THE MORPHOLOGICAL AND GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF KYRGYZ HORSES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52754/16948696_2025_2(11)_4Keywords:
conformation, SNP genotyping, markers, polymorphism, statistical analysis, cluster analysisAbstract
The relevance of this study lies in the necessity to preserve and selectively improve the indigenous Kyrgyz horse – a rare and unique breed group adapted to the extreme conditions of high-mountain environments. The genetic characteristics of this population have previously been studied to a very limited extent, which hinders effective management of its gene pool. The purpose of this study was to determine the intrapopulation genetic structure of Kyrgyz horses from the north-eastern region of the Kyrgyz Republic using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and morphological traits. To achieve this, SNP genotyping was carried out using the Equine80k array (Illumina), alongside morphometric assessment of exterior traits, cluster and correlation analyses (UPGMA, PCoA, Dice, Mantel tests), and binary coding of phenotypic data. According to SNP analysis, the population was divided into two genetic clusters: the first comprised 22 horses with a genetically homogeneous structure, while the second included 3 individuals (KIR8, KIR18, KIR20) displaying higher genetic distance. Based on morphological traits, two clusters were also identified: the first group consisted predominantly of dark-coated horses (92%) with body measurements below average breed standards (up to 136 cm at the withers in 83% of cases); the second group comprised light-coloured horses (chestnut, grey, buckskin – 83%) with more developed conformation features (height at withers >136 cm, chest girth >158 cm – 92%, cannon bone girth >18 cm – 100%). However, results of the variation analysis and Mantel test (r = -0.07396; p = 0.0499) indicated no statistically significant correlation between morphological traits and SNP data, suggesting that traditional exterior features are independent of the molecular markers used. The practical significance of this study lies in establishing a foundation for future selective breeding and DNA-based certification of Kyrgyz horses, and in the development of scientifically grounded programmes for conserving native populations under mountain livestock systems
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