 40% to 59% of the total variance. The between-breed-variance among stallions was not significant underlining the similar size of the random stallion effect in each of the Horse Breeds analyzed here. In conclusion, breed and stallion are accounting for a significant proportion of the variation in semen quality.
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Genetic diversity in the Maremmano Horse and its relationship with other European Horse Breeds.
Animal Genetics, 2010Co-Authors: M Felicetti, M. S. Lopes, D. Mendonça, A Verini-supplizi, M Silvestrelli, A. Da Câmara Machado, Ottmar DistlAbstract:Summary The Maremmano is an Italian warmblood Horse breed from central Italy. We characterizedthe genetic diversity and the degree of admixture in Maremmano in comparison to 14 otherEuropean Horse Breeds using 30 microsatellites. Between-breed diversity explained about 9per cent of the total genetic diversity. Cluster analysis, genetic distances and genetic dif-ferentiation coefficients showed a close relationship of Maremmano with Hanoverian andLusitano in accordance with breed history.Keywords clustering analysis, Equus caballus, Maremmano.The Maremmano is an Italian warmblood Horse mostly bredin the provinces of Grosseto and Viterbo (Central Italy). It isbelieved that the origin of this Horse breed goes back to localEtruscan Horse populations which were crossbred withmodern Breeds in the last centuries. Pedigree analysis of theMaremmano Horses revealed four male lines contributing11.1% to the genetic diversity of all Maremmano stallions(Silvestrelli 1991). In 1980, Maremmano breeders estab-lished a stud book for Maremmano.The objective of this study was to investigate the geneticstructure and the degree of admixture of Maremmano to-gether with the Italian nucleus of Lipizzan and Lusitano aswell as twelve further Horse Breeds previously characterizedby Aberle et al. (2004). This data set consisted of Hanove-rian, Arabian, Exmoor, Icelandic, Przewalski, Sorraia andall German coldblood Horse Breeds. We used the samemarker set of 30 autosomal microsatellites and the samePCR conditions and reference samples as described else-where (Aberle et al. 2004).A total of 146 animals that were not closely related weregenotyped in this study: Maremmano (n = 50), the Italiannucleus of Lipizzan (n = 49) and Lusitano (n = 47) fromPortugal. DNA was extracted from EDTA-blood usingstandard methods.Genetic variability of the Breeds genotyped in this studywas determined by the mean number of alleles, observedand expected heterozygosities, breed-specific alleles and themolecular variance (
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Phylogenetic relationships of German heavy draught Horse Breeds inferred from mitochondrial DNA D-loop variation.
Journal of animal breeding and genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zuchtungsbiologie, 2007Co-Authors: K. S. Aberle, Henning Hamann, Cord Drögemüller, Ottmar DistlAbstract:We analysed a 610-bp mitochondrial (mt)DNA D-loop fragment in a sample of German draught Horse Breeds and compared the polymorphic sites with sequences from Arabian, Hanoverian, Exmoor, Icelandic, Sorraia and Przewalski's Horses as well as with Suffolk, Shire and Belgian Horses. In a total of 65 Horses, 70 polymorphic sites representing 47 haplotypes were observed. The average percentage of polymorphic sites was 11.5% for the mtDNA fragment analysed. In the nine different draught Horse Breeds including South German, Mecklenburg, Saxon Thuringa coldblood, Rhenisch German, Schleswig Draught Horse, Black Forest Horse, Shire, Suffolk and Belgian, 61 polymorphic sites and 24 haplotypes were found. The phylogenetic analysis failed to show monophyletic groups for the draught Horses. The analysis indicated that the draught Horse populations investigated consist of diverse genetic groups with respect to their maternal lineage.
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Genetic diversity in German draught Horse Breeds compared with a group of primitive, riding and wild Horses by means of microsatellite DNA markers.
Animal genetics, 2004Co-Authors: K. S. Aberle, Henning Hamann, Cord Drögemüller, Ottmar DistlAbstract:Summary We compared the genetic diversity and distance among six German draught Horse Breeds to wild (Przewalski's Horse), primitive (Icelandic Horse, Sorraia Horse, Exmoor Pony) or riding Horse Breeds (Hanoverian Warmblood, Arabian) by means of genotypic information from 30 microsatellite loci. The draught Horse Breeds included the South German Coldblood, Rhenish German Draught Horse, Mecklenburg Coldblood, Saxon Thuringa Coldblood, Black Forest Horse and Schleswig Draught Horse. Despite large differences in population sizes, the average observed heterozygosity (Ho) differed little among the heavy Horse Breeds (0.64–0.71), but was considerably lower than in the Hanoverian Warmblood or Icelandic Horse population. The mean number of alleles (NA) decreased more markedly with declining population sizes of German draught Horse Breeds (5.2–6.3) but did not reach the values of Hanoverian Warmblood (NA = 6.7). The coefficient of differentiation among the heavy Horse Breeds showed 11.6% of the diversity between the heavy Horse Breeds, as opposed to 21.2% between the other Horse populations. The differentiation test revealed highly significant genetic differences among all draught Horse Breeds except the Mecklenburg and Saxon Thuringa Coldbloods. The Schleswig Draught Horse was the most distinct draught Horse breed. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a clear distinction among the German draught Horse Breeds and even among Breeds with a very short history of divergence like Rhenish German Draught Horse and its East German subpopulations Mecklenburg and Saxon Thuringa Coldblood.
