GENETIC DIVERSITY AND POPULATION STRUCTURE AMONG ARABIAN HORSE IN IRAQ
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Abstract
This study was conducted at the Department of Animal Genetic Resources Protection, Directorate of Animal Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Baghdad, Iraq. Data for Arabian horse pedigree verification were obtained from the Iraqi Arabian Horse Organization for the period 2020–2024. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive genetic assessment and investigate the current status of genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic relationships among six extant Arabian horse lineages in Iraq (Kuhailan, Managi, Ubaiyah, Saglawia, Dahman, and Julfan) using 17 microsatellite markers.
A total of 205 hair samples were analyzed following standardized protocols. All markers exhibited polymorphism, with HTG7 showing the highest allelic diversity (9 alleles) and HMS2 the lowest (4 alleles). Among the populations, the Saglawia lineage exhibited the highest genetic diversity (He = 0.72); (I = 1.49), whereas the Julfan lineage showed the lowest (He = 0.65); (I = 1.32). Within-population inbreeding coefficients (FIS) varied from 0.082 (Dahman) to 0.112 (Julfan), with an overall (FIS) of 0.089 (P < 0.01). To mitigate the high inbreeding observed in the Julfan lineage, breeding programs should modify current mating systems and avoid the excessive use of specific sires. Across the six Arabian horse populations, nine loci exhibited 13 private alleles.
Nei’s genetic distance analysis revealed two primary branches: one consisting of the Julfan lineage as an outgroup, and another dividing the remaining populations into subgroups that aligned with the STRUCTURE clusters. (FST) values demonstrated statistically significant differentiation between all population pairs (P < 0.001) after 10,000 permutations). The highest genetic similarity was found between Ubaiyah and Saglawia (FST = 0.025), while the greatest divergence was observed between Kuhailan and Julfan (FST = 0.079). Corresponding gene flow estimates (Nm) ranged from 2.9 (Kuhailan–Julfan) to 9.8 (Ubaiyah–Saglawia). In conclusion, these findings suggest that Arabian horses in Iraq possess unique genetic features. This data could serve as a valuable foundation for developing conservation strategies, enhancing breeding programs, and managing native horse populations.
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