Researchers Successful in Sequencing Quarter Horse Genome

Researchers at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences along with collaborators from the College of Agriculture and life Sciences and the Texas AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics Center have successfully managed the sequencing the first Quarter Horse genome.

Success at Texas A&M in sequencing the first Quarter Horse genome

The genome can be analyzed for clues relating to genetic disorders and distinctive traits of the breed. New window.

Recent advances in sequencing technology, often referred to as next-generation sequencing, have made it easier and cheaper to sequence the genome of an individual animal, according to the researchers. The genome can then be analyzed for clues relating to genetic disorders and distinctive traits of the breed.

According to Dr. Scott Dindot, lead researcher, genome sequencing helps researchers understand the genetic factors that make a breed unique and allows insight into mutations that may play a role in disease.

It is thought that the ability to combat infectious diseases will be helped with by deeper understanding of the underlying genome and genetic variations.

According to Dr. Dindot, “The horse used in the study, a mare named Sugar, is the descendant of key foundation sires in the Quarter Horse breed,” Dindot said. “We were able to identify several genetic variants in this mare, both good and bad, known to be common among Quarter Horses. Results from this study have increased our knowledge of genetic variation in horses three-to four-fold, and proved that, through collaborations such as this, we can one day apply this state-of-the-art technology to identify and possibly manage genetic disorders not only in horses, but also in other species.”