Janne Pia Thirstrup - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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population viability analysis on domestic Horse Breeds equus caballus
Journal of Animal Science, 2009Co-Authors: Janne Pia Thirstrup, Lars A Bach, Volker Loeschcke, Cino PertoldiAbstract:In this study, we performed a population viability analysis on 3 domestic Horse Breeds (Equus caballus) of Danish origin, namely, the Frederiksborg, the Knabstrupper, and the Jutland Breeds. Because of their small population sizes, these Breeds are considered endangered. The Vortex software simulation package was used for the population viability analysis. First, we investigated the future viability of these Breeds based on present demographic and environmental parameters. Second, a sensitivity analysis revealed the most important variables for the viability of these Breeds. Third, we examined management scenarios in which one of the studbooks was closed. According to the Vortex analysis, 2 of the Breeds (Knabstrupper and Jutland) will persist for the next 200 yr, whereas the smaller breed (Frederiksborg) could become extinct within 40 yr. The sensitivity analyses indicated that the variables concerning reproduction of the mares had the greatest impact, with the number of mares actively breeding being the most influential on the population forecasts. The results suggest that closing the Knabstrupper studbooks can be done only if increasing the number of mares actively breeding counteracts the loss of genetic variation attributable to such a management strategy. It is recommended, based on these results, that the number of Frederiksborg and Knabstrupper mares actively breeding must be increased to approximately 30% in the 2 Breeds that are presently using only 13%, while leaving the third (Frederiksborg) at its present 30% level. Monitoring of the Breeds in the future, however, may be exploited to adjust the breeding strategies. We suggest that the large amount of data required by Vortex makes it very useful for analyzing domestic animals because of the comprehensive data material often available. The results of this analysis accord with other studies on the Prezwalski Horse, indicating robustness in the parameter sensitivity for Horses. (Less)
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population viability analysis on domestic Horse Breeds equus caballus
Journal of Animal Science, 2009Co-Authors: Janne Pia Thirstrup, Lars A Bach, Volker Loeschcke, Cino PertoldiAbstract:In this study, we performed a population viability analysis on 3 domestic Horse Breeds (Equus caballus) of Danish origin, namely, the Frederiksborg, the Knabstrupper, and the Jutland Breeds. Because of their small population sizes, these Breeds are considered endangered. The Vortex software simulation package was used for the population viability analysis. First, we investigated the future viability of these Breeds based on present demographic and environmental parameters. Second, a sensitivity analysis revealed the most important variables for the viability of these Breeds. Third, we examined management scenarios in which one of the studbooks was closed. According to the Vortex analysis, 2 of the Breeds (Knabstrupper and Jutland) will persist for the next 200 yr, whereas the smaller breed (Frederiksborg) could become extinct within 40 yr. The sensitivity analyses indicated that the variables concerning reproduction of the mares had the greatest impact, with the number of mares actively breeding being the most influential on the population forecasts. The results suggest that closing the Knabstrupper studbooks can be done only if increasing the number of mares actively breeding counteracts the loss of genetic variation attributable to such a management strategy. It is recommended, based on these results, that the number of Frederiksborg and Knabstrupper mares actively breeding must be increased to approximately 30% in the 2 Breeds that are presently using only 13%, while leaving the third (Frederiksborg ) at its present 30% level. Monitoring of the Breeds in the future, however, may be exploited to adjust the breeding strategies. We suggest that the large amount of data required by Vortex makes it very useful for analyzing domestic animals because of the comprehensive data material often available. The results of this analysis accord with other studies on the Prezwalski Horse, indicating robustness in the parameter sensitivity for Horses.
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Genetic analysis, breed assignment and conservation priorities of three native Danish Horse Breeds.
Animal genetics, 2008Co-Authors: Janne Pia Thirstrup, Cino Pertoldi, Volker LoeschckeAbstract:Summary A genetic analysis was performed on three indigenous Danish Horse Breeds using 12 microsatellite markers from a standard kit for parental testing. These three Breeds are all considered endangered based on their small population sizes. Genetic variation in these three Breeds was comparable to other Horse Breeds in Europe, and they do not seem to be at immediate danger of extinction caused by genetic deterioration. The Knabstrupper breed had more genetic variation, as measured by expected heterozygosity and allelic richness, than the other two Breeds (Frederiksborg and Jutland). FST statistics and population assignments confirmed population differentiation into three distinct Breeds. The Frederiksborg and Knabstrupper Breeds were closer to each other than to the Jutland breed. When establishing conservation priorities for the Breeds, the priorities will depend on the conservation goals. Different methods for establishing conservation priorities are also discussed.
S Dunner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The genetic structure of Spanish Celtic Horse Breeds inferred from microsatellite data
2020Co-Authors: J Can, M L Checa, Carlos Carleos, M Vallejo, J L Vega-pla, S DunnerAbstract:Summary Partition of the genetic variability, genetic structure and relationships among seven Spanish Celtic Horse Breeds were studied using PCR amplification of 13 microsatellites on 481 random individuals. In addition, 60 thoroughbred Horses were included. The average observed heterozygosity and the mean number of alleles were higher for the Atlantic Horse Breeds than for the Balearic Islands Breeds. Only eight percentage of the total genetic variability could be attributed to differences among Breeds (mean F ST » 0 . 08; P < 0 . 01). Atlantic Breeds clearly form a separate cluster from the Balearic Islands Breeds and among the former only two form a clear clustering, while the rest of Atlantic Breeds (Jaca Navarra, Caballo Gallego and Pottoka) are not consistently differentiated. Multivariate analysis showed that Asturcon populations, Losina and Balearic Islands Breeds are clearly separated from each other and from the rest of the Breeds. In addition to this, the use of the microsatellites proved to be useful for breed assignment
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worldwide frequency distribution of the gait keeper mutation in the dmrt3 gene
Animal Genetics, 2014Co-Authors: Marta Promerova, Lisa S. Andersson, Rytis Juras, S Dunner, Teruaki Tozaki, M C T Penedo, Monika Reissmann, Rebecca R Bellone, P Hořin, Freyja ImslandAbstract:Summary For centuries, domestic Horses have represented an important means of transport and served as working and companion animals. Although their role in transportation is less important today, many Horse Breeds are still subject to intense selection based on their pattern of locomotion. A striking example of such a selected trait is the ability of a Horse to perform additional gaits other than the common walk, trot and gallop. Those could be four-beat ambling gaits, which are particularly smooth and comfortable for the rider, or pace, used mainly in racing. Gaited Horse Breeds occur around the globe, suggesting that gaitedness is an old trait, selected for in many Breeds. A recent study discovered that a nonsense mutation in DMRT3 has a major impact on gaitedness in Horses and is present at a high frequency in gaited Breeds and in Horses bred for harness racing. Here, we report a study of the worldwide distribution of this mutation. We genotyped 4396 Horses representing 141 Horse Breeds for the DMRT3 stop mutation. More than half (2749) of these Horses also were genotyped for a SNP situated 32 kb upstream of the DMRT3 nonsense mutation because these two SNPs are in very strong linkage disequilibrium. We show that the DMRT3 mutation is present in 68 of the 141 genotyped Horse Breeds at a frequency ranging from 1% to 100%. We also show that the mutation is not limited to a geographical area, but is found worldwide. The Breeds with a high frequency of the stop mutation (>50%) are either classified as gaited or bred for harness racing.
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the genetic structure of spanish celtic Horse Breeds inferred from microsatellite data
Animal Genetics, 2000Co-Authors: J Canon, M L Checa, Carlos Carleos, J L Vegapla, M Vallejo, S DunnerAbstract:Partition of the genetic variability, genetic structure and relationships among seven Spanish Celtic Horse Breeds were studied using PCR amplification of 13 microsatellites on 481 random individuals. In addition, 60 thoroughbred Horses were included. The average observed heterozygosity and the mean number of alleles were higher for the Atlantic Horse Breeds than for the Balearic Islands Breeds. Only eight percentage of the total genetic variability could be attributed to differences among Breeds (mean FST approximately 0.08; P < 0.01). Atlantic Breeds clearly form a separate cluster from the Balearic Islands Breeds and among the former only two form a clear clustering, while the rest of Atlantic Breeds (Jaca Navarra, Caballo Gallego and Pottoka) are not consistently differentiated. Multivariate analysis showed that Asturcon populations, Losina and Balearic Islands Breeds are clearly separated from each other and from the rest of the Breeds. In addition to this, the use of the microsatellites proved to be useful for breed assignment.